How do I control my stock CPU fan

[crossedoutt]

Yesterday, I downloaded speedfan to check my temps and stuff, and it looked like this at idle:

The fan was really loud, and 4000+ RPM seemed uneccessary for an idle computer, so I decided to go into BIOS and see what I could do. After tinkering with a few stuff, I ran across SmartFan controls with PWM controls, and I decided to mess around with it. It made my fan run at 2000~RPM, which was extremely quiet, and my temps didn't seem to drastically change, so I thought it was good, but I ran Prime95 and monitored the fan speeds, and they did not increase at all even at 100% load.

So I disabled SmartFan and now I'm back to where I started, but now it just maintains an RPM of 3500~. I ran Prime95 again, and the RPM didn't change at all. Here are some examples:

1. Before running Prime95 (idle)

2. Running Prime95 for 15 minutes

3. After closing Prime95 (idle)

Note how the fan basically stays the same throughout the whole ordeal. SmartFan was disabled and PowerNow was enabled in BIOS, and I'm running a balanced power option while doing this. I wonder why is isn't at 4000~ RPM anymore. I had it once at 4500 RPM.

If there's anything I can do to make my fan run more efficently, please tell me. Thanks =D

 

[Ubrales]

Between 2,000 and 2,600 RPM, with an occasional burst up to 3,200 RPM would be fine for a CPU fan. Tweak the settings in the BIOS and try to get close to these settings. Continuous RPMs higher than 3,500 will lead to premature failure (bearings), besides being too loud.

 

[crossedoutt]

I do not know how to do any of these things. I'm running a Biostar motherboard

 

[Ubrales]

I do not know how to do any of these things. I'm running a Biostar motherboard

You need to get into the BIOS during the start-up of the computer. In the BIOS on my computer it is under 'PC Health Status'. Then take a look at the CPU_FAN control setting. It will say something like "If the temp is >50 set speed to 100%" - "If the temp is <40 set the speed to 60%". These are settings that you dictate. It may take a few tries to get the optimum for your setup.

Studying the manual will help.

 

[crossedoutt]

My BIOS has something similar to that, called SmartFan. Exept when I tinker with it, it towers my RPM to around 2000

 

[Ubrales]

My BIOS has something similar to that, called SmartFan. Exept when I tinker with it, it towers my RPM to around 2000

2,000 RPM is great if the temps are acceptable.

 

[crossedoutt]

Yeah, but under 100% load it remains 2000

 

[Ubrales]

Yeah, but under 100% load it remains 2000

This is fine as long as the temps are not excessive. Right now, my CPU fan is running at 1,525 RPM and the CPU temp is 28 degrees C.

 

[crossedoutt]

But I'm using a phenom 965BE stock fan. I would imagine you have a aftermarker cooler that's many times better.

 

[Ubrales]

But I'm using a phenom 965BE stock fan. I would imagine you have a aftermarker cooler that's many times better.

My after-market heatsink is Cooler Master V8; just average quality.

 

[crossedoutt]

So having it at constant 2400~RPM is sufficent even when my pc goes into 100% load?

 

[Ubrales]

So having it at constant 2400~RPM is sufficent even when my pc goes into 100% load?

Yes! As long as the temps are acceptable, it is fine. The type of heatsink does not matter. Whether a fan cools it or someone blows on it, does not matter. All that matters is acceptable temps.

 

[crossedoutt]

Best answer selected by crossedoutt.

 

[Ubrales]

Thank you!