Have you ever noticed that your PC fan gets louder and faster when running intensive tasks such as gaming, video editing, or using resource-hogging apps? Well, this usually happens because your CPU performs millions or billions of calculations per second, generating heat as a by-product of its operations. When the temperature of the CPU rises too high, it may lead to low performance, instability, excessive noise, and even cause potential damage to the processor.
The default fan controller follows a fixed fan curve that changes the fan speed according to a predefined temperature change. The inbuilt fan settings are designed to provide adequate cooling and reduce excessive noise on the PC, but they may not suit the specific needs and preferences of every type of user. And, you may continue to experience high temperatures, reduced performance & similar problems. Hence, you may need Fan Control Software for your PC.
But, Why Do You Exactly Need A Fan Control Windows Software?
Well, you may wonder why anyone would need fan-controlling software for a PC when there is already an integrated fan controller in the hardware. Well, the quick answer is the inbuilt fan controller is often limited and not quite flexible. Hence, it may not work adequately for different users who have different tolerances for the cooling and noise levels of their computers.
For instance, some users need a quiet PC, even if it’s a bit slower or warmer. Some users may prioritize power, even if it results in louder fans or cooler temperatures. Some aim for a balance between performance, cooling, and noise. Other users may prefer creating different fan settings for different tasks such as gaming, video editing, browsing, or working.
Well, that’s exactly where fan-controlling and monitoring Software for Windows comes in handy!
What Is A Fan Control Program & How Does It Help?
A Fan Control Software is a dedicated program that allows you to adjust the speed and behavior of your PC fans, based on multiple criteria, including temperature, load, or preference. These programs allow you to customize the fan speed of your PC fans based on different factors. You can even create custom fan curves, which automatically change the fan speed according to the temperature.
Additionally, by using such software, users can optimize the cooling and noise level of their PC and enhance its overall performance and lifespan. Users can also monitor the PC components’ temperature, voltage, and fan speed, and get alerts if anything goes wrong. Quite helpful, right?
The best part is, these Fan monitoring software also help troubleshoot potential issues related to your PC fans, including malfunction, rattling, or grinding problems.
How To Choose The Most Suitable Fan Controller & Monitor Software For Your PC?
These are the following factors that you need to keep in mind before installing a good Fan monitoring software for Windows 11, 10 PC:
- Features: Look for software that offers tons of functionalities and customization options for controlling and monitoring fans, supports manual or automatic fan speed adjustments, fan curves, fan profiles, remote access, and more.
- Compatibility: Choose a program that supports your PC hardware and sensors. It should hold the ability to read and control PC fan speed, temperature, voltage, and other parameters.
- User-friendliness: Install a fan control program that offers a simple and intuitive interface and comprehensive help and tech support.
- Price: Lastly, make sure you choose a Windows Fan Control Utility that offers reasonable pricing with quality features.
Once all the parameters mentioned above are met, you can go ahead and search for a reliable fan controller tool for your Windows 11/10 PC.
Top 4 Fan Control Windows Software To Use In 2024
There are numerous fan controller applications available for PC users, but not all of them are equally useful. Some may have more functionalities, and better compatibility, while others might be easy to use. To help you choose the best fan control software for Windows, we’ve compiled a list of the most reliable solutions to give you full control over the fan speed.
1. SpeedFan
| PRICE: Free |
| USP: Ability to fine-tune your hardware. |
| COMPATIBILITY & MORE: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10
It supports a wide range of hardware and sensors, including 3-pin and 4-pin fans. |
| DOWNLOAD NOW |
If you are looking for software that can control your PC’s fan speed, and read the temperature, and voltages of your motherboard and hard disk, then SpeedFan is the right choice. The application is highly configurable and users can create custom fan curves to handle every situation/task automatically, thus reducing excessive noise.
Additionally, it allows you to set alarms and notifications, which alert you if the temperature, voltage, fan speed, or SMART status of your PC components exceeds a certain threshold. So that you can take necessary action. The good part is, that it even allows users to access and control the fan speed remotely, via a command line or web server.
2. HWiNFO
| PRICE: Free |
| USP: Provides the most accurate and reliable information. |
| COMPATIBILITY & MORE: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and 11
It supports most hardware monitoring chips and sensors. |
| DOWNLOAD NOW |
HWiNFO is one of the most comprehensive and accurate fan control and monitoring software for Windows. It provides a quick overview of all the hardware components and shows actual status and failure prediction. You can easily track CPU, motherboard, HDD temperature and GPU power, Core clock, and RAM usage.
HWiNFO features a customizable interface and is optimized for the lowest overhead. The utility is capable of providing general information related to monitors, drivers, video chipsets, internal/external discs, and more. The software is trusted by thousands of users including large enterprises, hardware vendors, and component manufacturers.
3. Argus Monitor
| PRICE: Free trial, $29.95 |
| USP: The speed of the fans can either be set to a fixed value or controlled with a characteristic curve. |
| COMPATIBILITY & MORE: Windows 7 to Windows 11
It can control the most commercially available monitoring chips from Nuvoton, ITE, Winbond, Fintek & more. |
| DOWNLOAD NOW |
Argus Monitor is another leading fan control and system monitoring software designed for Windows users to adjust the fan speed and behavior of their PC fans, based on different factors. The application supports multi multi-controller feature that runs parallelly for every fan and then uses the maximum control value to set the fan speed.
Additionally, Argus Monitor also provides fan profiles (presets) that users can switch between using the graphical user interface or hotkeys to keep the fan speed as steady as possible. Besides fan controls, it also supports controlling RGB functionality of certain devices, including Corsair CommanderPro, EVGA Geforce RTX 3000 GPUs, Asus Geforce RTX 3000/4000 GPUs, etc.
4. MSI Afterburner
| PRICE: Free fan control software |
| USP: Advanced fan speed and GPU voltage control. |
| COMPATIBILITY & MORE: Windows 7 to Windows 11
Works with Android OS as well. |
| DOWNLOAD NOW |
MSI Afterburner is another excellent fan control software, designed for advanced users, who are familiar with the graphics cards and their settings. For users who want to enjoy a lot of customization options and features for fan control and overclocking, MSI Afterburner is an ideal choice.
The application allows users to create custom fan speed curves. Users can manually adjust the points on the curve, determining at what temperature the fan speed should increase or decrease. This customization provides a fine-tuned approach to managing the cooling performance of the graphics card.
Ending Note
In conclusion, fan control programs are beneficial tools that allow you to adjust the speed and behavior of your PC fans. By using the right fan control software, you can optimize the cooling and noise level of your PC, and enhance its performance and lifespan. The above top 4 programs work amazingly well to monitor the temperature, voltage, fan speed, and SMART status of your PC components, such as CPU, GPU, motherboard, hard disk, etc.
If you know any other software that should be included in the list, then feel free to share them in the comments section below!
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Best Fan Control Apps for Mac in 2024 | Keep Your Mac Cool