If you want to keep your PC in optimal shape for a long period, you need to learn basic fan control techniques. Fans are critical components of your PC and contrary to popular opinion: they don’t run on their own. Your PC’s motherboard sends temperature-related data to the fans. Based on this data, the fans’ RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) rate is auto-regulated.
In this article, I’ll teach you some easy ways to manipulate the temperature-related data your PC’s motherboard sends to the fans. By altering this data, you can gain total fan control. I’ll also teach you how to install and use some of the best fan controller software tools on the market.
Do you have a particular question fan control? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page.
Here's what we'll cover:
How to Control Fan Speed (Without Using Fan Control Software)?
You can increase your fan’s RPM via BIOS, a software patch that comes pre-stored on a memory chip in your PC’s motherboard. BIOS, i.e., Basic Input Output System is the first software that runs on your PC when you turn it on. The next time you boot up your PC, look for a startup message that reads “BIOS,” “PC BIOS,” or “System BIOS.”
The BIOS menu is where you can adjust the internal cooling fans’ speed. Most computer motherboards manufactured after 2002 are equipped with pulse-width-modulation controllers. These controllers can be used to regulate the internal cooling fans’ RPM rate. To edit your CPU fan controller settings, take the following steps:
- Restart your PC
- Wait for the Power-On startup screen to appear
- To enter the BIOS menu, you’ll have to press the command that comes up on the startup screen
- The command varies by motherboard manufacturer, but they usually are: “F12,” “F10,” “Del,” or “Esc”
- Enter whatever command is asked of you to enter the BIOS menu
- Use the arrow keys to navigate the BIOS menu
- Browse around different submenus (e.g., “Status,” “Monitor,” etc.) to find an option titled “Fan Speed Control;” again, I can’t give specific directions because submenu names in BIOS menus vary depending on the motherboard manufacturer
- Enter “Fan Speed Control” and find the RPM settings for each internal fan in your PC
- Choose a specific fan and set your desired speed (e.g., “500 RPM”)
- Press “Enter” to save the change
Repeat the previous two steps for all the other internal fans on your PC. Exit the BIOS menu by pressing the “Esc” button repeatedly. An “Exit” menu will appear after a while. Select the option titled “Save Changes & Reset” to authorize your changes. Restart your PC to implement the changes. If you can’t access the BIOS menu, check out this video that simplifies the process:
How to Control Fan Speed Using a PC Fan Controller Software?
Fan speed control on Windows 10 PCs and other newer PCs is much easier via PC fan control software tools. These third-party apps are much easier to access and use than the BIOS menu. Here I’ve listed the best PC fan controller software tools in the market right now. All these tools are free to download/use but they also have paid, premium versions as well:
#1. SpeedFan
SpeedFan is a PC fan control software tool through which you can monitor and adjust the internal fans’ speed. I’ve listed it as number one because it can access the temperature sensors of most new-age PCs. It’s also helpful for reducing noise levels. SpeedFan also provides detailed system temperature reports. It can also troubleshoot failing hard-drives and prevent sudden crashes.
Here’s how you can download and use the SpeedFan PC fan speed controller tool:
- Visit the SpeedFan website to download the software
- Install and run the software
- Once the software starts running, a window will pop up
- Click the ‘Configure’ button on the window to open a new window
- On this window, find and enter the tab titled “Fans”
- The app will now find and list your internal cooling fans
Select whichever fan you want to control & use the response curve on the tab to increase/decrease its speed.
#2. HWiNFo
HWiNFO is a system information tool that gives detailed assessments of different hardware components, including internal fans. It’s free to use. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the software are available on Windows XP to Windows 11. HWiNFO is easy to read and browse through. To control the fan speed via HWiNFo, take the following steps:
- Visit the HWiNFo website to download the software
- Install and run the software
- When the main window pops up, find and select the option titled, “Sensors”
- Confirm your decision to open a new window listing all the sensors on your PC
- On this list, find and select the fan button
- Another window will open listing your internal fans
- Select one active fan and select the option titled “Set Manual”
Now, you can manually adjust the fan’s speed.
#3. Mac Fan Control
If you’re a Mac user, Mac Fan Control is currently the best fan controller software tool out there for you. Unlike other Mac-specific fan control tools, Mac Fan Control is extremely easy to set up and use. The interface is intuitive and it’s very easy to adjust the RPM of your Mac’s internal cooling fans. Here’s a simple video guide on how to use this tool:
#4. Corsair Link
Corsair Link is another simple, easy-to-use fan control software for PC users. It provides users with a wide array of details regarding the different components that affect the CPU’s overall temperature. Data points include detailed graphics of power usage data in real-time, CPU temperature, hard-drive disk temperature, and fan speed. Downloading, installing, and using Corsair Link is very easy. It’s the same as using SpeedFan.
#5. MSI Afterburner
MSI Afterburner is a real-time CPU and GPU temperature monitoring tool. But, you can also use it to control fan speed. This software is designed for overclocking. You can boost your CPU’s clock speed to improve its performance via Afterburner. That’s why this user-friendly software tool is a must-try for all PC owners.
Ideally, your PC or laptop should never get too hot. But, that ideal is impossible to achieve. Even if you don’t game or stream HD videos, your computer is bound to get overheated sometimes. That’s why all PCs and laptops have internal cooling fans. Use this guide to make the most of these critical components in your PC!
Credits: Thanks for the photo to Canva.
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