I8k

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.

Kernel
If compiling a customized kernel, you need to activate the following options:

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

If you want to load the module anyway, put the option  right after the command as shown below:

Software
i8kutils contains the user-space programs needed to handle the data provided by the i8k kernel module.
 * - Fan control for Dell laptops

Add-ons

 * - GKrellM2 plugin

External resources

 * i8kutils homepage
 * i8kutils homepage at Debian