Re: Linux 2.6.25

[Len Brown <lenb@kernel.org>]

On Sunday 20 April 2008, Matthew wrote:
> >  sure, I'll test-drive the vanilla-kernel, too
> >
> >  thanks
> 
> ok, tested the vanilla-kernel this morning and it shows the exact high
> temperatures (with CONFIG_THERMAL=y)
> 
> I've got a question:
> 
> when trying to disable thermal it just sits there & won't change:
> <*> Hardware Monitoring support  --->
>   -*- Generic Thermal sysfs driver  --->
> 
> it seemingly depends on other things:
> Selected by: ACPI_THERMAL && !X86_VOYAGER && ACPI && ACPI_PROCESSOR
> 
> is it safe to disable acpi_processor and acpi or CONFIG_THERMAL in
> general ? or will it burn down my box ? ;)
> 
> I'm asking this because it says/writes:
> CONFIG_ACPI_THERMAL:                                                    │
>   │                                                                         │
>   │ This driver adds support for ACPI thermal zones.  Most mobile and       │
>   │ some desktop systems support ACPI thermal zones.  It is HIGHLY          │
>   │ recommended that this option be enabled, as your processor(s)           │
>   │ may be damaged without it.

Don't worry about it -- that is sort of an exageration.
In fact, it is your disk drive that will fry first:-)

# CONFIG_ACPI_THERMAL is not set
# CONFIG_THERMAL is not set

Should be just fine, particularly for experimentation.
In the case of a desktop system, ACPI_THERMAL is generally there
just for processor throttling -- which would typically
only be needed if you removed your heatsink
or had some other serious cooling issue.
And even if it is not there, a 2nd defense,
the processor hardware thermal throttling would kick
in automatically at a slightly higher temperature...

-Len