Is your ASRock PC sounding like a jet engine even when you’re just browsing the web? You’re not alone. Many users struggle with noisy fans that either run too fast or don’t cool properly. The good news? ASRock fan control is easier than you think, and you can fix those noisy fans in just a few minutes.
ASRock fan control lets you adjust how fast your computer fans spin based on temperature. Think of it like a smart thermostat for your PC. When your computer gets hot, the fans speed up to cool things down. When temperatures drop, the fans slow down to reduce noise. This automatic adjustment keeps your system cool while minimizing fan noise.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to control fan speeds on your ASRock motherboard using both BIOS/UEFI settings and A-Tuning software. Whether you have a gaming rig or a work computer, these steps will help you achieve the perfect balance between cooling performance and noise level.
Understanding ASRock Fan Control Basics
ASRock motherboards give you several ways to control your fans. The main methods are through the BIOS/UEFI settings and the A-Tuning software. Both methods let you adjust how fast your fans spin at different temperatures.
Your ASRock board can control different types of fans:
- CPU cooling fans (the fan on your processor)
- Case fans (intake and exhaust fans in your computer case)
- Liquid cooling pump fans (if you have a water cooler)
- System fans (additional cooling fans)
Modern ASRock motherboards support both 3-pin (DC voltage control) and 4-pin (PWM control) fans. The 4-pin PWM fans offer more precise speed control and are recommended for the best results.
How to Access Fan Settings in BIOS/UEFI
The BIOS/UEFI is the most reliable way to control your ASRock fan speeds. It works without any software and applies your settings immediately when you turn on your computer.
Getting into the BIOS:
- Restart or turn on your computer
- Press the F2 or Delete key repeatedly as soon as you see the ASRock logo
- If you have fast boot enabled, you might need to press the key multiple times quickly
Finding Fan Settings:
- Once in BIOS, press F6 to switch to Advanced mode (you might already be in Advanced mode)
- Go to the “H/W Monitor” tab (Hardware Monitor)
- Look for settings like “CPU Fan 1 Setting,” “Chassis Fan 1 Setting,” etc.
- Each fan will have its own control options
The fan settings might be hidden if you’re in EZ mode. That’s why pressing F6 for Advanced mode is important. The Hardware Monitor tab is where all the magic happens for ASRock fan control.
Using A-Tuning Software for Fan Control
If you prefer not to enter the BIOS, ASRock provides software called A-Tuning that lets you control fan speeds from within Windows. This method is easier for beginners but requires the software to be running in the background.
Downloading and Installing A-Tuning:
- Go to the ASRock website
- Find your motherboard model
- Go to the Support tab and click Download
- Select your operating system
- Download the ASRock Motherboard Utility (A-Tuning)
- Install the software following the on-screen instructions
Using A-Tuning for Fan Control:
- Open the A-Tuning application
- Go to the “FAN-Tastic Tuning” tab
- Select the fan you want to control from the dropdown menu
- Choose whether to monitor CPU temperature or motherboard temperature
- Adjust the temperature vs. fan speed graph by dragging the circles
- Click “Apply” to save your settings
A-Tuning is great for quick adjustments, but remember that it needs to be running for your settings to work. For permanent settings, BIOS control is better.
Mastering FAN-Tastic Tuning
FAN-Tastic Tuning is ASRock’s special feature that helps you create the perfect fan curve. It’s available both in the BIOS and in the A-Tuning software.
What is FAN-Tastic Tuning? FAN-Tastic Tuning tests your fans to find their minimum and maximum speeds. Then it creates a smart fan curve that balances noise and cooling. This feature is especially useful if you’re not sure what settings to use.
Using FAN-Tastic Tuning in BIOS:
- Enter BIOS and go to Advanced mode (F6)
- Navigate to the H/W Monitor tab
- Select “Fan Tuning” option
- The system will test each fan automatically
- After testing, click OK to apply the settings
- Save changes and exit (F10)
The automatic tuning usually creates a good balance, but you can still adjust the settings manually afterward if needed.
Custom Fan Curves: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a custom fan curve gives you complete control over when and how fast your fans spin. This is perfect for gamers and power users who want specific cooling performance.
Creating a Custom Fan Curve in BIOS:
- Enter BIOS and go to Advanced mode
- Navigate to H/W Monitor tab
- Select the fan you want to customize
- Change the setting from “Silent/Standard/Performance” to “Customize”
- You’ll see a graph with temperature on one axis and fan speed on the other
- Set the temperature points and corresponding fan speeds
- Make sure each successive speed is higher than the previous one
- Save your changes and exit
Recommended Fan Curve Settings:
- 40°C or below: 20-30% fan speed (quiet)
- 50°C: 40-50% fan speed
- 60°C: 60-70% fan speed
- 70°C: 80-90% fan speed
- 80°C or above: 100% fan speed (maximum cooling)
This curve keeps your PC quiet during normal use but provides plenty of cooling when things get hot.
PWM vs DC Control: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the difference between PWM and DC control is important for proper fan configuration. Your ASRock motherboard supports both types, but they work differently.
DC Control (3-pin fans):
- Controls fan speed by changing the voltage
- Lower voltage = slower fan speed
- Less precise control
- Works on any fan header
- Older technology
PWM Control (4-pin fans):
- Controls fan speed using digital signals
- More precise speed control
- Better for quiet operation
- Requires 4-pin fan and 4-pin motherboard header
- Modern technology
How to Choose:
- If you have 4-pin fans, use PWM control for best results
- If you have 3-pin fans, use DC control
- Check your fan’s connector to see which type you have
- Most modern fans are 4-pin PWM
In the BIOS, you’ll find the Control Mode setting where you can choose between PWM and DC for each fan.
Silent, Standard, and Performance Modes Explained
ASRock provides three preset fan modes that make it easy to choose your preferred balance between noise and cooling.
Silent Mode:
- Prioritizes quiet operation
- Fans run at lower speeds
- Might result in higher temperatures
- Best for office computers and quiet environments
- Not recommended for gaming or heavy workloads
Standard Mode:
- Balanced between noise and cooling
- Good all-around choice
- Works well for most users
- Suitable for light gaming and general use
- The default setting for most motherboards
Performance Mode:
- Maximum cooling priority
- Fans run at higher speeds
- Louder but keeps temperatures low
- Best for gaming and heavy workloads
- Not ideal if you want a quiet PC
How to Change Modes:
- Enter BIOS and go to Advanced mode
- Navigate to H/W Monitor tab
- Find your fan setting (CPU Fan 1 Setting, etc.)
- Choose between Silent, Standard, or Performance
- Save changes and exit
Most users find that Standard mode works well for everyday use, while gamers might prefer Performance mode.
Troubleshooting Common Fan Control Issues
Sometimes things don’t work as expected. Here are solutions to the most common ASRock fan control problems.
Fans Running at Full Speed All the Time:
- Check if fan control is enabled in BIOS
- Make sure you’re not in Performance mode
- Verify the fan is properly connected
- Try resetting BIOS to default settings
Fans Not Spinning at All:
- Check fan connections to motherboard
- Make sure fan isn’t set to “Off” in BIOS
- Test the fan on a different header
- The fan might be defective
Settings Not Saving After Reboot:
- Make sure you’re saving changes before exiting BIOS
- Check if A-Tuning is overriding BIOS settings
- Try clearing CMOS and resetting BIOS
- Update your motherboard BIOS
Fans Too Loud After Tuning:
- Reset to Standard mode
- Lower the maximum fan speed in your custom curve
- Make sure temperature thresholds are reasonable
- Check for dust buildup in fans and heatsinks
A-Tuning Not Detecting Fans:
- Make sure A-Tuning is updated
- Check fan connections
- Try running as administrator
- Use BIOS control instead
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hardware Monitor tab in ASRock BIOS?
The Hardware Monitor tab is where you’ll find all fan control settings in your ASRock BIOS. It shows real-time temperatures, fan speeds, and voltage readings. To access it, press F6 for Advanced mode, then look for the “H/W Monitor” tab. This tab contains settings for CPU fans, chassis fans, and temperature monitoring options. You can adjust fan speeds, change control modes, and set temperature sources from this section.
Where do I find temperature source settings for ASRock fans?
Temperature source settings determine which temperature sensor your fans respond to. You can usually choose between CPU temperature or motherboard temperature. To find these settings, enter BIOS, go to Advanced mode (F6), navigate to H/W Monitor tab, and look for “Temperature Source” options next to each fan setting. For CPU fans, it’s best to monitor CPU temperature, while chassis fans work well monitoring motherboard temperature.
How do I configure step up/down settings in ASRock BIOS?
Step up/down settings control how quickly your fans change speed when temperatures change. Lower values mean faster transitions, while higher values make changes more gradual. To configure these, enter BIOS, go to Advanced mode, navigate to H/W Monitor tab, and look for “Step Up” and “Step Down” options. For gaming, faster transitions (lower values) work better, while for general use, slower transitions provide a quieter experience.
Why are my fans so loud after running FAN-Tastic Tuning?
FAN-Tastic Tuning sometimes sets fans to be more aggressive than necessary. If your fans are too loud after tuning, try these fixes: First, reset to Standard mode in BIOS. If that doesn’t help, manually adjust the fan curve to lower speeds at lower temperatures. You can also try running the tuning again, as results can vary. Remember that some noise is normal when your PC is under heavy load.
Can I control GPU fans with ASRock fan control software?
No, ASRock fan control only works with fans connected to your motherboard headers. GPU fans are controlled separately by your graphics card’s own software or BIOS. For NVIDIA cards, use software like MSI Afterburner. For AMD cards, use AMD WattMan. Some GPU manufacturers also provide their own control software. However, you can set up case fans to respond to GPU temperature using third-party software like FanControl.
What’s the best fan curve for gaming on ASRock motherboards?
For gaming, you want a fan curve that keeps your components cool without being too loud. A good gaming curve might be: 30% speed at 40°C, 50% at 55°C, 70% at 65°C, 90% at 75°C, and 100% at 85°C. This keeps your PC quiet during light gaming but ramps up cooling during intense sessions. You can adjust these values based on your specific components and noise tolerance.
Why doesn’t my ASRock fan control save settings?
If your fan settings don’t save after reboot, try these solutions: First, make sure you’re properly saving changes in BIOS (press F10 and confirm). Second, check if A-Tuning is overriding your BIOS settings and disable it if needed. Third, try clearing your CMOS by removing the motherboard battery for a few minutes. Finally, update your BIOS to the latest version, as this often fixes saving issues.
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- BIOS Key for MSI Motherboard – Learn how to access BIOS on different motherboards
- Gigabyte Motherboard BIOS Setup – More BIOS troubleshooting tips
