Unfortunately, the framework does not provide any program for this.
It at least kinda does, no idea if ectool works on windows though.
The noise has been terrible on mine, horrible fan whine. I came from an XPS 9710 where the fans are a smooth whoosh of air. This is way more of a high frequency whine, which gives me headaches. If framework doesn’t have a workaround other than limiting it’s performance massively, I’ll have to return mine.
First of all, it is true that there are many complaints about the Framework cooling system and that there are many complaints and requests for them to add their own application in Windows and Linux that allows you to control the fans, TDP, frequencies… but it is unknown if Framework is working on it. There is even a review where it is requested.
Add to that in most laptops as “thin” as Framework at high resolutions and without fps limits, whether in games or editing programs, they become very noisy. Framework 16 is no exception, although in this case its decibel level is even higher (only Vision Pro 16 of those I have seen surpasses it).
But all gaming laptops at high resolutions without fps limits tend to make a lot of noise, which is why it is allowed in Frameworks such as Alienware, Asus, XMG… to be able to control the TDP, fans and frequencies, and they even have standard modes so you can choose if you want more power or silence.
In the case of the framework, while waiting for the framework to decide to address user complaints, I recommend this configuration, of which I attach screenshots. With it, you can play, for example, cyberpunk at 1080P and 60 fps with much less noise and in a fluid manner:
Another option is to buy a cooling pad (for me it is essential for a gaming or editing laptop. My Asus was kept very well thanks to it, even though it had a reputation for the motherboard always failing). For example, a Klim Mistral at 4500 rpm (it is important that it does not go below 4000 rpm, otherwise it will be of no use to you):
https://www.amazon.es/KLIM-refrigeración-Ventilador-Rendimiento-Compatible/dp/B08P8LCCPM
I hope I was able to help, as well as I hope that framework allows us a little more control over this issue
Yes, I was using the lower power profiles but what I found was a better trick for me is to use a lower power charge such as 90W or 100W to trick the firmware into running in a lower power state. This still allows for CPU ramp up when needed but not pushing the dGPU to it’s limits. If you are pushing your computer at 100% util you will notice battery drain but that has not been an issue for me yet at least. For now I get to enjoy dead silence… finally. Then when I can control the fans I can go back to the 180W charger.
and for work, I also throw in power saving windows 11 mode which thottles back the CPU. But when gaming I just leave it in balanced mode.
I have real doubts that the framework is going to add a program in Windows / Linux that allows controlling the fans or the TDP. It has been requested many times and it has been more than 6 months since the official request.
I just don’t think they’re interested in the user having that level of control.
Anyone who wants that level of control will have to go to brands like asus, xmg, alienware, msi…
Although I hope I’m wrong because it is an important point. Although the silence of the framework team for so long makes me think about it.
I mean, we don’t even need a GUI, just a command line application will work. But I imagine they will need to revise their firmware to make it happen. I think it’s more likely they revise or create a hardware mod that resolves the whistle. Then I don’t care how much the fans spin.
Either situation, can be considerable amount of work so likely not a year until something happens I guess. I at least have my mods for now.
fw-fanctrl has been out there for quite some time now and is working for both Linux and Windows operating systems. It’s not distributed by framework and the needed driver hasn’t been signed yet, but otherwise it just works.
There’s even a gui.
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It’s only available on Linux for now sadly. But it looks like the developers are still working on getting it on Windows at least.
What is needed is a system-level application, accessible to the average user, that can be installed on Windows / Linux using an executable, that allows controlling fans, frequencies, tdp or setting the speed of the fans when reaching each point of temperature.
Most brands have this and it is a job that the framework should do.
As Ive shown many times - this is easily installed and done in linux.
I have yet to hear a linux user complain about needing to use the terminal to achieve this.
There is even a gui in linux for this:
I understand you are concerned with needing to use a terminal to type a single line of commands - but to say “there is no way to control the fans” is a blatant lie.
What you should say is “there is not a way to control the fans that I am willing to use”.
If you want to design a gui for fw-fanctl, you are more than welcome to do so. This is about freedom after all.
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There is a test build that a handful of people are using in windows. It does currently require that you disable secure boot. (Linux kernel less than 6.10, and windows).
But it is there.
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I think he’s just trying to hold framework accountable like other computer companies. The part where I disagree is I think the only way framework is going to succeed is their community and what that community creates with their laptop framework. Everything is open and documented (unlike other companies), just need more people with skills onboard.
Yeah I tried it, failed to install and get working. I read their issues tab on GitHub and it seems not many people got it working on windows, developer still sorting it out. But close!
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Link?
But does it have an accessible user environment? Can you control the tdp?
And the developer is very grateful for the work he does.
But this should be done by the framework team or at least help the developer.
@Ekkehard_F Thanks for the link
The current version has a bug. If you roll back one version - it should run.
I don’t use windows except for VERY rare cases - and in most cases, its on my VM… So I cant validate the steps - only share what I have seen from users who are using it.
From the link:
just recycled old version from recycle bin did install and its working ok , seems like something wrong with latest version , pls check , its good that its not merged yet
Can you please cite sources for this:
Most brands have this and it is a job that the framework should do.
I owned a Lenovo Legion 7 slim. Fans, frequencies, and TDP could not be adjusted. There was NO workaround.
HP Omen:
**Thermal design power** (**TDP**) is not configurable as per HP Standards, the same is system managed and tweaking it using 3rd party software is neither recommended or supported by HP, as its designed to work on it's optimal performance as per design.
XMG - I can find no proof that TDP can be configured
MSI - not without a flashed bios…
This is what I have found with my research. And for AMD chips older than the one in the FW16, the recommendation has been to use Ryzen Master for CPU frequencies and TDP if the chip itself supports it. Not to use 1st party software by any of the above.