Dell Optiplex GX280...

[joshwa]

My dell optiplex gx280 at work (P4 2.8ghz) has a clever heatsink fan that's super quiet when the computers not doing anything... but whenever I run seti/ud/boinc (100% cpu usage) the fan goes nuts! way louder than any other computer in the office...

does anyone know of a way to change this so that either the fan doesn't spin so loud, or so that I can limit cpu usage to say 80% ?

Josh

[Moby-Dick]

I dont think any of those systems have a throttle.
You coudl try replacing with a quieter fan , but either way I wouldn't recommend it ( I used to have a GX270 which did the same )

[Fatboy40]

I only buys Dells for the law firm I manage the IT at.

The trouble with the GX280 is that is uses the Prescott P4 which generates a stupid amount of heat, all I have to do is fire up an Access DB and my 280 nearly deafens me

I think Dell know they cocked up here as they seemed to bring out new OptiPlex's designed around the BTX Intel standard pretty quick.

As you're using a GX280 then it must still be under it's three year warranty so altering the HSF will invalidate it, however, the mobo has a standard Intel HSF bracket for a 775 cpu so you could swap it out...

[markhu]

We have lots of Optiplex GX-280's and most are quiet all the time.
If it is extraordinarily loud, then you should call Dell support and they well send out a replacement heatsink (liquid filled) and fan. That should fix you right up. Several of us here in the office had to do that.