Dual monitor config causing coolers going crazy?

slicendice · 07 Mar 2018

Everything is working as expected. The figures does not explain why the fan want's to go higher, though the system might be running at the fan speed increment threshold with 2 monitors connected, since the temps are running around 50C. The fans should not blow at full speed though.

So, how about processes in Task Manager? Total CPU load should be less than 4% at idle. In best cases almost Zero most of the time. On my slow Ultrabook the load is about 1-2% and every now and then it goes to 0%. Same thing on my ancient Laptop.

Another thing you could take a look at while in Task Manager, are the CPU frequency states. Is the CPU running at 100% and beyond of base frequency all the time?

Then finally check your Power Management settings. If you are running at High Performance profile, then the CPU will most likely run at 100% frequencies and Turbo Boost at even small loads.

If you are surfing the web or typing in Word, you def. do not need a high performance profile activated. :)

slicendice · 07 Mar 2018

Hmm... I read about the Dell XPS 9550 a bit more. Seems that model does have a lot of issues with insane fan noise.

Here are a few tricks you could try to overcome the excess noise:
Fixing the loud CPU fan on the Dell XPS 15 9550 (2016)

mikolajek · 07 Mar 2018

Many thanks for this link!I believe the key is here: The fix for the loud CPU fan – especially when a Thunderbolt device is connected – is (...). With a single monitor I did use the USB-C port but I can't recall Thunderbolt being used (at least no icon was present in the tray as it is now). So maybe it's not the card itself - it is / may be Thunderbolt...

However I do have a private XPS 9360 at home with the same TB16 dock and it works pretty flawlessly...

mikolajek · 07 Mar 2018

OK, a quick update, though I can't say at the moment how permanent the effect will be.

I've followed the 2 (out of 3) steps in the guidance slicendice referred to (I've skipped the underclocking part) and it improved the situation. The fans haven't got as quiet as they used to be, but for sure the noise level has decreased in a notifiable way.

I've also found a threat on the Dell's forum I had missed before that gives some extra insight - basically a guy from Dell says that with DP connections, the Thunderbolt chip is activated on the motherboard and it starts producing a considerable amount of heat, next to CPU and GPU. Hence the extra coolers activity. Sounds like quite as much reasonable, as disappointing, explanation.

slicendice · 07 Mar 2018

You are welcome!

~~I don't think there's any issues with TB~~. I see you found more model specific issues with the device + model specific issue with loud fans. That suck.

Normal problem on many ultra books. Either they are loud or hot. Asus devices are the best when it comes to cool and quiet laptops.