What is normal RPM for a CPU fan?
The RPM of CPU fans vary between manufacturers but you can check your CPU specifications for the RPM of your CPU fan.
Table of Contents
Typically, the normal RPM for CPU fans range from 3,500RPM to 4,000RPM.
- Low RPM: 2,500RPM and below
- Normal RPM: 3,500-4,000 RPM
- High RPM: 5,000RPM and above
How do I check my CPU fan speed?
The main way to check your CPU fan speed is through the BIOS or by using software.
BIOS Settings
- Reboot the computer if it’s already on. If the computer is switched OFF, turn it ON. This helps to access the speed controller for your CPU’s fan.
- Press the key to enter the system setup. This key is usually the Delete key or the F12 key in most cases.
- Click on Settings and go to the Hardware settings.
- Click on Fan settings to see the current CPU fan speed.
Software
Check if the CPU manufacturer of your PC has software that is specific to the CPU for which you want to check the fan speed. If there is a specific tool, it’s always best to use it.
If there is no specific tool or App, check out generic third-party Apps with good reviews. MSI Afterburner and SpeedFan are two good and often sought-after choices.
If you own a Mac system, it’s a good idea to opt for the Mac Fan Control utility tool.
Why is my CPU fan running so fast?
CPU fan runs very fast if the processor is faulty, a defective sensor in the fan, or a malfunctioning heatsink.
- Faulty processor
- Defective fan sensor
- Malfunctioning heatsink in the processor
One of the major symptoms associated with the CPU fan running very fast is that the computer will start overheating. This is the case even if you’re using your computer to do just light tasks or when the system is idle. This can do more harm than good to your computer.
The fans may also make a loud noise when they run very fast. Their lifetime also tends to get reduced, especially if the fans are of sleeve bearing type.
The best way to stop the fan running at high speed always is to ensure that your computer is clean and free of dust and dirt.
It’s a good idea to use compressed air to clean both the inside and outside. The inside must be cleaned only after disconnecting the fan from the power supply.
Why is my CPU fan running at 100%?
The CPU fan can run slow at 100% if they are plugged into incorrect ports, if the fans or power supply unit are faulty, if the motherboard is incompatible, or incorrect settings in the BIOS.
- Incorrect plugging of ports
- Faulty fan or power supply
- Incompatible motherboard
- Incorrect BIOS settings
The risks associated with the CPU fan running at 100% are the same as those given above when the fans run at high speed.
- Check if the chassis and CPU fans are connected to their appropriate ports. Often, the interchange of ports is a cause for fans to run at 100%.
- Check out the section in the BIOS that has the fan settings and set it to either pulse width modulation settings or RPM.
Sometimes, you may have to clear the CMOS settings using the Clear CMOS jumper housed that is housed on the motherboard, which involves resetting your BIOS. This method is often followed when the hardware malfunctions.
- Do a rollback of the BIOS firmware to a previous version. You can get this version from the website of the manufacturer of the motherboard.
- Check if the fan is defective and if so, do a replacement. This involves removing the chassis and CPU fans from the computer. Run them separately and then together on a different motherboard and inspect if the results are the same.
- Check for a malfunctioning power supply and replace it with a new one if needed. You can do this by connecting the unit to another motherboard and verifying how the fan operates. If you notice a difference, it’s time for a replacement.
- Replace the fan with a stock fan if the motherboard isn’t compatible with a 3-pin fan connection.
- Adjust the fan settings using hardware settings. For example, you can buy a CPU water cooler or additional chassis fans with a switching action to alter the speed settings.
How do I slow down my CPU fan speed?
You can slow down the CPU fan speed using the BIOS menu, the control panel, or an App. A slow speed often helps the computer to achieve better performance.
Method 1 – BIOS Menu
- Switch OFF the computer and turn it ON again.
- Open the Settings menu through the option displayed on the screen.
- Scroll to the BIOS menu with the help of the arrow keys and navigate to the Monitor or Status option depending on how it is named.
- Click Fan Speed Control followed by the Fan Control Setting.
- Choose the fan for which you want to change the speed and select the desired speed from the dropdown list.
- Press Enter and save the settings.
- Click Exit and choose the Save Changes and Exit option.
- Restart the computer if it doesn’t do so automatically.
Method 2-Control Panel
- Click Start followed by Control Panel.
- Click on the Power Saver option or icon. You will see a sliding scale that shows how the CPU fan is being utilized.
- Move the slider to the left until you reach the desired setting.
- Click OK. This saves the settings you have made.
Method 3–App usage
You can download and install a reliable App. Once this is done, open it and do the required adjustment through the window. To verify if the App is functioning properly, configure the PMW fan settings in the configuration window.
Why is my CPU fan running so slow?
Your CPU fan may be running too slow because of power settings in the PC for passive cooling, incorrect connector usage, or a faulty CPU fan header. Sometimes, a damaged wire for the fan, a worn-out fan bearing, or a change in BIOS settings can also make the fan run very slow.
- Power setting for passive cooling
- Incorrect connector usage
- Faulty CPU fan header
- Damaged wire for the fan
- Worn-out fan bearing
- Change in BIOS settings
The major risk associated with a slow-running CPU fan is that it may fry the CPU. The motherboard will get overheated and burnt. In some cases, the system may even shut down erratically. As a result, you may lose the content you have been working on.
How do I increase CPU fan speed?
To increase CPU fan speed, you can either change the BIOS settings or use CPU fan software that you normally use to check the CPU fan speed.
These two options can not only help you to identify the current speed but also increase or decrease it as required. You can also get a new heatsink installed in place of the old one.
The BIOS setting change is the most preferred option and you can follow the same steps given below for lowering the speed. The only difference is that you have to choose a higher speed than the already set speed.
- Restart the computer if it’s ON or turn it ON if it’s in the switched OFF state.
- Press the button specified on the Power-On Self-Test screen to access the BIOS settings.
- Scroll to the submenu named Monitor or Status using the arrow keys of the keyboard.
- Open the submenu and choose the Fan Speed Control option.
- Choose the CPU fan for which you want to increase the speed and press Enter.
- Select a speed higher than the speed that is presently set from the given RPM list. The PWM controller of the motherboard will not permit setting the speed higher than the rated speed of the fan.
- Press the ESC button continuously until you reach the Exit menu.
- Choose the Save Changes and Reset option to confirm your changes. The computer will restart automatically to reflect the changes. If not, you can do a reset yourself.
How to adjust CPU fan speed?
You can follow the steps given above to increase or decrease the CPU fan speed to adjust the speed according to your preference.
The most common methods of adjusting CPU fan speed is through BIOS settings and using dedicated software
- BIOS settings
- CPU fan Software
BIOS settings
You can follow the steps given in the ’How do I slow down my CPU fan speed?’ and ’How do I increase CPU fan speed?’ sections above to adjust the CPU fan speed to the speed of your preference.
Software
You can use the software mentioned in the ’How do I slow down my CPU fan speed?’ section to adjust the fan settings. Once you open the software, you will find the option to adjust the speed of the CPU fan.
How to adjust the CPU fan speed in BIOS?
You can adjust the CPU fan speed following the same steps mentioned earlier to increase or decrease the fan speed using BIOS. This is the most commonly used method and is completely free. Another advantage of using this method is that there is no need to install separate software for the adjustment.
How to adjust the CPU fan speed in Windows 10?
You can adjust the CPU fan speed in Windows 10 using the BIOS settings or the Fan Speed Setting App from the Microsoft Store. Alternatively, you can download any of the various other control software or Apps from the Internet.
- Adjust the CPU fan speed following the steps given earlier for increasing or decreasing the CPU fan speed.
- Download and install the fan speed setting App from the Microsoft Store. This App helps to set up and control the fan speed as well as control the temperature of the system.
- Download and install one of the several control software available. Such software can be used to control the fan speed automatically. SpeedFan, HWMonitor, Corsair Link, and HWiNFO are some good choices.
How to adjust CPU fan speed with SpeedFan?
You can adjust the CPU fan speed with SpeedFan if the motherboard is capable of adjusting the fan speeds dynamically.
Manual adjustment:
- Download and install SpeedFan from the http://almico.com/sfdownload.php Ensure that the motherboard is capable of scanning various sensors.
- Press the Configure button to open the Configure window.
- Set the CPU fan value to 100% and check the Set fans to 100% on the Program exit checkbox.
- Click the Advanced tab.
- Select the CPU from the dropdown list.
- Click on your CPU fan list based on what port it is connected to and what cable is used to connect the fan to the motherboard.
- Set the value for the selected fan to Manual.
- Click OK to return to the main SpeedFan page and adjust upward or downward using the appropriate arrow key.
Automatic adjustment:
To adjust the CPU fan automatically, select the Automatic Fan Speed checkbox in the opening window.
How to fix CPU fan speed that is too high?
You can fix CPU fan speed that is too high by following the steps mentioned in the ’How do I slow down my CPU fan speed?’ above.
How to fix CPU fan speed that is too low?
You can fix CPU fan speed that is too low by following the steps mentioned in the ‘How do I increase CPU fan speed?’ above.
CPU fan speed showing 0 RPM BIOS
In case your BIOS shows the CPU fan speed as 0 RPM, you can check if the heatsink or fan is fitted properly and is not loose. You can also check if all the pins of the CPU plug are seated correctly in the connector. Check if the motherboard pins are clean and the fan wires are in good condition. If this is not the case, plug another fan into the motherboard and see whether you get a reading. If you do, replacing the cooler should work. If there is no reading, the controller is likely to have got fried.
Is 1000 RPM good for a CPU fan?
1000 RPM is often considered to be low for a CPU fan. However, some users prefer to have this setting for their CPU fan. They find that that this RPM is fine when the CPU is not under load. The RPM will increase as the CPU heats up with use.
Is 1500 RPM good for a CPU fan?
A few users have found that 1500 RPM is good enough for a single CPU cooler fan. Some others have also found this to be a good speed for stock Intel processors. However, you might also want to consider other factors such as ambient temperatures of the case and room, airflow, fan orientation, and temperatures of other components.
Is 1200 RPM fan enough?
There are users who feel that 1200 RPM is good enough for a 120mm fan if it has a power rating in the range of 50 to 75 watts. If the fan size is 140mm, 1,200 RPM is alright when the power is between 75 and 100 watts.
Is 2000 RPM CPU fan speed normal?
2000 RPM may be normal for the CPU fan speed if it’s not under load. However, if it does not change even under load, there might be a problem. This could be because the fan is plugged into the AUX fan port instead of the CPU fan port. Also, if the fan size is small, 2000 RPM may make the fan noisy.
Why is my CPU fan running at 3000 RPM?
Your CPU fan may be running at 3000 RPM because it’s not of PWM type. As a result, the motherboard isn’t able to control it properly. In this case, a fan controller can help. However, for some stock processors, this is the ideal RPM. Depending on the fan size, this RPM can cause the fan to spin with noise. It’s also normal for a fan to run at 3000 RPM if the fan is under load.
Why is my CPU fan running at 4000 RPM?
Your CPU fan may be running at 4000 RPM if it’s under load and the CPU temperature is high. Otherwise, it’s possible that the fan is dirty. Dust on the CPU case can also trigger such a high speed. When it is cleaned, the RPM will go down. You can also consider reapplying a thermal paste.
CPU Fan Speed Error detected
The CPU fan Speed Error is likely due to the usage of a liquid cooling system. It’s not common in air-cooled systems. This is what you can do if you encounter this problem on a Windows 10 system.
- Enter the BIOS screen using the specified key during boot up.
- Select Advanced Mode.
- Click the Fan Control section/Monitoring tab.
- Set the CPU Q-FAN Control – Enabled or Disabled setting to Enabled.
- Set the CPU Fan Speed Low Limit setting to Ignore.
- Save the settings and quit the BIOS screen.
- Restart the computer to check if the problem has been resolved.
You can also do a BIOS update or check the pump connection to avoid getting the Speed Error.
How to adjust the CPU fan speed in HP laptops
The CPU fan speed in an HP laptop cannot be changed manually. Also, over-throttling or overclocking can damage the hardware components.
- Owners of HP Omen 15-Ax248tx laptops prefer using a laptop cooling pad when there is a rise in temperature as this prevents the fan from working at very high speeds.
- HP ZBook 15 users opt for using a thermal paste of high quality and Notebook Fan control software. This keeps the fan running at medium speed.
- Users of HP Pavilion 15 AB516TX opt for lowering the maximum processor state under Power Options to prevent overheating.
- Check if the BIOS version on your laptop is the latest and do an update if needed.
- For HP Pavilion DV7 laptops, setting the ‘Fan Always On’ option is a good way to prevent overheating of the CPU.
How to adjust the CPU fan speed in Lenovo laptops
On a Lenovo G580 and most other Lenovo laptops, you can check the BIOS settings for a fan regulating utility.
Alternatively, check for Power Options in the control panel and click the Advanced tab. In the advanced options for CPU, you can choose either Passive or Active depending on whether you want the fan cooling to be less or more.
- Download and install the latest BIOS version from the Lenovo Support page.
- Turn OFF the laptop and turn it ON again.
- Press the Delete key and hold it down to enter the BIOS settings screen.
- Use the arrow keys on the keypad to choose the System Monitor option and press Enter.
- Navigate to the Fan Control section.
- Choose the CPU Fan Speed Control section and change it from Automatic to Manual.
- Enter the speed percentage at which you want the fan to run. Type 100 for full speed. However, full speed is recommended only until the CPU is cooled effectively.
- Press F10 to reboot the laptop and allow the fan to run at the set speed.
For normal speed, revert the Manual setting to Automatic.
How to adjust CPU fan speed in Acer laptops
Acer laptops generally don’t support the adjustment of fan speeds unless they are gaming laptops. However, with an Acer V5 471 PG, the best thing you can do is to check the laptop’s power settings.
- Click Start and access the Control Panel.
- Click Hardware and Sound followed by Power Options.
- Click Change Plan Settings followed by Change Advanced Power Settings to open the Power Options dialog box.
- Click the Advanced Settings tab and expand the Processor Power Management subsection.
- Select the System Cooling Policy option and open the dropdown list.
- Select Active if you want the CPU cooling fan to have a higher speed and Passive for a lower speed.
- Click Apply followed by OK.
Users of Acer Nitro 5 AN515-31 and Acer Predator have achieved optimum fan speed using third-party software like Nitrosense and Argus Monitor. Cleaning the fans of dust and debris and using a cooling pad is also found to be helpful.
How to adjust the CPU fan speed in Asus laptops
You can use the BIOS setting or third-party software to adjust the fan speed in your Asus laptop.
- On an Asus ROG Strix GL531, you can try setting the Balanced Mode in the Power Options section so that the laptop remains cool during operation.
- If you own an Asus Z390I along with a Noctura L9I, you can connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU fan header. The heatsink cable should also support a 4-pin connection for speed control.
- Another option for Owners of Asus K52F laptops is to open the laptop and clean the fan off dirt and dust. They can also use third-party software like SpeedFan.
How to adjust the CPU fan speed in Dell laptops
It’s recommended that you don’t adjust the CPU fan speed in any Dell laptop irrespective of the series. However, if you must do so, you can follow the steps given below for XPS, Inspiron, Precision, or Latitude series laptops.
- Download and install a utility tool like I8kfanGUI.
- Open the utility after the installation is complete.
- Click the radio button under the Main operating mode subsection. This helps you to choose a fan policy from one of the following options.
- Manual fan control – You can adjust the fan speed manually using a slider bar.
- Automatic temperature control – To set the fan speed policy based on the laptop’s temperature.
- Select the check box for each fan you want to adjust the speed if you have selected the Manual fan control option mentioned in Step 3. Move the slider bar until you have set the desired temperature. Click Apply to confirm the changes.
- Click Options if your choice was Automatic temperature control in Step 3.
- Open the Temperature Control tab to define the fan control policy.
- In the Select temperature policy dropdown list, choose an appropriate option.
- Click the CPU tab to assign a fan policy for each temperature sensor.
- Open the dropdown lists under the Temp Level section and set the temperature range as well as fan speed for each fan.
- Click OK followed by Close to minimize the utility tool.
How to adjust the CPU fan speed in MacBook Pro
The CPU fans of the MacBook Pro usually adjust themselves automatically. However, if you want a manual adjustment, download and install the Macs Fan Control App and follow these steps.
- Open the Macs Fan Control App.
- Click Custom on the left-hand side next to each fan to adjust the speed based on the sensor temperature or RPM value.
- Click Auto to return to the default value.