Fans are an integral component of your computer for controlling the heat and keeping the system cool. Usually, there are multiple computer fans inside your system, including CPU and case fans. There are also dedicated fans for the GPU (such as the RTX 3090) or the power supply. Additionally, there are case fans connected to the computer case tiself.
While the computer fans are important for preventing the system from overheating, they may also make a noise like an engine when running at high speed. Ideally, the CPU fan speed should increase automatically when performing a strenuous task on the computer, causing the system to heat up. The fan must run in silence for regular temperature in all other instances.
Therefore, you need to learn to control fan speed to find the right balance between maintaining a cool temperature and fan noise.
Continue reading as we guide you on how to control fan speed.
Techniques to control fan speed
In this section, we have offered a few methods through which you can achieve optimum fan speed control.
Control fan speeds with BIOS
If the fans are connected to the motherboard, you can regulate the speed through BIOS (Basic Input/Output system). If the computer fans spin at maximum RPM, it may be because the RPM is set to maximum in BIOS by default.
Here is how you can adjust the fan speed.
Press the F12 or Del key to the enter setup of the BIOS settings when first starting your PC.
You can use arrow keys to navigate inside the BIOS setup and look for the fan speed control option. The BIOS may vary according to the motherboard manufacturer.
Typically you will see a “fan control” option somewhere in the menu.
If the BIOS in the motherboard has a Smart Fan Mode feature, the fan settings will be automatic, and the speed will adjust automatically according to the temperature.
Similarly, some motherboards also enable users to change the fan curve to regulate the fans speed as per the temperature.
Here’s a great video that shows you how to adjust it:
Control fan speeds with software
If you do not want to regulate fan speed through BIOS, you can do so through software options.
There are multiple programs, which are third-party applications and enable you to control how fast the fans can spin by determining the speed according to temperature levels.
The best one would probably be Fan Control, which can be downloaded here: https://github.com/Rem0o/FanControl.Releases
Here’s a great video on how to set it up. It’s quite straight forward.
Additional Windows Settings that may help
If you have a desktop PC, you can enable system cooling in addition to using the BIOS or software solutions above.
Steps:
- Open the control panel in your windows and click on power supply options.
- Now click on Change plan settings under Choose Power plan option and go to advanced power settings.
- This will open a new dialogue window for Power Options. You will see process power management in the drop-down menu.
- Click on System Cooling Policy, open the drop-down menu, select the active option, and click apply.
