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General discussion

Fan question

May 4, 2008 4:24AM PDT

I have a Powerbook G4 Running 10.4.11. Until recently i was not aware that it had fans. I can't recall ever hearing them run. Using iStat nano i normally see temp ranges from 70-80 deg.F. I have seen it go above 100 deg. F.
I have come across a utility called G4FanControl that lets the temp. at which the fans come on be adjusted. My question is, are the temps i'm seeing normal for this machine or should i consider using the utility to run the fans more? I guess i'm of the mindset as far as computers/electrtonics are concerned, heat kills. I am quite happy with my Powerbook and would like to make it last.
Thanks for any input.

Discussion is locked

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Fans
May 4, 2008 5:13AM PDT

One of the things that you can do to help your machine along would be to clear out the vents in the case. A can of compressed air, available at all good computer shops, will clear them out and ensure an adequate airflow.

I'm not sure of the optimum running temperature for the PowerBook G4 but I'm pretty sure that the temps you are seeing are fairly normal.
I am currently running an iMac, it's doing nothing to tax the processors and the CPU temp is 101F.

Your fans are almost certainly running, you just can't hear them

I just did a little Googling and found that you have nothing unusual in your G4 temps. Some of them run at 140 on a regular basis. No wonder you never hear the fans, you running that thing in a freezer? Happy

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That is one other thing
May 4, 2008 10:42AM PDT

I was wondering about. When iStat shows temps in the mid 70's F. it "feels" warmer than that to me. I know that 's kind of ambiguous but it just seems warmer. Also, the version of iStat i am using has a display for fan rpms but i have never seen anything but zero shown.
Anyhow, thank you for the info. I will get a can of the compressed air and do some cleaning.

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Compressed Air
May 4, 2008 9:59PM PDT

Make sure that you hold the can upright when spraying.

The propellent shoots out if you hold it upside down or at too great an angle.

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(NT) Will do. Thank you
May 5, 2008 1:49AM PDT