i8k

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Warning
The i8k module and its interface /proc/i8k has been deprecated and the dell-smm-hwmon module ^[1] should be used instead.

This article describes the setup of i8k, a kernel module to monitor cpu temperature and control fan speed on Dell laptops.

Installation

There is no need to install i8k kernel module as i8k kernel module comes ready in most recent (2014) kernels.

If compiling a customized kernel, the following options are required:

KERNEL

Processor type and features  --->
    <M> Dell laptop support

When the module is loaded, there is a check. If the user's laptop is supported, ok. If not, the module will fail to load.

If the user want to load the module anyway, put the option force=1 right after the command as shown below:

root #modprobe i8k force=1

Warning
Loading the driver on an untested laptop can crash the system.

i8kutils contains the user-space programs needed to handle the data provided by the i8k kernel module.