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9.736 bytes |
Service Hints & Tips |
Document ID: DEDN-3CXSPC |
TP 760 - Recommendations to Minimize Heat
Applicable to: World-Wide
The ThinkPad 760 is the only A4 or "letter-size" footprint notebook computer currently on the market that has full desktop replacement functions in a compact size and combines long battery life, light weight and efficient power consumption. In order to offer our users superior performance and long battery life, beginning in 1995, IBM began employing the use of heat pipes, technology found in our mainframe computers, to address the issue of faster CPU speeds and higher heat generation while simultaneously enabling the system to remain within the limits of reliable component operation and safety guidelines.
Before introducing the ThinkPad 760 series, IBM made certain that all electrical components inside the system would operate within specified temperature tolerances. IBM also tested popular PC Cards (PCMCIA) in the system before release to ensure the cards operated within vendor specified temperature tolerances. However, since the release of the system, IBM has identified some PC Cards that may run at elevated temperatures during full data traffic load and heavy CPU use.
This bulletin has been developed to provide more information about how to effectively use these PC Cards in the ThinkPad 760E, 760ED, 760EL, and 760ELD. This bulletin is not applicable for other ThinkPad models, including other models of the ThinkPad 760 series.
The following PC Cards performed within specified temperature tolerances in the "long run tests" * in IBM's R&D facility when installed in either slot of the 760ED PCMCIA bay:
IBM Token Ring 16/4 Network Adapter Card
IBM Auto Token Ring 16/4 Network Adapter Card
IBM Ethernet Network Adapter Card
Xircom Token Ring IIsp Network Adapter Card
Xircom Ethernet Network Adapter Card
Megahertz 28.8kb Modem Card (IBM P/N 29H8425)
The following PC Cards performed within specified temperature tolerances during the "long run tests" when installed in the upper slot of the 760ED PCMCIA bay. The upper PCMCIA slot is approximately 4 degrees (C) cooler than the lower slot and is thus better suited for those cards that generate more heat:
Megahertz 28.8kb Modem Card (XJ3288M)
Xircom 28.8kb Modem Card
Xircom Ethernet + 28.8kb Modem Card
LASAT 28.8kb (Ethernet/Modem Combo Card)
The following PC Card performed within specified temperature tolerances during the "long run tests" in a normal office environment when installed in the upper slot of the 760ED PCMCIA bay when the CPU clock throttling option is enabled (see the following section for further information).
Olicom GoCard (Ethernet/Modem 28.8kb combo)
CPU clock throttling is a technique which monitors data traffic through a PCMCIA modem card and throttles the CPU clock to half duty to compensate for excessive modem card heat. It also monitors MPEG playback hardware and throttles the CPU clock down when the MPEG hardware is activated (see later sections for further information).
Recommendations to minimize heat - These recommendations can be used individually or in conjunction with each other (heat is best minimized when using all recommendations simultaneously).
Note : Although we have conducted testing in order to make these recommendations, IBM is not responsible for PC Cards manufactured by third party vendors. Contact your PC Card Manufacturer regarding support and warranty issues.
1. The ThinkPad Features program pre-installed on your system provides an easy-to-use interface to optimize several power management settings such as CPU speed, standby timer, etc. As a general rule, the slower the CPU speed and the quicker the system enters suspend mode, the less heat will be generated. To access this feature, open the "ThinkPad" program on the desktop, open "ThinkPad Features" and then open the "Hard Drive and/or Battery" program.
2. Update the BIOS to version 1.05 or later if your ThinkPad has a 800 x 600 resolution display. If your system has a 1024 x 768 resolution display, update the BIOS to version 1.01 or later. This BIOS version is required to support CPU clock throttling by the MPEG driver and PCMCIA patch code described below.
To obtain a copy of the 800*600 Diskette, DoubleClick here : - 
To obtain a copy of the 1024*768 Diskette, DoubleClick here : -
3. Update the MPEG drivers if you use the ThinkPad 760ED. The updated drivers support dynamic CPU clock throttling when the MPEG playback hardware is running and reduces temperature in the PC card bay by approximately 4 degrees (C). Throttling reduces the speed of the processor and could affect aspects of system performance when running a second background application. However, when this feature is enabled, there is no impact to MPEG playback. Driver levels supporting this function are:
* Video Capture Driver II for Microsoft Windows 3.1, version 1.11 or later
* MPEG Features Diskette II for Windows 3.1, version 1.11 or later
* Video Capture Driver II for Microsoft Windows 95, version 1.11 or later
* MPEG Features Diskette II for Windows 95, version 1.11 or later
* MPEG/Video Capture driver II for OS/2 (a.k.a. Video Capture Driver II for OS/2), version 1.10 or later
* MMPM/2 MPEG Update Diskette for OS/2 (a.k.a. MPEG Features Diskette for OS/2), version 1.20 or later
4. Install PCMCIA patch code (YPTF$040). This code is currently available only for Windows 95, other operating systems to be supported later. The patch code enables CPU clock throttling when there is a PC Card modem installed and communication has been initiated over a phone line. When installed, it will lower the temperature in the PC Card bay by approximately 4 degrees (C).
To obtain a copy of this Patch, DoubleClick here : -
5. Use the upper PC Card slot for PC Cards that generate significant heat on their own. The upper slot's average temperature is usually 4 degrees (C) lower than the lower slot.
6. If you use a docking station and you need to use a PC Card only when the system is docked, use the PC Card slot in the docking station.
How to obtain software updates
The BIOS, MPEG drivers, and PCMCIA patch code are available on the database, by doubleclicking on the links .
*IBM "long run test" parameters: ThinkPad 760ED, Win95, High performance mode setting in ThinkPad Feature program, File compare program running to maximize CPU and hard disk usage, PC Card is connected to a phone line simulator (modem card) or a LAN server (Token Ring or Ethernet card)
Keywords:
TPAD 760
760E 760ED 760EL 760ELD
760RECOM 970102
TPAD WHATIS FAXBACK 12404
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Date Created |
02-01-97 | |
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Last Updated |
31-03-98 | |
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Revision Date |
12-03-99 | |
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Brand |
IBM ThinkPad | |
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Product Family |
ThinkPad 760E, ThinkPad 760ED, ThinkPad 760EL/ELD | |
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Machine Type |
9546, 9547 | |
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