Chapter 4: AMI BIOS
CPU Temperature
The CPU thermal technology that reports absolute temperatures (Celsius/Fahr- enheit) has been upgraded to a more advanced feature by Intel in its newer processors. The basic concept is each CPU is embedded by unique temperature information that the motherboard can read. This ‘Temperature Threshold’ or ‘Tem- perature Tolerance’ has been assigned at the factory and is the baseline on which the motherboard takes action during different CPU temperature conditions (i.e., by increasing CPU Fan speed, triggering the Overheat Alarm, etc). Since CPUs can have different ‘Temperature Tolerances’, the installed CPU can now send informa- tion to the motherboard what its ‘Temperature Tolerance’ is, and not the other way around. This results in better CPU thermal management.
Supermicro has leveraged this feature by assigning a temperature status to certain thermal conditions in the processor (Low, Medium and High). This makes it easier for the user to understand the CPU’s temperature status, rather than by just simply seeing a temperature reading (i.e., 25oC). The CPU Temperature feature will display the CPU temperature status as detected by the BIOS:
Low – This level is considered as the ‘normal’ operating state. The CPU temperature is well below the CPU ‘Temperature Tolerance’. The motherboard fans and CPU will run normally as configured in the BIOS (Fan Speed Control).
User intervention: No action required.
Medium – The processor is running warmer. This is a ‘precautionary’ level and generally means that there may be factors contributing to this condition, but the CPU is still within its normal operating state and below the CPU ‘Temperature Tolerance’. The motherboard fans and CPU will run normally as configured in the BIOS. The fans may adjust to a faster speed depending on the Fan Speed Control settings.
User intervention: No action is required. However, consider checking the CPU fans and the chassis ventilation for blockage.
High – The processor is running hot. This is a ‘caution’ level since the CPU’s ‘Tem- perature Tolerance’ has been reached (or has been exceeded) and may activate an overheat alarm.
User intervention: If the system buzzer and Overheat LED has activated, take action immediately by checking the system fans, chassis ventilation and room temperature to correct any problems.
Notes: 1. The system may shut down if it continues for a long period to prevent damage to the CPU.
2.The information provided above is for your reference only. For more information on thermal management, please refer to Intel’s Web site at www.Intel.com.