How does one optimize for better system temperatures on Linux while doing heavy tasks (e.g. gaming) during summer heat.
Are there tools for creating ‘gaming/balanced/economy’ profiles for example that limit the GPU and CPU depending on the requirements?
Should I find a way to customize fan speeds?
I am trying to find everything I should do from the software perspective before I move on to buying better cooling hardware.
I am currently reaching 100+ celsius temps maximum on both the GPU and CPU while gaming, on idle it’s like this:
Yes.
-
LACT for GPU: https://github.com/ilya-zlobintsev/LACT
-
For CPU: https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/CPU_frequency_scaling#Configuring_frequency_boosting
The default KDE power saver profile also disables turbo, and is configurable exactly like you asked.
But, like others said, we can’t really help without any hardware info.
-
I am speaking from decades of experience when I say the following:
No one can help you with this particular problem in any serious way if you don’t post your cpu and gpu models.
If you are on a laptop or some brand of desktop you need to post the model for that too.
Everyone: help me lower temps \ Me: compiling 100 GB worth of shaders for gaming on ultra settings in a room that’s 30 degrees Celsius without the slightest afterthought. MAKE YOUR MONEY, NOCTUA FANS (six for chassi + two for CPU)
Also, look into undervolting 😊 although I know it’s tricky, to say the least, on Linux…
Tricky? Echo a number to a file?
Are you crazy? On the terminal?
Regedit is a lot easier!
/s
may help to know your device models, but power limiting is generally what you’re after. Your hardware may determine the methods used.
undervolting is your best friend
undervolting is all well and good but warrants component stress testing versus regular PL targets.
for the current task the stress testing is the gaming itself. so it’s a low hanging fruit here.
that’s not how stress testing works. Different games will present different load to a given combination of hardware. Besides that, computers are used for many more tasks in addition to gaming. Careless re-tuning can lead to a lapse in system integrity in ways that aren’t immediately apparent, but damaging all the same.
you may never have done this kind of optimization before, but when it comes to undervolting, it becomes clear pretty quickly that the wrong settings were chosen. so let me repeat: separate load testing makes no sense for someone who just wants to play games in a cool room during the summer, it’s just a waste of time and electricity. and let’s forget about the careless re-tuning thing; we obviously all undervolt with care, precision, and a ceremonial blessing.
I work in client gfx at an IHV; I am intimately familiar with system integrity routines, component stress testing and tuning, particularly with DIY systems. Nothing about what I’ve recommended is “a waste of time and electricity” when you’re privy to the breath of defects averted in the field after following proper guidance.
Don’t take your own experiences for granted, if this person was familiar with the concept, they wouldn’t need to ask.
have you ever tried undervolting yourself?
How about buying a big fan that is for humans, but your put it in front of the computers intake for fresh air, for additional support. Maybe you could also under clock the CPU from Bios a bit.
An easy first step is to check BIOS and see if you can simply increase your fan speeds there for an immediate gain.
Another easy quick fix is to add a normal desktop fan placed so it pushes air towards your intake fans.
Third cheap way is to check what fans your case has today and what fits in it. Even the cheap 120mm fans from Arctic or Thermalright can increase airflow and lower temperatures.Have you cleaned your fans and re applied thermal paste because i don’t think it should be doing that
It’s the first thing I’m going to do, have to wait a bit until the paste arrives
