SpeedFan

SpeedFan is a freeware utility designed for Windows operating system that monitors fan speeds, system temperatures, voltages, and fan speeds. It can also adjust fan speeds based on temperature readings, providing a way to control system cooling and noise levels. The software accesses hardware monitoring chips present on most motherboards to gather its data.

The primary function of SpeedFan is to provide real-time system information to the user. This includes the current temperatures of various components such as the CPU, GPU, hard drives, and motherboard. It also reports the voltage levels of different power rails within the computer. Alongside these readings, SpeedFan displays the rotational speed of the system's fans, typically measured in revolutions per minute (RPM).

Beyond monitoring, SpeedFan offers control over fan speeds. Users can manually set fan speeds or configure them to adjust automatically based on preset temperature thresholds. This dynamic control can help reduce noise when the system is under light load and increase cooling performance when components are running hot. However, it's important to note that not all hardware is supported by SpeedFan, and aggressive fan control settings can potentially lead to overheating if not configured correctly. The software has been in development for many years and has a dedicated user base who often share custom configurations and troubleshooting tips.