Computer Fan Speed

Printer Friendly Version |

Like These Tips? Get Them Free In Your E-mail Everyday!

Currently 3.92/5
1
2
3
4
5

Rating: 3.9/5 (37 votes cast)

I received an e-mail earlier this week from a reader who was concerned about his computer's fan speed. During the course of normal operation, the fan would randomly go into a sort of “turbo mode”; spinning really fast for awhile and then going back to normal after a few minutes.

So why does this happen?

It's simply, really. Your computer is getting too hot and it needs to cool down a bit. There are temperature sensors on your motherboard that tell the fan to go into high-speed to air-out the inside of your case to do this. Some computers have been known to spin up fast right from the boot sequence, too. It's all dependent on the brand of computer, and how hot it tends to get. If you fan resumes normal speed, then you shouldn't worry. If it keeps going for extended amounts of time, you may want to relocate your computer case, or, if that doesn't help, you should consult a professional as your computer may be overheating.

~Andrew

Want to comment on this tip? Click here! We'd love to hear from you!

Do you know something helpful to add to this tip? Click Here and let us know. We'll share it with the world!

Your name:
Email:	Your email address will not be published.
Subject:
Your suggestion:	Please Note - Use this form ONLY if you have additional information you think should be added to this tip (For example, you have a better / faster way of doing it, an additional warning, etc). All submissions are moderated by WorldStart personnel and subject to our approval and / or revisions. If approved, your information will be added below for anyone visiting this page to see. If you have a comment or question, please do not use this form! Instead, use the "Tip Feedback" link above.

Suggestions from our readers!

Note: Reader suggestions may not have been tested by the Worldstart staff. Use at your own discretion

#1 : Computer Fan Speed Click to expand / collapse: Some PCs, such as mine, have a filter on the air inflow port. If this filter gets dirty enough, the air flow will be reduced. If you know how to remove and clean this filter, do remove and clean it. If it is washable and you wash it (usually just rinse with cool water) let it air dry before you replace it. Written By: Gregory Martin
#2 : Fan Speed 09/11/09 Click to expand / collapse: Another thing to check if your fan seems to be coming on more often or at a higher speed: are your vents clogged with dust? You may need to give the vents in your case a good cleaning with a can of compressed air! Written By: IH8FMS

Like these tips? Get them for FREE in your email!

Computer Tips with MS Office Tips Newsletter

Computer Tips Daily - Run your Windows PC like a pro! No matter what your skill level, beginner or advanced, you'll find tons of valuable tips, tricks, and ideas in every issue (plus great software deals). Become the computer guru you've always wanted to be! The tip you've just read was in this newsletter!
Computer Tips Weekly - If you don't want our Computer Tips newsletter every day, then sign up for this weekly newsletter to get the best information of the week. Sent on Fridays.

Other Newsletters

Software Deals - Every week, we send out great deals in our Software Deals newsletter. Many of these deals are exclusively for our Software Deals newsletter subscribers and can't be found with our regular specials.
Just For Grins - Each issue includes a couple clean jokes, some funny quotes, and a hilarious reader's story. Newsletter is sent five days a week.

Enter Email Address:

Your e-mail address is safe with us!
We only use it to send you the newsletters you request. It is NEVER disclosed to a third party for any reason, ever! Plus, if you decided you don't like our newsletters (don't worry, you'll love them), unsubscribing is fast and easy.

Computer Tips with MS Office Tips Newsletter

Speed Up Your Vista Searches

Cap Your Own Speed

23-in-1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Writer - $7.97