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The Basics of Cool'n'Quiet™ Technology
“Mime”
Those among us who do not spend hours upon hours playing intensive games or rendering amazing 3D worlds, but do spend time writing with a word processor, sending email, and surfing the Web, own CPUs that spend much time at idle, doing little more than consuming electricity and producing heat. Most of the software we use simply fails to keep the processor busy. In the best of both worlds, we would own systems that scale back when practical, but remain capable of maxing out when necessary. This is where AMD Cool'n'Quiet™ technology comes in.
Components of a Cool'n'Quiet™ Technology-Enabled System
How Cool'n'Quiet™ Technology Works
The “Quiet” in Cool'n'Quiet™ Technology
Conclusion
Components of a Cool'n'Quiet™ Technology-Enabled System
Cool'n'Quiet technology needs several system components:
- An AMD processor with Cool'n'Quiet technology – AMD originally developed this technology specifically for its AMD Athlon™ 64 processors
- A variable speed fan equipped heatsink, which adjusts rotation speed depending on the air temperature inside your computer's case
- A motherboard with a supported BIOS – check your motherboard manufacturer's website for specific details
- Extra system software and tweaks, which depend on the operating system used – with Windows® 2000, for example, you need a Cool'n'Quiet driver in addition to the Cool'n'Quiet application; with Windows XP you need a Cool'n'Quiet driver and to set the system to “minimal power management”; and so on
How Cool'n'Quiet™ Technology Works
Cool'n'Quiet technology works by reducing a system's clock speed and processor voltage when full processing power is not required. This reduces the demand on the power supply unit and allows the processor to run cooler and use a heatsink with a quieter fan.
Each such “adjustment” places a CPU in one of three or more different “states,” each with a different clock speed and voltage setting(s). There is a maximum state, one or more intermediate states, and a minimum state.
For example, the AMD Athlon™ 64 processor 3500+ adjusts to four different states – a maximum state with a 2.2GHz clock speed and 1.5V to provide full processing power, two intermediate states with 2.0GHz and 1.8GHz clock speeds and 1.4V and 1.3V, and a minimum state with a 1.0GHz clock speed and 1.1V for word processing, emailing, Web browsing, and so on.
The more states available, the more flexible the processor.
Cool'n'Quiet technology can adjust clock speeds and voltages up to 30 times per second, which guarantees responsiveness and avoids processor stalling.
The “Quiet” in Cool'n'Quiet™ Technology
As clock speeds increase, so does heat production. A good heatsink and good airflow help dissipate heat. But good airflow usually means more noise, and this is why designers turn to variable speed fans.
A PC's motherboard reads processor temperatures via a sensor and then adjusts accordingly a variable speed fan's rotation – as temperatures rise rotation speeds increase, and as temperatures fall rotation speeds decrease.
Slowing down a fan's rotation speed reduces noise in two ways – it exerts less friction on the fan bearing, which cuts down on high-pitched whine, and it reduces air turbulence.
Conclusion
AMD Cool'n'Quiet™ technology is not just another toy for enthusiasts – it is a serious innovation that helps all users cut down on heat, ambient noise, and power consumption.
By reducing the amount of power drawn from the power supply unit, Cool'n'Quiet technology also helps users save money on electricity.
Cautionary Statement
Activities and projects described herein may involve the use of tools and materials that may present health and safety hazards. These must be handled carefully and all tools and products should be used strictly according to manufacturers' precautions and instructions for the safe use of the respective tool or product. The techniques described herein may result in the voiding of manufacturers' warranties. The user assumes all risks associated with the techniques described in this article/guide. THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITH NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. AMD ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ERRORS CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE/GUIDE AND HAS NO LIABILITY OR OBLIGATION FOR ANY DAMAGES ARISING FROM OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF THIS ARTICLE/GUIDE.
