System overheating is a major concern. You can control the CPU overheating issues by changing the Fan speed. Nevertheless, overheating isn’t the only explanation you’ll require for fan speed control.
If your fans are moving at full speed for no apparent reason, you may need to slow them down using one of the three methods mentioned in this article.
One of the simplest ways to change CPU fan speed is through BIOS. However, BIOS may not always allow you to do so. It can be tricky to modify the CPU fan speed without using the BIOS.
Although it is frequently the most practical method of making user-defined system tweaks, it is not the only one. Better control over your fan speed might help you fix issues like overheating or fans operating at full speed for no apparent reason.
Change CPU Fan Speed Without BIOS
We emphasize that setting your fan speed through your BIOS has always been the most efficient option. But you have three options if you can’t even get to your BIOS settings for whatever reason or aren’t technically inclined.
- The first approach is to use the Windows control panel to adjust the cooling system policy.
- The second option is to employ third-party fan cooling software.
- Finally, an external fan controller can be used.
Change System Cooling Policy
Users of Windows 10 who are unable to alter CPU fan speed via BIOS can also use the control panel to figure out how to improve their computer’s fan efficiency. Although this isn’t as efficient as the other two options discussed below, it may be all you have to keep your laptop from overheating. The following instructions will show you how to use the built-in fan control feature:
- Look for the control panel using the search icon near your start menu.
- Select “Hardware and Sound” in the control panel.
- Hit “Change Plan Settings” under “Power Options.”
- Hit “Change settings that are presently unavailable” under “Change advanced power settings.”
- You’ll be presented with a menu of options, one of which is “Processor Power Management.”
- A dropdown option will appear when you double-click on CPU power control.
- Double-click on “System Cooling Policy” in the dropdown menu to bring up a new dropdown menu.
- Choose “Active” for both plugged-in and on-battery modes under the system cooling policy.
- To save your changes, click “Apply” at the bottom of the window, then “Ok.”
After boosting the fan speed, the Active setting slows down the CPU to its primary cooling The passive mode, on the other hand, slows down the CPU before considering whether or not to boost the performance of your PC fan.
If you want the outstanding outcome, use the active mode, while the passive setting is ideal for times you want your fans to run silently. When your system is on battery and plugged in, it will help you raise the fan speed, which will improve cooling and result in less heat accumulation.
Changing CPU Fan Speed By Using Third-Party Software
This is a great solution for non-technical folks or those who don’t have BIOS fan control. Many software can help you manage, change, and raise the speed of your CPU fan.
This software monitors your CPU’s heat signs and the amount of pressure it is facing. They’re made for manual and automatic processes, so you may turn them on manually or set them to function automatically.
There is various fan control software available in the market. SpeedFan, HWMonitor, Notebook Fan Control, Real Temp, HWiNFO, and others are among the most popular software for Windows. smcFanControl, iSTAT Menus, and other apps are available for MacBooks. We’ll speak about the most common fan control for Windows in this guide, i.e. SpeedFan.
Using SpeedFan
Since it provides a wide variety of capabilities and bonuses that are limited in other software, SpeedFan is well-known among Windows users with fan difficulties. While this is a bit tricky, it is quite useful because it enables you to boost CPU fan speed without causing any problems. We’ve included instructions for downloading, installing, and configuring the software below.
Speedfan does more than help you regulate the speed of your CPU fan. It also monitors motherboard temperatures, examines your hard drive for errors, and detects voltages, among other things. While the effectiveness is undeniable, SpeedFan cannot vary the fan speed on all motherboards since some motherboards lack the necessary circuitry.
As a result, before installing it, ensure it’s compliant with your chipset and motherboard. Alternatively, you can select from the software options listed above.
How to Download and Install SpeedFan?
The installation of SpeedFan is simple and secure. Download the legitimate copy from the official website, install it, and let it inspect your PC for problems. After your computer has been inspected, the main menu window will appear, revealing your PC’s statistics.
This box will provide information ranging from temperatures to drive data, chipset type, fan RPM, and more.
How to Manually Configure the SpeedFan Software?
The automatic controls of the SpeedFan program are disabled by default. Because of this limitation, you can manually tweak the software for better results. If you’re not tech-savvy or don’t want to fiddle with the configurations, you can simply use the approach detailed below to enable the automatic option.
- This is the procedure to take if you want to set up your SpeedFan software manually:
- Well above the Automatic Fan Speed Button, hit the Configure button.
- You’ll be taken to a new window with several tabs.
- To see a list of other options, go to the Advanced tab.
- Look for Chip in the menu to see a list of all the buses on your motherboard chipset.
- By clicking on them, look for PWMs, such as PWM 1, PWM 2, and PWM 3 forms.
- When you’ve located your PWMs, select the one you want to manage or configure by clicking on it.
- Only one PWM can be configured at a time.
- Choose the one you want to change, then select “Set to” from the dropdown menu.
- You’ll have many setting options, such as On/Off, Software-Controlled or Smart Guardian, and manual control.
- You can adjust the fans manually, while smart guardian gives software-defined control.
- After you’ve made your choice, click “Remember it” and save your preferences.
- Turn on the PWM you’ve selected after saving your settings, and your fan speed will be changed.
How to Use the Pre-set/ Automatic Options?
Simply select “Automatic Fan Speed” from the main menu to have the software manage CPU fan speed regularly. You can change the parameters to make the automatic controls work better for you.
You’ll need to perform the following functions:
- On the start menu, select configure.
- Set your upper and lower limits RPMs under the “Speeds” tab of the next window.
- When you’re finished, go to the “Fans Control” tab and set your CPU fan’s optimal temperature.
- This will allow you to see if the RPMs you’ve adjusted affect the temperature of your CPU.
- You may also put the configuration to the test by sending a demand request to see if it works.
- If you don’t save your configurations, you’ll have to reinstall the software every time you turn on your pc.
- Next, go to the “Temperature” page and select the temperature at which you want the fans to accelerate and slow down.
- Don’t forget to consider the sensor that aids in the appropriate operation of your CPU fans.
- After you’ve double-checked the sensor, you’ll see two options at the bottom of the window: wished-for and cautionary
- Choose the “warning temperature” and the “desired temperature” using the arrow keys on your system.
- When you’re finished, click OK and you’re done.
While SpeedFan is useful, it might be difficult to use and does not function with all systems. You can pick from the software list we provided previously.
Changing Fan Speed With External Fan Controllers
If you’ve done everything and still can’t modify the CPU fan speed, an additional fan controller can be the next best option. An external fan controller, such as the software mentioned above, allows you to manage the speed and temperature of your CPU fan.
The control system is manual, and you can rest assured that you’ll receive the best cooling and balancing with the right product for your computer. Consider things like pin sockets, the number of channels, the type of controllers, etc.
On the market, there are a variety of external CPU fan controllers designed to manage CPU fan speed effectively. Thermaltake Commander F6, Noctua, and Corsair Commander Pro are some of the top products. Smart control knobs, LCD screens for tracking temperatures and other factors, warning lights, smart sensors, and more are all included.