PC fans may run loudly, depending on your system’s specifications and usage. High-end computers or gaming PCs with large casings produce more noise due to excess fans in the design frame, while home desktops often come with a single fan that can get loud. For a few users, noisy fans can be irritating.
The most effective solution to make PC fans quitter is using third-party software to control all the installed fans. You can adjust the speed of each fan manually to maintain noise levels. It is also possible to decrease fan noise by cleaning the fans/vents or closing resource-heavy programs.
PC fans that make loud noise all the time might be alarming and result in computer damage.
This article will discuss five effective methods to make PC fans quieter. We will elaborate on each technique with a step-by-step approach to help you do this task easily.
Reasons for Loud PC Fans
There are several reasons why your PC fans are running louder than before.
- Your PC fans are becoming dirty due to dust collection, making a loud noise at high speed.
- Lack of ventilation increases heat in PC components, forcing fans to circulate faster.
- Excess programs/apps running on PC produce more heat, creating stress on the machine, and causing PC fans to run at maximum speed.
- Fault fan hardware can also cause loud fan noise with a rattle.
Making PC Fans Quieter
Every significant component has a dedicated cooling fan for most gaming PCs, including the graphics card and processor. Due to excess usage and heat generation, the PC fans might become noisy.
So, let’s discuss making PC fans quieter by utilizing 5 step-by-step methods.
Method #1: Make Room for Ventilation
The first method is about adjusting your system unit in a suitable direction to increase the airflow.
- Understand your PC’s air intake and exhaust sections.
- Ensure there is no blockage on either side.
- Avoid placing your system unit in enclosed cabinets as it may block the air circulation.
Method #2: Clean the Fans and Vents
PC fans collect dust due to excessive circulation. To clean the fans, follow these steps.
- Carefully remove the side panel of your system unit.
- Use an air blower to pass high-pressure air through fans and vents inside the casing.
- You can use a brush with soft bristles to remove dust particles from air vents.
- Attach the side panel firmly to secure.
Do not clean the dust from the internal components of your PC with a wet cloth as it might leave moisture inside the electric elements causing a short circuit.
Method #3: Force Stop Programs
If your PC is working under a heavy workload due to background processes, it increases stress on the PC, producing excessive heat. In this case, fans run louder, even in an idle state. You can easily disable background running programs by following these steps.
- Right-click the taskbar and select “Task Manager” from the pop-up menu.
- Open the “Processes“ tab and scroll down to the “Background Processes” section.
- Find the process consuming the most CPU and RAM usage and right-click on its name.
- Select the “End Task” option to terminate the process from running in the background.
The processing unit is the most affected component due to excess workload. Consider applying the thermal cooling paste to the processor to maintain temperatures under stress.
Method #4: Use Fan Controlling Applications
If your system is still running hot and you don’t know how to manage heat, follow these four steps to adjust the fan speed to make PC fans quieter manually.
Step #1: Install and Run the Application
First, you must download and install Argus Monitor for your computer system. It will only take a few minutes for the software to recognize the fan configuration and the number of fans on your system. After installation, run the Argus Monitor from your desktop or Start menu.
Step #2: Switch the Fan Control
Since system BIOS automatically controls the fans, you’ll have to make the changes manually. After opening the Argus Monitor Application, go to “Main Board” > “Fan Control“, and you’ll find the names of all the fans on your PC. Select the menu next to the fan RPM and change the option to “Manual Controlled“.
Step #3: Adjust the Fan Speed
A slider will appear next to the fan name once you switch to the “Manual Controlled” settings. The slider indicates the fan speed percentage next to it in the rectangular box. Slide the seek to the lowest point for reducing the particular fan speed and click “Apply“.
Step #4: Save Settings
Finally, you must repeat steps #2 and #3 with all the fans showing in Argus Monitor. Once you are done adjusting all the fans, check to mark the “Apply Settings at Startup” button before closing the application.
You have successfully made fans quieter by manually controlling the fan speed.
Replacing PC Fans
If none of the above methods have worked to make PC fans quieter, it’s time to consider replacing or upgrading them. Follow these steps to replace fans on your system unit.
- Unplug your PC and remove the side panel of the system unit.
- Take a Philips screwdriver to detach fans from your PC’s casing carefully.
- Unplug the fans you need to replace by removing their wired connection from the motherboard.
- Install the new fans by screwing them in the same place.
- Attach the new fans with the motherboard and carefully put back the lid.
Summary
In this guide about how to make PC fans quieter, we shared the recommended steps you can perform at home by yourself. Following the above methods, you won’t have to bear loud screaming fans while operating your PC.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is bearable if the PC fans make low-frequency noise of 30 decibels, and a noise level of 40 decibels can get pretty loud. It isn’t comforting, especially if you’re gaming and streaming simultaneously.
