On Mon February 4 2008, Douglas A. Tutty wrote: > > I run Lenny on an Acer Aspire 5021WLMi laptop as an ssh server and I > > noticed that the hard drive is getting very very hot so that the > > touchpad is almost burning hot. I suspect that the drive is not > > spinning down when idle (and it's basically *always* idle, unless I > > connect from work). How can I check if it is spinning down and are > > there any commands to do this manually? I had to install cpufreq tools > > to enable stepping on my CPU manually, so it seems like power management > > tools aren't enabled by default in Debian? > > Well, if the fans are working on the laptop it should never get burning > hot. There's no reason why a laptop can't run with its drive spinning > all the time (unless its on battery and you want to save the battery). > > Check for airflow. Also, note any difference in airflow between bios > screen (where you can verify the fan rpm) and during boot, and after > booting into debian. > > Doug.
you can also install powertop. It tells you what you can do to save power, including spinning down the drives faster. I always keep my laptop on coasters, so there is airflow beneath it, and MAKE SURE you have the vent area clear, where tha fans blow out the hot air. I sometimes forget, and put papers and large objects too close, and block the vents.. a sure way to heat up your laptop in a hurry! -- Paul Cartwright Registered Linux user # 367800 Registered Ubuntu User #12459
