Control CPU fans - how it works
If you are using particularly CPU-intensive applications that are demanding on the CPU, it can be helpful to control the fans yourself. But even if you want to convert your laptop into a DVD player and want to keep the volume of the device as low as possible, manual fan control is very practical.
Controlling CPU fans with SpeedFan
The free program "SpeedFan" offers you useful functions as well as manual control of the fans. However, caution is advised: insufficient cooling can cause permanent damage to the PC!
- Download the SpeedFan program free of charge from our download area.
- Start SpeedFan after the installation.
- By default you are in the "Readings" tab. Here you can see the speed of the fans and the temperatures of the components of your computer in the upper part of the window.
- Below that are fields in which there is a percentage of the possible fan performance.
- Under "CPU" you can now change this value as you wish.
- Note: Only change the value step by step and keep an eye on the temperature of the components! If you reduce the speed of the fan, it will run quieter - however, the computer may overheat.
In the next practical tip, we will explain how you can limit CPU utilization and thus possibly do without manual fan control.