diff --git a/arch/powerpc/include/asm/reg.h b/arch/powerpc/include/asm/reg.h
index 88fb88491fe9..5647006ed373 100644
--- a/arch/powerpc/include/asm/reg.h
+++ b/arch/powerpc/include/asm/reg.h
@@ -817,7 +817,7 @@
 #define THRM1_TIN	(1 << 31)
 #define THRM1_TIV	(1 << 30)
 #define THRM1_THRES(x)	((x&0x7f)<<23)
-#define THRM3_SITV(x)	((x&0x3fff)<<1)
+#define THRM3_SITV(x)	((x & 0x1fff) << 1)
 #define THRM1_TID	(1<<2)
 #define THRM1_TIE	(1<<1)
 #define THRM1_V		(1<<0)
diff --git a/arch/powerpc/kernel/tau_6xx.c b/arch/powerpc/kernel/tau_6xx.c
index e2ab8a111b69..976d5bc1b517 100644
--- a/arch/powerpc/kernel/tau_6xx.c
+++ b/arch/powerpc/kernel/tau_6xx.c
@@ -178,15 +178,11 @@ static void tau_timeout(void * info)
 	 * complex sleep code needs to be added. One mtspr every time
 	 * tau_timeout is called is probably not a big deal.
 	 *
-	 * Enable thermal sensor and set up sample interval timer
-	 * need 20 us to do the compare.. until a nice 'cpu_speed' function
-	 * call is implemented, just assume a 500 mhz clock. It doesn't really
-	 * matter if we take too long for a compare since it's all interrupt
-	 * driven anyway.
-	 *
-	 * use a extra long time.. (60 us @ 500 mhz)
+	 * The "PowerPC 740 and PowerPC 750 Microprocessor Datasheet"
+	 * recommends that "the maximum value be set in THRM3 under all
+	 * conditions."
 	 */
-	mtspr(SPRN_THRM3, THRM3_SITV(500*60) | THRM3_E);
+	mtspr(SPRN_THRM3, THRM3_SITV(0x1fff) | THRM3_E);
 
 	local_irq_restore(flags);
 }