How do I monitor TEMPS on a xps 200?

Most of the mobo sensors on Dell PCs are masked in BIOS from the user, there is a BIOS maintenance menu but it isn't easily accessable by users. This is done on purpose because honestly, most PC components can take quite a lot of heat without failing and Dell is likely trying to avoid panicy phone calls from confused users.

Hi

Do you know how to access this 'Maintenance Menu'? I presume you have move a jumper on the motherboard. Do you know where it is?

Thanks.

Not a jumper, a code during boot sequence, I have only seen it when a Dell tech was on site at a place I contracted and I don't know what it is. Are you having problems or just concerned?

curious

Don't know what the code is, I was on site for a customer, same day a Dell tech was there replacing some bad motherboards on a batch of machines and he is was in a low level maintenance menu and had access to a lot more information. I was busy upgrading a server so I didn't have time to badger him, but much like HP, that menu is there, you just have to get to it.

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@d.brown wrote:
curious

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Me too.

What is this code ...........? I think earlier Dells had a jumper that you switched

At a minimum there has to be sensors that control fans speeds and all Pentium chips since the Pentium III have had diodes to throttle/shutdown the CPU during high heat conditions. That said, I see why most OEMs hide these sensors, the data is relatively meaningless, very often not accurate and would lead to a lot of hand wringing over nothing. Enthusiast sites publish overly cautious temps, don't really understand the linear way PC temps ramp up and lack the full time engineers that a major OEM PC has on staff to design temps that are safe and quiet. Most home built PCs either cost a small fortune to quiet, are uglied up with cheap silencing solutions or sound like a jet engine.

Also realize that the menu I saw may have been a raw, manufacturing level menu, once flashed with a retail BIOS those options may disappear completely. HP has a hidden BIOS menu as well that shows temps, that one I know how to get into.

I see But since it is a small form factor case I might want to upgrade the video card with a 6600gt with no fan, just heatsink so i would like to know a ballpark est of the temp

I'd say worry about finding the low profile, passively cooled 6600GT first, that sounds like a bigger challenge to me.