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Author Topic: Underclocking a MAC MINI G4 to keep it cool  (Read 3435 times)

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Offline gaula92Topic starter

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Underclocking a MAC MINI G4 to keep it cool
« on: May 14, 2009, 10:25:44 AM »
Hello there!

As the Mac Mini G4 is getting pretty popular among amigans, I think it's a good place to ask.
I know some powerpc macs have "Apple Menu > System Preferences > Energy Saver > Options > Processor Performance", but it's not the case for my 10.4 Leopard OSX. It allows to put the CPU in reduced speed mode. That setting keeps the computer cool and the fans silent by reducing the cpu speed.
But the Mini G4 doesn't have that option, sadly...

NVedit hacks won't allow real cpu speed control, but...is it possible to fool the thing so it will show the Processor Performance options??
I only need to keep it always in reduced processor speed mode: disabling dynamic speed is a solution, but HOW?

Thanks!


 

Offline gaula92Topic starter

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Re: Underclocking a MAC MINI G4 to keep it cool
« Reply #1 on: May 14, 2009, 10:32:21 AM »
But Piru, the MAC MINI G4 can run in reduced speed: it runs in reduced seed by default and then swutches to full speed if needed.

I only need to prevent the dynamic speed change: there must be a governor, a kernel extension...anything---

thanks!
 

Offline gaula92Topic starter

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Re: Underclocking a MAC MINI G4 to keep it cool
« Reply #2 on: May 14, 2009, 10:38:21 AM »
hmmm...those fan speed changes...aren't they related to dynamic cpu frequency scaling? I believe they are...

If they aren't, how can they be avoided? by physically downcloking the G4 only??
 

Offline gaula92Topic starter

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Re: Underclocking a MAC MINI G4 to keep it cool
« Reply #3 on: May 14, 2009, 10:55:06 AM »
nap/doze modes are controller by the kernel then?
Or are there implementer in the processor so they are totally incontrollable? I just don't get it...

On the other hand, how durable can a Mac Mini G4 be in full 24/7 use? I heard they age pretty fast, so that's why I wanted it to run cooler.

EDIT: I found an apparent solution here:

http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20071101231643321

It seems like NAP mode can be forced from Leopard :D
 

Offline gaula92Topic starter

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Re: Underclocking a MAC MINI G4 to keep it cool
« Reply #4 on: May 14, 2009, 12:18:22 PM »
Thanks for your help/experience, Piru! It's great to be helped by the main MorphOS-on-MAC spokesman(author?)! :D
If CHUD settings allow nap forcing (will test at home), I'll have solved the issue!