In this article, we will guide you through the process of controlling the fan speed on your Ubuntu system. This can be particularly useful if you want to reduce noise or manage the temperature of your system. We will cover several methods, including using lm-sensors and fancontrol, thinkfan (for ThinkPad users), checking UEFI/BIOS settings, and i8kutils (for Dell computers).
It is possible to control fan speed on Ubuntu using various methods such as lm-sensors and fancontrol, thinkfan (for ThinkPad users), checking UEFI/BIOS settings, and i8kutils (for Dell computers). These tools allow you to adjust fan speed to manage system temperature and reduce noise.
Using lm-sensors and fancontrol
The lm-sensors and fancontrol packages are powerful tools for controlling fan speed. Here’s how to use them:
- Install the lm-sensors and fancontrol packages. You can do this by running the following command in the terminal:
sudo apt-get install lm-sensors fancontrol - Configure lm-sensors. Run
sudo sensors-detectand answer YES to all questions. This will detect all sensor chips on your system. - Edit the /etc/modules file. Insert the modules detected by sensors-detect into this file. You can use any text editor for this, such as nano or vim.
- Start the kmod service. This will load the new modules into the kernel. Use the command
sudo service kmod start. - Configure fancontrol. Run
sudo pwmconfigand follow the prompts to detect and configure fans. - Fine-tune the fan settings. Edit the /etc/fancontrol file to adjust the fan speed according to your preference.
- Start the fancontrol service. This will apply the changes. Use the command
sudo service fancontrol start.
Using thinkfan (for ThinkPad users)
If you’re using a ThinkPad, you can use the thinkfan package to control fan speed:
- Install the thinkfan package. Run
sudo apt-get install thinkfan. - Enable fan control. Edit the /etc/modprobe.d/thinkfan.conf file to set
options thinkpad_acpi fan_control=1. - Set thinkfan to start on boot. Edit the /etc/default/thinkfan file to set
START=yes. - Detect your laptop’s sensors. Run
sudo sensors-detect. - Configure thinkfan. Copy the paths of the sensors into the /etc/thinkfan.conf file and set the fan speed levels.
- Reboot your system. This will apply the changes.
Checking UEFI/BIOS settings
In some cases, you can control fan speed directly from the UEFI/BIOS setup:
- Restart your computer and enter the UEFI/BIOS setup. The key to press during boot to enter the setup varies by manufacturer.
- Look for a fan control setting. This is usually under the Hardware Monitor, System Health, or similar section.
- Adjust the setting according to your preference. You can usually choose between different modes such as Silent, Performance, Full Speed, or Customize.
Using i8kutils (for Dell computers)
Dell computer users can use the i8kutils package to control fan speed:
- Install the i8kutils package. Run
sudo apt-get install i8kutils. - Force the loading of the i8k kernel module if necessary. This can be done by adding
i8kto /etc/modules. - Configure i8kutils. Follow the instructions provided in the i8kutils documentation to configure fan control.
Conclusion
Controlling fan speed on Ubuntu can help manage system temperature and reduce noise. However, it’s important to be cautious when modifying system settings and always save your work before making changes. With the methods described in this article, you should be able to control fan speed on your Ubuntu system effectively.
Yes, you can control the fan speed on any Ubuntu system by following the methods described in this article.
Yes, depending on the method you choose, you may need to install lm-sensors, fancontrol, thinkfan, or i8kutils packages. Instructions for installing these packages are provided in the article.
While lm-sensors and fancontrol can be used to control fan speed on some systems, ThinkPad users are recommended to use thinkfan, as it is specifically designed for ThinkPad laptops. Instructions for using thinkfan are provided in the article.
Modifying UEFI/BIOS settings can be safe if done correctly. However, it’s important to be cautious and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to save your work before making any changes.
The i8kutils method described in this article is specifically for Dell computers. Other methods, such as lm-sensors and fancontrol, can be used on any Ubuntu system, including Dell computers.
Yes, by adjusting the fan speed, you can reduce the noise generated by the fans on your system. Lowering the fan speed can make your system quieter.
Yes, by increasing the fan speed, you can enhance airflow and cooling, which helps in managing the system temperature. It can be particularly useful during heavy usage or in hot environments.
It depends on the method you choose. Some methods may require a system reboot for the changes to take effect, while others may not. Follow the instructions provided in the article for each method to ensure the changes are applied correctly.
