GNU/Linux on a Sony PCV-RX 550

[wmakeraddict]

Hey,
I've been attempting to get GNU/Linux to work correctly on a Sony PCV-RX 550 Desktop. The motherboard is a Asus P4B-LX. The heatsink fan runs constantly when using Linux or FreeBSD while in Windows 2000 and XP it runs quiet once the OS boots up (I have fan control drivers for Windows, which is using ACPI to control the fan). I have tried Redhat 7.3, Slackware 8.1, and FreeBSD 4.6. I have recompiled kernels many times with ACPI, tried many patches, flashed the BIOS, turned off power management in the BIOS, etc etc and still have no luck with fixing the loud fan. Other than the loud fan everything works great. Should I replace the heatsink/fan? Is it possible to hack the BIOS to completely turn off ACPI? Should I wait till ACPI support is better in Linux? Any ideals? Any suggestions and help is appreciated.

[mdwatts]

The cpu's fan on the heatsink should always be running to keep the processor cool.

Perhaps the fan is wearing out and needs replacement.

I would be worried if it wasn't working.

You could try searching Google for Linux, freshmeat.net and sourceforge.net to see if there are any Linux fan control apps for the Sony. I know there are some for certain laptops.

[macster465]

Not to revive an old topic on purpose..but I'm having the same problem. It's not the fans wearing out. Sony configures ACPI so that once the OS loads, the PS fan turns off. I have an RX-460, and I am wondering how to configure ACPI in Linux...

[SmartGuy202]

I also have a PCV-RX550 Vaio and I'm running Fedora Core 5. The fan does not completely stop, but slows down because that's what it is programmed to do. The motherboard monitors the CPU temperature and will speed up the fan if the temperature raises above a certain point, but that will rarely happen. I'm also looking to slow my fan down in Fedora. Does anyone know where I can get the driver if it exists?