5 ms·

I have had people tell me that they don't care if their computers break, as long as they run faster in the meantime. Some manufacturers genuinely set the limits

I have had people tell me that they don't care if their computers break, as long as they run faster in the meantime. Some manufacturers genuinely set the limits way too low for their own hardware. I also use this tool to bypass manufacturer limits in battery mode that are intended to make the system seem like the battery is not undersized for the CPU's power draw. Sometimes I'd rather have more CPU for less time.

ladyanita22 4y ago
I don't understand why this is a problem for Linux and not fit Windows. The computers don't break on Windows, why Linux uses should take this overly conservative approach that limits the performance of their computer?
- mjg59 4y ago
  Intel ship DPTF drivers for Windows, so the appropriate thermal policy is configured at boot time. If you install thermald then Linux will do the same.
- kaba0 4y ago
  In the case of T480 the limit is specified by whether the laptop is in your lap or on the table. In the latter case it allows a much higher limit. This check doesn’t work on Linux, so for safety reasons the former limit is enforced.
  - esaym 4y ago
    How does that check work? Do you have details?
dannyw 4y ago
I recall hearing CPU Tmax is designed for a 10 year lifespan. I have never used a laptop for a decade, nor have I had the CPU fail. So perhaps faster performance and shorter lifespan is okay.
- the_third_wave 4y ago
  My 2005 vintage T42p wants to have a word with you. In all its years it has seen the following parts replaced: the (PATA) 2.5" hard drive, now using an SSD through a PATA-SATA adapter. That's it. I still regularly use this machine even though it not longer is my main portable device. The only thing keeping me from doing so is its 32-bit CPU which now that 32-bit support has mostly gone the way of the dodo. I much prefer its 4:3 form factor 1600x1200 screen, keyboard and construction over the P50 I'm using in its stead.
- suprjami 4y ago
  I kept my last system (i5-2500K) for a decade, and only replaced it (i5-12400F) because it was getting flaky powering back on when turned off, which I assumed was the motherboard. If it still worked then I probably wouldn't have upgraded.
  - bscphil 4y ago
    I have a i7 laptop of the same generation that I'm using to type this. I've replaced the screen, bezel, keyboard, touchpad, WiFi board, charger (3 or 4 times, thanks a lot Dell), battery. Upgraded the memory and added an SSD. Reapplied CPU paste once or twice. Never had a single problem with the CPU. Actually I don't know that I've ever had a computer with a CPU failure. In all I've spent about 25% of the cost of the laptop over the years in repairs, but the result is that I'm able to keep using a device that's almost 12 years old instead of junking it. Saved quite a bit of money vs a new device, too. Incidentally, it's interesting in regards to this issue that these old bulky laptops with beefy chips are actually quite good at avoiding thermal throttling. Despite having a traditional loud fan, I rarely even hear it come on.
    - glitchcrab 4y ago
      This reminds me of Trigger's broom.
      - dijit 4y ago

ladyanita22 4y ago

I don't understand why this is a problem for Linux and not fit Windows. The computers don't break on Windows, why Linux uses should take this overly conservative approach that limits the performance of their computer?

mjg59 4y ago
Intel ship DPTF drivers for Windows, so the appropriate thermal policy is configured at boot time. If you install thermald then Linux will do the same.
kaba0 4y ago
In the case of T480 the limit is specified by whether the laptop is in your lap or on the table. In the latter case it allows a much higher limit. This check doesn’t work on Linux, so for safety reasons the former limit is enforced.
- esaym 4y ago
  How does that check work? Do you have details?

dannyw 4y ago

I recall hearing CPU Tmax is designed for a 10 year lifespan. I have never used a laptop for a decade, nor have I had the CPU fail. So perhaps faster performance and shorter lifespan is okay.

the_third_wave 4y ago
My 2005 vintage T42p wants to have a word with you. In all its years it has seen the following parts replaced: the (PATA) 2.5" hard drive, now using an SSD through a PATA-SATA adapter. That's it. I still regularly use this machine even though it not longer is my main portable device. The only thing keeping me from doing so is its 32-bit CPU which now that 32-bit support has mostly gone the way of the dodo. I much prefer its 4:3 form factor 1600x1200 screen, keyboard and construction over the P50 I'm using in its stead.
suprjami 4y ago
I kept my last system (i5-2500K) for a decade, and only replaced it (i5-12400F) because it was getting flaky powering back on when turned off, which I assumed was the motherboard. If it still worked then I probably wouldn't have upgraded.
- bscphil 4y ago
  I have a i7 laptop of the same generation that I'm using to type this. I've replaced the screen, bezel, keyboard, touchpad, WiFi board, charger (3 or 4 times, thanks a lot Dell), battery. Upgraded the memory and added an SSD. Reapplied CPU paste once or twice. Never had a single problem with the CPU. Actually I don't know that I've ever had a computer with a CPU failure. In all I've spent about 25% of the cost of the laptop over the years in repairs, but the result is that I'm able to keep using a device that's almost 12 years old instead of junking it. Saved quite a bit of money vs a new device, too. Incidentally, it's interesting in regards to this issue that these old bulky laptops with beefy chips are actually quite good at avoiding thermal throttling. Despite having a traditional loud fan, I rarely even hear it come on.
  - glitchcrab 4y ago
    This reminds me of Trigger's broom.
    - dijit 4y ago