Librem Mini noisy fan

Hardware
1

Hello!
I just received my Librem Mini and I find the fan regularly quite noisy. Any suggestion on how to make it less noisy?

Thanks,
~françois

2

If I remember correctly the fan always runs at max by default so you’d need to install some fan control software. https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Fan_speed_control

If you want the ultimate solution (and you possibly have a 3D printer) you can install the Librem Mini hardware inside a fanless case such as the HD Plex H1.

3

Thanks for your help. I was able to install lm-sensors but I am not able to improve the situation as I am not knowledgeable enough.

Here is the output from: sudo sensors

nvme-pci-0300
Adapter: PCI adapter
Composite: +43.9°C (low = -273.1°C, high = +80.8°C)
(crit = +80.8°C)
Sensor 1: +43.9°C (low = -273.1°C, high = +65261.8°C)
Sensor 2: +45.9°C (low = -273.1°C, high = +65261.8°C)

pch_cannonlake-virtual-0
Adapter: Virtual device
temp1: +51.0°C

coretemp-isa-0000
Adapter: ISA adapter
Package id 0: +53.0°C (high = +100.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
Core 0: +52.0°C (high = +100.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
Core 1: +52.0°C (high = +100.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
Core 2: +53.0°C (high = +100.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
Core 3: +52.0°C (high = +100.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)

Here is the output from: sudo pwmconfig

#pwmconfig version 3.6.0
This program will search your sensors for pulse width modulation (pwm)
controls, and test each one to see if it controls a fan on
your motherboard. Note that many motherboards do not have pwm
circuitry installed, even if your sensor chip supports pwm.

We will attempt to briefly stop each fan using the pwm controls.
The program will attempt to restore each fan to full speed
after testing. However, it is ** very important ** that you
physically verify that the fans have been to full speed
after the program has completed.

/usr/sbin/pwmconfig: There are no pwm-capable sensor modules installed

I am open to suggestions from here.

Thanks!
~françois

4

the fan on the Librem Mini is directly controlled by the onboard embedded controller (EC) and does not support user override

5

Thanks for your quick answer. Therefore, what are options to reduce fan noise? BIOS?

6

sadly no, it’s not configurable at all. using a fanless case would be about the only way

7

It is a product limitation. Any plans to improve that?
Do you have an example of an appropriate fanless case?

8

There isn’t one. The Librem Mini uses a non-standard motherboard so you’ll have to do some custom work to get it to first in an off the shelf fanless case. If you have a 3D printer it’s fairly easy because I’ve done most of the work for you. Librem Mini Teardown

9

Thanks for all the answers. Amazing work @morgan. I am willing to invest some time, energy and money to improve the situation but the Teardown you demonstrated in your videos is too much for me.

Alternatives?

Thanks!