[mythtv-users] CPU performance governor vs disabling AMD Cool n Quiet

[Kevin Ross]

I've struggled with this problem for a while.  I had two frontends with 
AMD Athlon X2's, with integrated graphics.  Setting the ondemand 
governor to a minimum speed of 1.8 GHz is the best workaround without 
changing CPUs.  Using performance governor, or turning off Cool'n'Quiet 
in the BIOS, makes the CPU run toasty, causing the fans to be on full 
most of the time.

I have found that the best solution is just switch to a different CPU.  
The Athlon II, Phenom, Phenom II, and the newer 45nm Semprons don't 
reduce the bus speed with the CPU speed, so you can let the CPU throttle 
all the way back without affecting VDPAU playback on integrated 
graphics.  The Semprons are also cheap, at about $35 at Newegg.

In the end, I switched CPUs, to a Phenom in one frontend (for good Flash 
playback), and a Sempron for the bedroom computer, so it stays nice and 
cool (and quiet).

Hope this helps!
-- Kevin