Most modern CPUs come with a built-in cooler fan, which helps to keep the processor from overheating. While the fan is usually adequate for most tasks, you may want to adjust its speed depending on what you’re doing.
In this blog post, we’ll show you how to control the CPU cooler fan speed. We’ll also share some tips on how to maximize your CPU’s cooling performance. Keep reading to find out more!
How to Control CPU Cooler Fan Speed?
Fan types
There are following types of CPU cooler fans:
Molex Fans
Molex fans are the most common type of CPU cooler fan. They connect to the motherboard via a 4-pin Molex connector and are controlled by the motherboard’s BIOS.
PWM Fans
PWM (pulse-width modulation) fans are more advanced than Molex fans and offer more control over fan speed. They connect to the motherboard via a 4-pin or 3-pin connector and use PWM to control fan speed.
3-Pin vs 4-Pin Fans
Most CPU cooler fans are available in both 3-pin and 4-pin versions. 3-pin fans can only be connected to a 3-pin header on the motherboard, while 4-pin fans can be connected to either a 3-pin or 4-pin header.
4-pin headers provide more control over fan speed than 3-pin headers, as they allow the motherboard to regulate fan speed based on CPU temperature. This is known as “CPU fan control” and it’s useful for preventing the fan from spinning too fast and generating too much noise.
3-pin headers, on the other hand, only provide two speeds: high and low. This means that the fan will always run at full speed when connected to a 3-pin header.
DC Fans
DC (direct current) fans are the simplest type of CPU cooler fan. They have just two wires: +12V and GND (ground). DC fans are controlled by the motherboard and usually run at a fixed speed.
AC Fans
AC (alternating current) fans are more complex than DC fans and offer more control over fan speed. They have three wires: +12V, GND, and PWM. AC fans are controlled by the motherboard and can run at a range of speeds, from very slow to very fast.
How to Control CPU Cooler Fan Speed
There are following ways to control the speed of your CPU cooler fan:
Controlling Fan Speed Through The BIOS
The BIOS (basic input/output system) is a low-level software that controls the hardware of your computer. To access the BIOS, you’ll need to reboot your computer and press a specific key during the boot process. This key is usually one of the following: F1, F2, F10, or Del.
Once you’re in the BIOS, look for an option called “CPU fan control” or “Fan control”. This option will be in the “CPU” or “Hardware” section of the BIOS.
CPU fan control is usually disabled by default, so you’ll need to enable it before you can change the fan speed. Once you’ve enabled CPU fan control, you can use the BIOS to set the minimum and maximum speeds of your CPU cooler fan.
Controlling Fan Speed with A Fan Controller
Another way to control the speed of your CPU cooler fan is to use a fan controller. A fan controller is a physical device that you can connect to your computer’s case. It typically has a display and a set of knobs or buttons that you can use to adjust the fan speed.
Fan controllers are a good choice if you want more control over your fan speed than what the BIOS offers. They’re also handy if you have multiple fans that you want to be able to control independently.
Controlling Fan Speeds Using Your UEFI
If your motherboard supports UEFI (unified extensible firmware interface), you may be able to use it to control the speed of your CPU cooler fan. To do this, you’ll need to enter the UEFI settings menu and look for an option called “CPU fan control”. This option will be in the “CPU” or “Hardware” section of the UEFI menu.
CPU fan control is usually disabled by default in the UEFI, so you’ll need to enable it before you can change the fan speed. Once you’ve enabled CPU fan control, you can use the UEFI to set the minimum and maximum speeds of your CPU cooler fan.
Controlling Fan Speeds Using Software
If your motherboard doesn’t have UEFI, or if you want more control over your fan speed than what UEFI offers, you can use software to control the speed of your CPU cooler fan.
There are a few different software programs that you can use to do this, but we recommend using Speed Fan. Speed Fan is a free program that can be used to monitor and control the speed of your CPU cooler fan.
Once you’ve downloaded and installed Speed Fan, launch it and go to the “Configure” tab. In the “Configure” tab, look for an option called “CPU fan control”. This option will be in the “Advanced” section of the “Configure” tab.
CPU fan control is usually disabled by default in Speed Fan, so you’ll need to enable it before you can change the fan speed. Once you’ve enabled CPU fan control, you can use Speed Fan to set the minimum and maximum speeds of your CPU cooler fan.
Tips for Maximizing CPU Cooling Performance
There are a few things you can do to ensure that your CPU cooler is performing at its best.
- Make sure that the CPU cooler is properly installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Keep the CPU cooler and the surrounding area clean. Dust and dirt can impede cooling performance.
- If you’re using a fan controller, make sure that it’s set to the correct voltage.
- If you have multiple fans, make sure that they’re all set to the same speed.
- Make sure that the airflow in your case is directed towards the CPU cooler. This can be achieved by using case fans or by routing cables so that they don’t block airflow.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your CPU cooler is performing at its best and keeping your CPU cool.
FAQS
1. How do you control fan speed on a cooler?
There are a few different ways that you can control the speed of your CPU cooler fan. The most common way is to use the BIOS (basic input/output system) to enable CPU fan control and then set the minimum and maximum speeds of the fan. You can also use a fan controller or software to control the speed of your CPU cooler fan.
2. How do I adjust my CPU fan speed to Windows 10?
If you want to adjust your CPU fan speed in Windows 10, you can do so using the BIOS (basic input/output system) or a software program like Speed Fan. To adjust your CPU fan speed using the BIOS, you’ll need to enter the BIOS settings menu and look for an option called “CPU fan control”. Once you’ve enabled CPU fan control, you can use the BIOS to set the minimum and maximum speeds of your CPU cooler fan.
3. How do I change my CPU fan speed on a low limit?
The best way to change your CPU fan speed to a low limit is to use the BIOS (basic input/output system) to enable CPU fan control and then set the minimum and maximum speeds of the fan. You can also use a fan controller or software to control the speed of your CPU cooler fan.
4. How do I check my CPU fan speed?
There are a few different ways that you can check your CPU fan speed. The most common way is to use the BIOS (basic input/output system) to check the fan speed. You can also use a software program like Speed Fan or Hardware Monitor to check your CPU fan speed.
Conclusion
If you want to extend the life of your CPU and keep it running smoothly, it is important to control the fan speed. By following the tips in this blog post, you should be able to effectively control your CPU cooler fan speed and keep your computer running for years to come. Let us know in the comments section if you have any questions or need further assistance. Our team of experts are here to help!