Are you looking for a normal CPU fan speed range because you are worried about your PC temperature? Or what are the best fan settings for gaming PC?
Recently many PC users are complaining that their PC fans are making a loud noise or running at higher RPM while playing games, streaming, or when browsing. On the other hand, some users complain about the opposite. Their CPU fan speed is lower even at higher CPU temperatures.
So the genuine question arises what is a good fan rpm for gaming or is 1000 rpm good for case fans?
In this article, we have explained the recommended fan RPM for gaming PC. So you should better read it first before tweaking it with your CPU fan settings.
Why would you increase your CPU fan Speed?
Before we explain what is the ideal CPU fan speed it’s important to explain why would you increase fan speed.
Honestly, it’s not a good idea to change the CPU fan speed. The fan settings must always be left to Auto mode. Mainly it’s the BIOS that handles fan control settings. The default fan control settings automatically sync when the CPU temperature rises.
The reason for being left to Auto is that you aren’t going to monitor the CPU temperature all the time. Even if you have the best PC temp monitoring tool, you clearly cannot watch its temp status when surfing or playing games.
If you do want a quieter computer, the best option is to invest in the best aftermarket CPU cooler. They are far superior to the standard CPU in cooling and quieter.
Those who still don’t want to buy a CPU cooler need to tweak their BIOS settings and can use software to change the PC fan speed. At the same time, they must put clear focus that this speed must remain at all times within normal limits.
What is the ideal CPU fan speed while playing games?
The idea of monitoring CPU fan speed only pops up in mind when you are playing games and you started hearing loud noisy fan sounds.
That’s when most users get worried and install fan control software to monitor Fan RPM.
While looking at the main window of any fan control program you might see fan RPM around 2000 to 3000. Is it normal CPU fan speed?
Mainly it depends on which PC cooling solution you have. If you have the stock CPU fan, then running a fan at 70% of RPM or above will be the recommended CPU fan speed range.
For gamers when their CPU temperature reaches 70C, setting RPM at 100% is the ideal CPU fan speed. At 50C to 55C the normal CPU fan speed should be around 50% of total RPM.
Then again those who have installed MSI Command Center to manually control PC fan speed. This tool sets CPU fan speed at different temperatures.
For instance, the best fan settings for gaming PC should be:
- 0-40 degrees: 20% fan speed
- 40-55 degrees: 20% – 35% fan speed
- 55-70 degrees: 35% – 60% fan speed
- 70-100 degrees: 60% – 85% fan speed
This fan speed range may seem ideal to you but it’s wrong. A good rule of thumb is that when your CPU temperature reaches 70C when you need to take precautions and increase CPU fan speed to 100%.
Does PC Fan Speed even Matter?
Yes, a CPU fan is a very important hardware component that mainly focuses on preventing CPU overheating. It manages to speed accordingly to heat which builds up so to make the ideal CPU temperature within the case. The CPU fan speed proves to be a two-edged sword for the fan;
If the CPU fan runs at high RPM –
- CPU runs cooler at a normal temperature, life span increases, overclocking possibilities
- makes loud noise
- uses more power
- reduces the life span of the CPU fan
- Needs frequent cleaning
If Runs at a low RPM then –
- Remains quiet
- CPU overheats, shorter CPU life span, and More possibility of malfunction at high temperatures.
- uses less electricity power
- Longer CPU life span
- less frequent cleaning
Should I set CPU Fan Speed at 100%?
- Ideal CPU fan speed highly depends upon the design of your PC case.
- The optimal fan speed of the CPU should be sufficient to prevent overheating and keep the temperature within its’ safe zone at full load.
- There are many CPU fan speed controller software such as SpeedFan, MSI Afterburner, and dozens of manufacturer-specific motherboard control panels that allow you to adjust the fan speeds.
- Usually, these tools configure PC fan speed either at a fixed percentage of max speed or a curve based on the temperature readouts. The latter mode is preferable to the former.
- When your CPU is at a high temperature i.e 80C or more, the CPU fan speed should remain 100% constantly until the CPU cools itself down.
- Below that range, you can decide for yourself – at idle CPU temperatures, the ideal CPU fan speed must remain low enough to reduce the noise.
What is the Normal RPM Of the CPU fan?
Usually, the CPU fan speed depends upon the manufactures and the cooling solution you have in your system.
Typically, the normal RPM for CPU fans ranges 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?
Configuring the BIOS fan setting is the best method to check your CPU fan speed. However, users can also change fan speed using the software.
How to change fan speed in BIOS?
- Reboot your PC and if the computer is turned OFF, then first turn it ON.
- Press the Delete or F12 key to enter the BIOS system setup.
- Click on Settings and go to the Hardware settings.
- Click on Fan settings to see the current CPU fan speed.
How to change CPU fan RPM using the software?
There is plenty of third-party CPU fan control software out there that you can download on your PC. We recommend MSI Afterburner and SpeedFan for Windows PC.
If you have Mac OS then try downloading the Mac Fan Control utility.
Is 1000 – 1200 RPM a normal CPU fan speed?
Most CPU fans run at the speed of 5000 RPM. In that case, the 1000 to 1200 RPM is a bit low if you want your system to be cool at once.
To efficiently cool down your PC the normal RPM for your CPU fan should be around 3000 to 4000 RPM. This is
Then again it all depends upon the size of the fan. The RPM range may vary for small and large CPU fans. For instance, small fans might run at 3000 to 4000 RPM and transfer the same amount of fresh air that a large fan does at 1000 to 2000RPM.
Is 2000 RPM Good For CPU Fan?
If you want your PC to maintain a good temperature then running your CPU fan at 2000 RPM is a good idea. At this RPM you will also hear loud fan noise.
Not every fan needs to reach 2000 RPM. It’s because the size of fins determines the RPM if the fan has a bigger blade it can pump more air without running at 2000 RPM.
Is 5000 RPM Of CPU Fan Good?
The 5000 RPM CPU fan is the max range for any PC. Your CPU fan should only run at this high RPm if you are dealing with severe overheating.
Continuously running at this speed with damage the life span of the fan and its ball bearings.
Is 3000 RPM Too High For CPU?
It’s normal RPM for a CPU fan considering that you aren’t playing games or doing intensive work. Again the CPU fan speed and its RPM also depend on the size of the fan blades.
What Should Be the Best Fan Settings for Gaming PC?
If you are using a standard water cooler to cool down your CPU. Then the best CPU fan settings should be:
- Temp: 40°C speed: 50 RPM
- Temp: 50°C speed: 60 RPM
- Temp: 65°C speed: 70 RPM
- Temp: 70°C speed: 100 RPM
Although it’s quite rare in modern CPU to reach 70° C you should always set 100% RPM.
How Many Fans Does a Gaming PC Need?
Ideally, a gaming PC must have three case fans including a fan placed on GPU. It will help to properly regulate the heat and keep the components cool.
At the minimum, two case fans are needed for optimal cooling. An exhaust fan should be placed on the back panel, while an intake fan should be placed on the front pane
Does Increasing Fan Speed Increase Performance or FPS?
Yes, when you increase your CPU fan speed RPM it will result in lower temperatures and you will get better performance as well. If you are experiencing stutter then you will also get slightly better FPS in CPU-demanding games.
