CPUIdle: too good to be true? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

User Name · 09-16-2003, 02:21 PM

I've posted about my CPU temperature problems pn this board recently. Just to recap, I am running an Athlon 2500+ based on the Barton core, with the retail heatsink and the thermal interface pad. I was getting 48-52 degrees idle, 58-62 under load. Then I installed CPUIdle and my idle temperature hovers around 37. Though I haven't tested this yet, I assume that this program doesn't affect the temps under load, but since I spend most of my time on the computer simply surfing the web and IMing, this is not an issue. Disregarding the cost of registration (CPUIdle is shareware), what's the downside to using this program? It seems to be magic.

Sion · 09-16-2003, 02:23 PM

what does it actually do?

User Name · 09-16-2003, 02:25 PM

Copied from the CPUIdle website
www.cpuidle.de/works.html

The CpuIdle Approach

Under normal circumstances the CPU isn't always active but spends much time waiting for the keyboard, harddisk or CD-ROM. What would be more logical than to turn off the CPU for that period? That's exactly what the HLT machine instruction (Opcode F4) does. Whenever the CPU encounters a HLT instruction the clock is halted and the CPU enters suspend mode until an interrupt, NMI, or reset happens. With the advent of power saving microprocessors like the Cyrix Cx486S the HLT instruction elicits an additional benefit. When "Suspend on HLT" is enabled in the configuration register the processor not only stops on HLT but also enters the power saving suspend mode.

kel · 09-16-2003, 02:43 PM

CPU idle was only useful in older versions of windows. NT and on integrated it's functionality into the OS. Years upon years ago I used to use it.

It says that somewhere on their website.

User Name · 09-16-2003, 03:07 PM

I am using Windows 2000, and according to Asus Probe and the BIOS monitor, it is effective.

charliex · 09-16-2003, 08:22 PM

windows only does it if recognises the bios/acpi

bermuDa · 09-16-2003, 10:36 PM

essentially it stops your cpu when you aren't using it, which can drop your idle temp about 10ºC. This doesn't, however, affect load temps, so for people running distributed computing projects it's worthless.

I used it 2000-2001 with my peltier/water-cooled computer, and late one january night I hit -14C idle.

09-16-2003, 02:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
User Name Banned Location: Urf	CPUIdle: too good to be true? I've posted about my CPU temperature problems pn this board recently. Just to recap, I am running an Athlon 2500+ based on the Barton core, with the retail heatsink and the thermal interface pad. I was getting 48-52 degrees idle, 58-62 under load. Then I installed CPUIdle and my idle temperature hovers around 37. Though I haven't tested this yet, I assume that this program doesn't affect the temps under load, but since I spend most of my time on the computer simply surfing the web and IMing, this is not an issue. Disregarding the cost of registration (CPUIdle is shareware), what's the downside to using this program? It seems to be magic. Last edited by User Name; 09-21-2003 at 06:37 PM..

09-16-2003, 02:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
Sion Dumb all over...a little ugly on the side Location: In the room where the giant fire puffer works, and the torture never stops.	what does it actually do? __________________ He's the best, of course, of all the worst. Some wrong been done, he done it first. -fz I jus' want ta thank you...falettinme...be mice elf...agin...

09-16-2003, 02:43 PM	#4 (permalink)
kel WARNING: FLAMMABLE Location: Ask Acetylene	CPU idle was only useful in older versions of windows. NT and on integrated it's functionality into the OS. Years upon years ago I used to use it. It says that somewhere on their website. __________________ "It better be funny"

09-16-2003, 10:36 PM	#7 (permalink)
bermuDa don't ignore this--> Location: CA	essentially it stops your cpu when you aren't using it, which can drop your idle temp about 10ºC. This doesn't, however, affect load temps, so for people running distributed computing projects it's worthless. I used it 2000-2001 with my peltier/water-cooled computer, and late one january night I hit -14C idle. __________________ I am the very model of a moderator gentleman.

09-16-2003, 02:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
User Name Banned Location: Urf	Copied from the CPUIdle website www.cpuidle.de/works.html The CpuIdle Approach Under normal circumstances the CPU isn't always active but spends much time waiting for the keyboard, harddisk or CD-ROM. What would be more logical than to turn off the CPU for that period? That's exactly what the HLT machine instruction (Opcode F4) does. Whenever the CPU encounters a HLT instruction the clock is halted and the CPU enters suspend mode until an interrupt, NMI, or reset happens. With the advent of power saving microprocessors like the Cyrix Cx486S the HLT instruction elicits an additional benefit. When "Suspend on HLT" is enabled in the configuration register the processor not only stops on HLT but also enters the power saving suspend mode.

09-16-2003, 03:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
User Name Banned Location: Urf	I am using Windows 2000, and according to Asus Probe and the BIOS monitor, it is effective.

09-16-2003, 08:22 PM	#6 (permalink)
charliex Junkie Location: North Hollywood	windows only does it if recognises the bios/acpi