What’s The Normal CPU Fan Speed For PC and Laptop

Is a CPU fan speed at 3500 RPM normal? Explaining the ideal CPU fan speed.

What are the best fan settings for PC to maintain normal CPU fan speed?

Lately, a lot of users are asking about what’s a good fan rpm for gaming. The reason behind such queries is the loud noisy fan and the abrupt increase in the CPU temperature range.

In this article we have explained the normal CPU fan RPM and what should your fan speed be while playing games?

Why would you increase your CPU fan Speed?

Under normal circumstances, experts don’t recommend increasing the fan speed of a PC or a laptop.

The reason behind this is that the default fan control settings are set to automatically sync with the CPU temperature.

Mainly it’s the computer’s BIOS that handles the fan settings and you will require to dig deep to change CPU fans’ speed.

Also when you have set the speed to Auto in BIOS then you won’t need to monitor the CPU fan RPM at all times.

Especially, if you have a gaming PC and you have set the CPU fan RPM manually or using PC fan control software you can’t switch games and see the fan and temp status.

What’s the normal CPU fan speed for PC?

What RPM would be normal for my CPU fan?

The normal CPU fan speed varies from one manufacturer to another. Additionally, you can also check your CPU specification for the RPM of the CPU fan.

Typically, 3,500RPM to 4,000RPM are considered to be the normal RPM for CPU fans.

  • Low RPM: 2,000 RPM and below
  • Normal RPM: 3,500-4,000 RPM
  • Max RPM: 5,000 RPM and above

If your CPU fan doesn’t fit in the above equation then running a CPU fan at 70% of total RPM or above is the recommended CPU fan speed range.

What’s the good fan RPM for gaming?

While gaming you should always check CPU temperature and when it reaches 70C setting RPM at 100% will be a good idea.

Between 50C to 55C you can set the speed at 50% of total RPM.

If you are using a CPU fan-specific tool i.e. MSI Command Center to control fan speed.

Then consider best fan settings for gaming PC as:

  • 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

How do I check my CPU fan speed?

There are two methods to check the CPU fan speed of your PC and laptop. Either go into system BIOS or Download fan speed controller software.

Check Fan Speed in BIOS

  • Restart your PC and while booting up press the F12 or Delete key to enter into BIOS.
  • Use Arrows keys to click on Settings and go to the Hardware settings.
  • Click on Fan settings to see the current CPU fan speed.

Download Fan Control Software

The easiest method to check fan speed is to download free CPU fan control software.

The most famous tools are SpeedFan, MSI Afterburner, HWMonitor, and Argus Monitor.

You can download these tools on your PC or laptop and instantly check CPU fan speed RPM.

Why is my CPU Fan Running so Fast?

If your CPU fan runs very fast or at 100% all the time then there are chances that:

  • Fan sensors are faulty
  • Fan bearing or fins are broken
  • CPU heatsink is malfunctioning
  • Dust and debris accumulated in the PC fans
  • Incorrect BIOS settings
  • Incorrect plugging of ports

What’s the best fan speed for GPU while gaming?

Many users on the forums ask that what is the normal fan speed for GPU while gaming. It is recommended to leave the GPU fan speed to Auto.

It’s quiet and cool this way. Don’t try to set the custom fan curve to reach lower temps for GPU.

Although you will hear more noise at higher fan speed but it will lead to better performance of GPU.

If you still need a chart then consider:

  • 0% fan speed until 40C
  • 1:1 Fan speed to temp until 55C
  • 70% fan speed at 65C
  • 85% fan speed at 75C
  • 100% fan speed at 85C

Is 1000 – 1200 RPM is a normal CPU fan speed?

These RPMs are quite low as compared to the normal CPU fan speed. But if your CPU fan size is 120mm or 140mm then 1200 RPM will be a normal CPU fan speed.

Is 5000 RPM CPU fan normal?

The CPU fan RPM at this range is normal only if you are running resources intensive task.

On the contrary, if CPU Fan RPM is 5000 when you aren’t running any heavy task. Then you should check the fan it may be faulty.

What to do if CPU fan speed showing 0 RPM BIOS?

While checking the CPU fan speed via BIOS or software if you are seeing 0 RPM then make sure that:

  • Heatsink or Fan is seated properly
  • Check CPU plug pins and connectors
  • Motherboard pins are clean

CPU Fan Speed Error detected

If you are dealing with CPU fan error while booting up PC then read our thorough guide to fix this problem: Fix: CPU Fan Error on Boot [ASUS, Megatrends]

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