Key Points
- There are multiple methods to turn off or slow down a computer fan, including unplugging it from the motherboard, changing the fan speed in the BIOS, using software to adjust fan speed, and troubleshooting the power supply fan.
- Unplugging the fans can make the computer quieter but may cause overheating, so it’s important to monitor temperatures and reconnect the fans if necessary.
- Changing the fan speed in the BIOS or using software to control fan speeds can provide quieter options and allow for custom fan curves.
- If the power supply fan is too loud, cleaning it with compressed air is recommended, but replacing the power supply is the best solution if the noise persists.
- Loud computer fans can be a sign of overheating, software issues, or worn-out bearings, and cleaning the computer and its fans can help improve airflow and reduce noise.
Does your computer sound like a jet engine whenever you turn it on? Loud fans can be bothersome.
There are many different ways to adjust the speed of your computer’s fans. Computer fans are designed to follow a speed curve, but sometimes that speed curve is far too aggressive.
In this article, we’ll show you how to turn off a computer fan or slow it down, which will make your computer much quieter. In a few simple steps, your computer will be as quiet as a mouse.
Method #1: Unplug the Fan
The easiest way to turn off a computer fan is to simply unplug it from the motherboard. It’s usually easy to follow the wires of your computer fans and find where they’re connected. Just remember, the fans are designed to keep your computer cool.
It’s not recommended to unplug the fan connected to your CPU cooler. Unplugging the fans will make your computer much quieter but it will also increase temperatures. If you unplug all the fans and use your computer for resource-intensive tasks, it may overheat. When your computer overheats, it might throttle, which reduces the performance. It’s recommended to monitor temperatures while the fans are unplugged.
When the temperatures increase too much, it’s best to shut down the computer and reconnect the fans. Remember, CPUs are capable of handling high temperatures, but it’s recommended to ensure that the CPU temperature stays below 90 degrees Celsius. If your CPU reaches its maximum temperature, your computer will automatically shut down. CPUs have a built-in failsafe to prevent them from burning up on the spot.
Method #2: Change the Fan Speed in the BIOS
Most computer fans follow a default speed curve that your motherboard assigns. You can change the default fan curve to a quieter option. A slow-spinning fan still provides a decent amount of airflow and should keep your computer cool enough.
Most PCs will have the option to change fan speeds from inside the BIOS settings. It’s often called Smart Fan Control or something similar, depending on the motherboard manufacturer. If you change the fan settings in the BIOS, you won’t have open software each time you want to adjust the fan speed.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Restart your computer.
- Press F2 or F9 or DELETE to open the BIOS before Windows boots.
- Look for an option for Fan Control.
- Change the fan preset from Standard to Silent (or create your curve).
- Save the changes and restart the computer.
To completely turn off the fans, you’ll want to select the specific fan, set a manual fan curve, and reduce the speed to zero percent. In most cases, changing the fan preset to Silent is the better option.
©History-Computer.com
Method #3: Use Software to Adjust Fan Speed
There are a lot of programs you can use to control fans. We recommend Fan Control, a lightweight and free program. Install Fan Control and let it run through the system sensor checks. It should detect your CPU, case fans, and graphics card.
The first time you launch Fan Control, it will ask you to label your fans. Once you complete that step, you can create custom fan curves for each of your fans.
To create a fan curve, press the + icon and select Add Flat Curve. Configure the curve’s set speed and assign it to one of your system fans.
The problem with using software to control your fan speeds is sometimes the settings don’t save. You might have to run the software each time your computer starts. Another downside is some system fans aren’t controllable or even detectable by software. Nevertheless, using software for fan control is a good way to test individual fans and create custom fan curves.
©History-Computer.com
Method #4: Troubleshoot Your Power Supply Fan
If you narrowed down the loud fan to your power supply, you have a couple of options. Your computer’s power supply has a fan, but you can’t control it from the BIOS or with software. In fact, there’s no way to manually adjust the speed of a power supply fan. There are some things you can try though.
For starters, you can try cleaning it with compressed air. Blowing the vents of your power supply with compressed air should dislodge the build-up of dust. There’s usually a dust filter below your power supply that should be frequently cleaned too.
We recommend cleaning the power supply as best as you can without opening it. While some people have replaced their power supply fans, it’s generally not recommended. Disassembling a power supply can be dangerous. If you cleaned your power supply and the fan is still too loud, it’s best to buy a new power supply.
Why Are My Computer Fans So Loud?
There are a number of reasons for computer fans being loud.
First of all, it’s best to check your computer’s internal temperatures. Loud fans are usually a sign that your computer is starting to overheat. Secondly, a software bug or an aggressive fan curve could be forcing the fan to spin much faster than it needs to. Finally, the fan could be old and the bearings are wearing down.
Most fans can last for many years but they are subject to wear and tear. The fans will also wear down faster in dusty environments. If you want to buy a new PC fan, take a look at this list.
Your computer could be in need of a deep clean. The intake and outtake fans on your computer are vital and should be clean to ensure sufficient airflow. It’s common for dust to build up on the intake fans, which blocks airflow. If your computer’s case has dust filters on the intake fans, clean them as best as possible. Dust mostly builds up on intake fans because those fans pull air into the case.
To learn more about why a computer fan is so loud, read this article.
Safety Tips When Troubleshooting Computer Fans
Turn Off Your Computer
Before turning off a computer fan, there are a few points to keep in mind. For starters, make sure your computer is turned off. As an extra precaution, we also recommend unplugging the power cable and flipping the switch on your power supply.
While it’s safe to unplug fans, you might touch another component and receive an electric shock or send a static discharge into your computer. To prevent that, you don’t want to have any power in your computer.
Hold the Fan Blades in Place
Before you spray your computer fans with compressed air, make sure to hold the blades in place. You don’t want the compressed air to make the fan blades spin because they can spin too fast and break.
Holding the fan in place also makes it easier to clean the individual fan blades. Once the dry dust is removed, use Q-tips dipped in Isopropyl Alcohol to wipe all the hard-to-reach crevices of the fan.
Clean Your Computer Outdoors
The best way to clean computer fans is with a can of compressed air. However, spraying compressed air into a dusty computer will send the dust into the air all around you. The solution to that is to take your computer outside or remove your fans and take them somewhere else before you spray them with compressed air.
Wrap Up
The best way to turn off a computer fan is to unplug it from the motherboard. If your fan is too loud, you can try changing the fan curve to a more silent option.
It could also be a sign that the fan is nearing its end of life and needs to be replaced. Finally, deep-cleaning your computer and its fans should keep the fans quiet and keep everything running smoothly.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©stockphoto-graf/Shutterstock.com.
