Top 10 Best Fan Control Software

Fan Control Software

Fan control software — Delving into the search for the best fan speed controller software is one thing, but understanding why the CPU, GPU, and other components of a PC need more fan power is another thing. Well, the answer can be simple — because they can generate excess heat when doing heavy tasks. 

Heavy software like games and video and photo editing software can consume more power which in turn, generate excess heat. Aside from running heavy software, other problems like drive failure and corrupted files that affect the functioning of the motherboard can trigger your computer system to get hot. 

So, to man up and arrest the over-heating situation, you will need to have control over the fan speed. Doing that helps you control the temperature buildup in your computer. And one major way you can do that is using a fan speed controller software. 

On the other hand, heat is not the only problem that you can need to control your fan. Finding the right balance between fan noise and temperatures is important especially if you have a powerful gaming computer. The default fan curves are not really great at keeping fans working efficiently. And that can lead to overly loud GPU fans or CPU fans that ramp up even when performing the most lightweight tasks like opening the settings app. 

Although you have the option of using silent PC cases to shit off the noise from the fan. But those cases often have a major problem, which is a reduced airflow which in turn would result in higher temperatures. As much as silent PC cases sound non-techy, they can be seen as a costly option to tweaking your fan speeds with fan controller software.

Your computer’s disk drive temperature and voltage readings are very much dependent on the fan’s performance. This makes it important to have speed control software and digital temperature sensors for your computer system. Those software will help you monitor your PC or laptop fan speed and temperatures at different intervals.

Fan control software can come with various features like real-time clock speed for the fans, digital fan speed readings, assessing disk performance, and others. Since these software can be so helpful, we will discuss the top applications you can choose for your computer fan.

Top 10 Best Fan Control Software

There are many fan control software on the internet to install. Some of them offer advanced features while others offer simple features that are necessary to regulate your PC fan speed. 

So, I have gone out of my way to make a list of some of the best fan software you can install on your computer. Check out the top 10 best fan control software below:

  1. SpeedFan
  2. Argus monitor
  3. Corsair Link
  4. Zotac Firestorm
  5. MSI Afterburner
  6. Smcfancontrol
  7. Gigabyte EasyTune
  8. Mac Fan Control
  9. HWMonitor
  10. HWiNFO

1. SpeedFan

SpeedFan - Fan Control Software
SpeedFan – Fan Control Software

SpeedFan is one of the oldest fan control software that was released around the time Windows 9x was considered the cutting edge in operating systems. 

Having a long history means that this software has gone through a lot of customization.  SpeedFan has a clean user interface and it is compatible with all versions of Windows from 9x up to Windows 10. The software also has a system tray to display  stats of your choice. Also, there are a range of features that can be found in this small program.

Whilst using SpeedFan, you will be able to monitor and control the speed, voltage, and temperature of your PC’s fan. The perks tied with SpeedFan include access to both digital temperature sensors and S.M.A.R.T. which can show you the hard disk temperature.

The configuration process is easy and straightforward. Setting up your fan speed would require you to keep your ear tuned to the specific fan speed you are targeting while using the software. If you want a less noisy fan, then you should keep an open ear for the minimum fan noise. 

You can also use SpeedFan to set maximum temperature limits. These will trigger your fans to operate at higher speeds in order to offset the higher temperatures.

SpeedFan has many values, which can mean more power and control over the speed of the computer fans. In it you can find the most critical system statistics, including fan speed and temperature reports to ensure everything is running nice and cool.

Features

  • Free to use
  • Works with nearly every version of Windows
  • Also supports 64-bit systems
  • Monitors PC temperature
  • Access S.M.A.R.T. info & display hard disk performance
  • Supports SCSI disks

Pros

  • Free utility
  • Perfectly organized and clear interface
  • Send email notices
  • Highly customizable

Cons

  • Some functions not working
  • Not for the beginners

Pricing

SpeedFan is completely free to use.

2. Argus monitor

Argus monitor - Fan Control Software
Argus monitor – Fan Control Software

Argus Monitor is one of the best lightweight and reliable fan control software. It works great at controlling fan speeds. The software runs in the background while it controls your PCs fan speeds and also monitors the hard disk health.

Argus Monitor uses a small space in your computer’s memory and gives you complete control over your computer’s fan speed. Aside from controlling the fan speed, it also monitors the temperatures and the overall health of your CPU, hard drives, and SSDs.

Argus Monitor can also give you an early warning if your hard drive or SSD is failing so you can quickly act and fix the issue. This fan control software have an easy-to-configure interface and has all the needed features anyone would need to control a computer’s fan smoothly. 

Argus Monitor is a trustworthy computer program with a user interface that shows graphical representations of the system’s temperature. This software works fine with Windows 7 and higher versions. 

Argus Monitor is very easy and simple to use. If your computer uses more than one fan, Argus Monitor can control them separately. Plus you will be able to select lots of different input factors for your PWM fan curves. 

Argus Monitor also lets you save and export your fan control settings in case you have to reinstall your operating system. In terms of flexibility, this software is efficient enough, and when it comes to  customization, there’s a classic and a dark theme to choose from.

In addition, this software tool displays and controls the fan speed of even modern NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards. This is a particularly useful feature for gamers. Of course, this sounds like a lot of features to get from a program that runs as a background task. But that is what makes Argus stand out. 

In general, the Argus monitor is an amazing fan control software to use. The only downside is that it is only free to try for 30 days. If you want to keep using it after 30 days, you’ll need to purchase a license.

Features

  • Lightweight laptop fan control software
  • Temperature and drive health reports
  • Easy to configure
  • Works with Windows 7, Windows 8, 8.1, and Windows 10 and 11

Pros

  • User-friendly interface
  • Allow monitoring of the CPU and GPU temperature
  • Notifies the issues through emails

Cons

  • Unable to resize or customize the interface
  • Won’t work if the hardware components are not having a built-in temperature sensor
  • Only 30 days trial period

Pricing

Free to try for 30 days after then, you pay for a license key which will cost you $11.90 for a year and $24.90 for 3 years.

3. Corsair Link

Corsair Link - Fan Control Software
Corsair Link – Fan Control Software

Corsair Link PC fan controller software is a free utility for the Windows OS. One thing that makes the Corsair Link fan control software stand out is gaming-oriented interface. The Corsair Link is free for all to download. The software is great at monitoring and controlling the system’s fan and keeping track of the components’ heat. 

Aside from having a fan speed monitor, this software also shows real-time CPU fan speed with CPU & GPU temperature, voltage, load, and DRAM frequency. Corsair Link also lets you configure warning notifications for the CPU/GPU temperature and Fan speed fluctuation.

In general, you will have complete control over fans, compatible Corsair power supplies, lighting & Hydro Series liquid CPU coolers that work both for cooling and performance.

Features

  • Real-time CPU fan speed with CPU & GPU temperature, voltage, load, and DRAM frequency.
  • Configure warning notifications
  • Compatible Corsair power supplies, lighting & Hydro Series liquid CPU coolers
  • Gaming-oriented interface
  • Supports the latest hardware and all Windows OS

Pros

  • Freeware utility
  • Automatically adjust cooling

Cons

  • Not very user-friendly
  • Compatibility issues with Windows 10

Pricing

Corsair Link cost $54.99

4. Zotac Firestorm

Zotac Firestorm - Fan Control Software
Zotac Firestorm – Fan Control Software

Zotac’s Firestorm is one of the best fan control software that can come in handy both as a fan speed controller and an overclocking utility. Zotac Firestorm is also targeted at gaming desktops and used for graphics cards too. 

Zotac Firestorm has a simple and easy-to-use user interface with gears you can use to overclock your GPU, set custom fan curves, change your graphics card’s RGB lights, and also monitor their performance. This software is an excellent program to get if you need to control the fan speed of your graphics card.

Zotac FireStorm has a straightforward interface that has every information piece present. It focuses on flexibility in controlling hardware device’s temperature and fan speeds. Also, you will be able to control several clock speeds like the shader clock speed and the memory clock speed. 

Another thing to point out in Zotac Firestorm is that readings are highly affected by the thermal energy inside the system. Hence, abnormal readings will let you know whether your fan is working properly or not. Meanwhile, on the software interface, you will find a special monitoring section where you will constantly receive data concerning the fan speeds, clockings, temperature, etc of your computer.

Features

  • Graphic card modification utility
  • Monitor and control fan speed for Nvidia Graphics card
  • Control for GPU clock speed, memory clock speed, shader clock speed, & VDDC values from its Clock section.
  • View immediate fan speed and modify fan speed easily
  • A dedicated Monitoring section to view real-time clock speed, temperature, fan speeds, etc.
  • Supports Windows 7/8 & 10

Pros

  • Freeware software
  • Easy to understand and latest user interface
  • Display overclocking

Cons

  • Unable to monitor CPU fans
  • Disability to examine other companies’ graphics cards except for Nvidia
  • Having minor bugs

Pricing

Zotac Firestorm is free to use

5. MSI Afterburner

MSI Afterburner - Fan Control Software
MSI Afterburner – Fan Control Software

Another fan control software worth mentioning is the MSI Afterburner. It shows you all the important information like GPU core clock, memory clock, temperature, voltages and fan speeds. It has a real-time on-screen display in games and also shows real-time information in the Windows Tray Icon.

MSI Afterburner’s unique attribute includes the ability of all adjustments that you do be saved as Profiles. Also, if you want a quick custom setting and adjustment for gaming or for regular tasks, then your saved Profiles can come in handy in an instant click.

As a side note, MSI Afterburner is an excellent option for both novice and advanced users who like overclocking and pushing the limits of their system. So, if you’re using your GPU for mining and are worried about thermals running too hot, or the fans are too loud, MSI Afterburner is one of the best fan control software that can fix that.

There aren’t many extra features though, but the included features are the most essential. But in all, MSI Afterburner is one of the best utility software you can have on your computer. You can use it for monitoring all kinds of GPU-related data on desktop and in-games. You can also use it for overclocking and undervolting your GPU. 

Features

  • Real-Time Temperature Monitoring
  • Very Accurate GPU/CPU Readings
  • Save Up to 5 Profiles of Settings
  • Extremely User-Friendly
  • Also Works with Laptops
  • Can operate on automatic curve settings or fully manual control

Pros

  • Support for non-MSI-supported graphic cards.
  • Increase in gaming performance
  • It is free of charge
  • There is a boost in the performance
  • You can check your GPU temperature simultaneously

Cons

  • Overclocking can damage your device if not done properly
  • Increase in the consumption of electricity
  • Just 2-3 frame increments.
  • Increase in fan noise
  • Due to increased heat, wires will crack and connected pins will break.

Pricing

MSI Afterburner is free.

6. Smcfancontrol

Smcfancontrol – Fan Control Software

It is true that modern Mac devices overeat more quickly. You can feel very hot air if you put your hands close to the ventilation system or you will feel the heat burning through your trousers if you like putting your laptop on your thighs. 

The SmcFanControl for Mac is a solid recommendation for people who encounter these issues with their Mac. SmcFanControl has the ability to control both laptop and workstation fans. The SmcFanControl is only available for Mac users.

Since all systems built-in fans are set at a minimal speed which could sometimes cause overheating, to solve that problem, you download SmcFanControl for your Mac and increase the minimal fan speed and make it fast enough to cool your system when you are performing heavy tasks. Also, SmcFanControl allows its users to individually adjust the speed of CPU fans and main computer fans. 

Features

  • Ability to increases the minimum fan speed setting
  • Compatible with both desktop as well as laptop fans
  • User-friendly interface
  • No stress on hardware

Pros

  • Freeware utility
  • Easy to use
  • Automatic increases fan speed to avoid overheating

Cons

  • Only for Mac users
  • Error-tracking system is slow

Pricing

SmcFanControl is completely free.

7. Gigabyte EasyTune

Gigabyte EasyTune – Fan Control Software

Gigabyte EasyTune is an overclocking tool used to fine-tune system settings, but the software can also be used to manually adjust the speed of the processor’s cooling fan.

Its unique features include Smart Fan Advanced and the Smart Fan Auto which is equipped with four different smart fan modes. One thing that makes Gigabyte EasyTune outstanding is enabling the synchronization of computer fans by manually setting the curve ratio of each fan.

Gigabyte EasyTune has a simple user interface, time control support for motherboards equipped with a North-bridge cooling fan, and allows customization of the processor’s cooling fan to different RPMs at different temperatures. As a side note, this software is only available to Windows users to install. 

With EasyTune’s Easy Mode and the Fan-Control feature, you can directly control how fast and slow your CPU cooler’s fan runs, which would directly impact the performance and temperatures of your computer.

EasyTune can help you overclock your CPU as it comes with CPU Intelligent Accelerator (CIA) and Memory Intelligent Booster 2 (MIB2) to help you get more performance out of your CPU and memory.

Gigabyte EasyTune is safe to use and available for free. In general, this fan control software tool allows users to manually adjust fan speeds using the Smart Fan Auto option and configure the fan speed curve via the Smart Fan Advanced function.

Features

  • Free to use
  • Also usable for CPU and memory overclocking
  • Works on all version of Windows
  • Smart-Fan control to manage the fan speed of the CPU and North-Bridge Chipset cooling fan
  • Provide overclocking to improve the system’s performance
  • advanced mode allows you to access the entire overclocking parameter settings feature
  • switch different modes
  • Includes PC Health Monitoring Software

Pros

  • Straightforward and functional fan controls
  • Freeware program
  • Allow monitoring system status
  • Control CPU fan speed & North-Bridge Chipset cooling fan
  • Easy to understand interface

Cons

  • Overclocking function can be faulty
  • Limited and strict integration

Pricing

Gigabyte EasyTune is free to download and use.

8. Mac Fan Control

Mac Fan Control – Fan Control Software

Mac Fan Control is a fan control software for both Mac and Windows computers. The fan control software program is owned by CrystalIDEA and works by monitoring and controlling the speed of fan controllers. 

This fan controller software is one of the best monitoring software for Mac. You can monitor CPU temp on Windows and Mac. It is the best solution for Mac overheating problems or for those who often deal with noisy CPU fans. You can also use this CPU fan control on the laptop to easily change the laptop fan speed.

This software tool is used for observing and controlling fan speeds and temperature sensors in the computer system in real-time. Fan controllers are usually coupled with thermal sensors that adjust the fan speed when a temperature change is sensed. Mac Fan Control can control the fan controllers by allowing users to set fan speeds of their choice. 

Mac Fan Control has the advantage of allowing the customization of the RPM value of system fans in connection with a temperature sensor, saving custom fan configurations, compatibility with Windows, and a simple, user-friendly interface. 

Mac Fan Control doesn’t tell which temperature sensors are linked to which fans and it doesn’t support automated notifications. But it has a unique feature called fan preset, which supports two modes: auto and custom. 

When the fan control software is set to auto mode, the program switches to monitoring while system fans work in the default mode. While in custom mode, the software controls the fans either by setting fan speeds or using sensor-based control. Mac Fan Control helps users overcome Mac overheating problems and noise issues that can be caused by replacing Mac hard drives.

Mac Fan Control is safe to use when used properly. It has a free version and a “Pro” version which costs $14.95 for a macOS license and $24.95 for both macOS and Windows. 

When you run the Mac Fan Control app you can see that it shows all fans on one side and other components on the opposite side. And if you want to change the Mac fan speed, you will have to click on the “Custom” button, use the slider to adjust the CPU fan speed or intake fan and then click “ok”.

Features

  • Very Easy to Use
  • Optimizes Fan Speed for Maximum Cooling Efficiency
  • Simple Sliders Allow for Rapid Fan Speed Adjustments
  • Works with Laptops
  • Provides Accurate Temperature Readings

Pros

  • Is a freeware program
  • Available in more than 30 languages
  • User-friendly interface

Cons

  • Automatic notification system is lacking
  • Won’t specify which sensors are linked with which fans

Pricing

Mac Fan Control is completely free.

9. HWMonitor

HWMonitor – Fan Control Software

HWMonitor is a fan control and monitoring software program developed for CPUID  by Franck Delattre. Although the user interface is a bit old, HWMonitor makes up for it in its many features it offers. Also, the software has a simple, easy-to-use interface plus it receives regular updates.

HWMonitor is simple, straightforward CPU fan control software specially designed for your Windows operating system. It allows you to track the speed of the CPU fan along with three cabinet fans. It shows the minimum and maximum recorded fan speed of the above-mentioned CPU fan and three cabinet fans.

Also, HWMonitor gives you a straightforward way to keep track of your PC. And again, It logs the motherboard’s voltage and CPU voltage and other system power consumption in watts.

HW Monitor is used to monitor and customize fan speed, voltage, and the temperature of other computer components. HW Monitor works with a range of processor chips from Intel, AMD and VIA. 

The “Graphs Generator” is a unique feature of HW Monitor that auto-generates and saves usage data graphs. In general, the selling point of HW Monitor is that the software is a great stress testing tool which provides real-time clock speed, temperature and voltage readings.

HWMonitor is safe to use if used right. The program works by simply reading and displaying data such as temperature, fan speeds and voltages that have been received from the system sensors. 

Features

  • Free to use
  • Works with Windows
  • Extensive control of fans and temperatures
  • Entire interface data can be saved in a TXT file
  • Simple and easy and to use interface
  • Available for both 32 and 64-bit version
  • Compatible with other as well as the latest Windows 10 version

Pros

  • Freeware program
  • Precise & well-organized software
  • Small and speedy
  • Update data immediately
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Supports new hardware
  • No alerts, you have to supervise things yourself

Pricing

HWMonitor offers a free standard version and a Pro version that costs €19.95 ($21.92) yearly and €34.95 ($38.41) for a two-year plan. 

10. HWiNFO

HWiNFO -Fan Control Software

HWiNFO is one of the best monitoring and fan control hardware analysis programs that was developed by Martin Malik. HWiNFO is used for monitoring and reporting the status of computer hardware. Sadly, this fan control software is not supported on macOS.

The benefits of owning HWiNFO includes getting the regular software updates, the provision of detailed reports, ease of use and support for DOS versions. On that note, users are forced to restart the app to switch between sensor and summary tools.

HWiNFO is safe to use and free to download on the internet. This software tool works by monitoring and reporting data on computer hardware systems.

A unique feature of HWiNFO is the program’s ability to detect computer failures in high radiation fields. HWiNFO can be integrated with other tools or add-ons, such as EVGA Precision and MSI Afterburner, which is a strong side of this program.

HWiNFO is a fan control freeware that is available for all versions of Windows, including Vista and XP. It is also a multitasking software which offers other features besides controlling the fan. Features like adjusting the CPU doubt that it authorizes you to adjust the CPU and other cabinets fan.

More of  the unique features include monitoring BIOS, Motherboard, RAM, Clock, GPU Power, etc. It even provides information about your poor. If you are looking for free fan control software for Windows, the HWiNFO is the ideal choice. 

The best thing about this software is that not only you will be able to control the fan’s speed but also the power consumption, the core clocking system, RAM storage and operations, CPU package power consumptions, GPU spends, and others. Multiple Window versions are compatible with this particular fan control software platform.

Features

  • Allows for adjusting immediate CPU and cabinet fan speeds
  •  Monitor several system components
  • Store a full report containing entire values
  • Works with both 32-bit and 64 bit Windows
  • Compatible with Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 7/8 & 10

Pros

  • The customizable interface provides plenty of options
  • Is free utility
  • Offers several report types, and system monitoring using 3rd party add-ons or other tools.
  • Portable version is offered
  • Many control options (CPU/GPU/ Memory usage, fan controls, etc.)

Cons

  • Report generation provide blank details for deselected items
  • Limited and controlled integration
  • Offers limited details than the similar programs
  • Not as detailed as other software/programs

Pricing

HWiNFO offers a free version and a Pro version which tarts at $24.94

Conclusion

Knowing the tons of settings for adjusting CPU fan speed are often out of the reach of most novice users due to the level of knowledge that is required to use them effectively. And there’s where fan control software options come in. Fan speed control is important for making your computer components run cooler. 

Thanks to the many fan control software, we are able to control the fan speed when the computer is making too much noise. Now, when it comes to changing the fan speed, there are a variety of options available to anyone who desires maximum performance from their PC systems. And the above listed ten fan control software stands as the most effective fan options for users. Plus, they come with a range of extended features that is ideal for a wide range of users. 

Some of the fan control software are easy for beginners to grasp and are also great for controlling fan speed on the go. You can also find advanced fan control software but most of them are usually paid for.

Frequently Asked Questions

What program controls my fans?

The computer program that controls your computer fans is a Fan control software.

How do I control my fans on my PC?

You can control the fans in your PC using a fan control software, like SpeedFan, Argus monitor, Corsair Link, Zotac Firestorm, and MSI Afterburner.

How do I control my fans without BIOS?

You can control your computer CPU and GPU fans without controlling them from the BIOS using a fan control software or an external fan controller.

Can you control RGB fans with software?

Using an RGB LED Controller can help you take full control over your computer’s RGB fans.

References

  • brighterguide.com – 10 Best CPU Fan Control Software in 2021 (Free & Premium)
  • newegg.com – CPU Fan Control Software Buying Guide
  • pcerror-fix.com – 12 Best PC Fan Controller Software for Windows 10 and Mac

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