How to Change Fan Speed on PC Easily (No Overheating!)

How to Change Fan Speed on PC – Honestly, if your PC sounds like a jet engine, you should know that something needs fixing. So, when my PC fans got louder than my neighbor’s car, I had to figure things out. Because I didn’t want my components to overheat, I searched for the best way to adjust my PC fan speed. Luckily, after a lot of trial and error, I finally found several solutions that actually worked. So, let’s jump right into it!

Why Fan Speed Matters?

Obviously, adjusting fan speed settings makes a huge difference in PC performance. So, before tweaking anything, you need to understand why it’s important. Because overheating is a serious issue, controlling fan speed helps in many ways:

• Stops your PC from overheating, which prevents random crashes.
• Reduces unnecessary noise, making your setup way quieter.
• Boosts overall performance, allowing better stability and longevity.

Now that you know why fan speed adjustment is important, let’s move on to the methods that actually work!

1. Change Fan Speed Using BIOS/UEFI

If you prefer a permanent fix, tweaking fan control in BIOS is the best option. Because every motherboard has a BIOS, this method works on almost every system. So, let’s go through the process step by step:

Step-by-step guide:

1. Restart your PC, and press DEL, F2, or F12 to enter BIOS/UEFI.
2. Go to “Hardware Monitor” or “Fan Control”, depending on your motherboard brand.
3. Adjust the fan speed curve, or manually set a preferred RPM.
4. Save changes and exit, then restart your PC.

Since PWM fans provide better speed control, you should always check whether your motherboard supports PWM or DC fans. Because compatibility matters, choosing the right fan type ensures better results.

2. Change Fan Speed Using Software

If entering BIOS feels too complicated, using fan control software is a great alternative. Because different brands provide different tools, you need to pick the one that matches your setup. So, here are the best options:

Motherboard-Specific Software:

• ASUS AI Suite, which works perfectly on ASUS boards.
• MSI Dragon Center, providing full fan control on MSI systems.
• Gigabyte EasyTune, offering easy adjustments for Gigabyte users.

Third-Party Software:

• SpeedFan, which allows complete manual fan control.
• HWMonitor, which monitors fan speed but offers limited control.
• Argus Monitor, providing a more user-friendly interface.

GPU Fan Control Software:

• MSI Afterburner, giving precise control over GPU cooling.
• EVGA Precision X, allowing full customization for NVIDIA users.
• AMD Radeon Software, which helps AMD users manage fan curves.

So, to adjust your fan speed with software, follow these steps:

1. Download and install the software, then open the fan control section.
2. Find the fan speed settings, and modify the fan curve as needed.
3. Apply changes, then monitor the temperature and noise levels.

Since different fans react differently, always test the adjustments before settling on the final settings.

3. Change Fan Speed Using a Fan Controller

If you prefer hands-on control, installing a hardware fan controller is a solid option. Because external controllers provide quick manual adjustments, they work great for custom cooling setups. So, here’s what you need to know:

Types of Fan Controllers:

• External Fan Controllers, which connect via USB or power supply.
• Internal Fan Hubs, which install inside the case.
• Manual vs. Automatic, allowing either real-time adjustments or automatic optimization.

Because fan controllers provide instant control, I personally love using the NZXT Grid+ V3 and Corsair Commander Pro. Since they simplify fan speed adjustments, they make managing airflow much easier.

Troubleshooting Fan Speed Issues

Even after adjusting everything, fan speed control might not work as expected. Because issues happen, knowing how to fix them saves a lot of frustration. So, here’s how I tackled common problems:

• Fan Speed Not Changing?

  • Check whether BIOS settings were saved properly.
  • Ensure the software supports your motherboard model.
  • Verify that fans are correctly plugged into the right headers.

• Fans Too Loud?

  • Clean the fans because dust buildup increases noise.
  • Replace older fans with newer, quieter models.
  • Adjust the fan curve, lowering speed at lower temperatures.

• PC Overheating Even with High Fan Speed?

  • Improve airflow by repositioning intake and exhaust fans.
  • Reapply thermal paste on your CPU and GPU.
  • Upgrade your cooling system by switching to AIO or custom liquid cooling.

Because fixing fan speed issues improves performance, taking the time to troubleshoot is totally worth it.

Best Practices for Fan Optimization

To keep your system running smoothly, follow these PC cooling tips. Since balance is key, proper fan management ensures optimal performance:

• Use a Balanced Fan Curve, avoiding extreme speeds.
• Monitor Temperature & RPM, keeping an eye on cooling performance.
• Clean Fans & Filters Regularly, because dust buildup causes overheating.
• Ensure Proper Airflow, optimizing intake and exhaust fan placement.
• Apply High-Quality Thermal Paste, since better conductivity means better cooling.

Because small adjustments make a huge difference, taking care of fan settings and cooling maintenance prevents future issues.

Also Read: How to Check Laptop Temperature Windows 11 & Fix Overheat!

FAQs: How to Change Fan Speed on PC

1. Can I control my PC fan speed without BIOS?

Yes! Because fan control software exists, you can use SpeedFan, MSI Afterburner, or a fan controller instead.

2. Why is my PC fan running at full speed all the time?

Because of high CPU/GPU temperatures, BIOS settings, or faulty fan sensors, your fans might not slow down properly.

3. What’s the ideal fan speed for my PC?

It depends! Since different workloads require different cooling levels, follow these general guidelines:

• Idle: 500-1000 RPM.
• Gaming/Heavy Load: 2000+ RPM.
• Balanced: Adjust the fan curve accordingly.

4. Are PWM fans better than DC fans?

Yes! Because PWM fans provide better speed control and efficiency, they outperform DC fans in most cases.

5. Will increasing fan speed improve performance?

Because cooler temperatures prevent thermal throttling, increasing fan speed helps, but too much noise can be annoying.