How To Keep GPU Fans Spinning

ByMarlo Strydom Updated on

GPUs have a feature that automatically turns off the fans when their temperature is around 104°F to 122°F (40°C to 50°C). This is the default setting for most mid-range and high-end GPUs, but how do you keep the GPU fans spinning at the right speeds?

You can keep the GPU fans spinning by creating custom profiles for your graphics card. A custom profile allows you to set the RPM for the fans depending on your GPU’s temperature. You can also use it to keep them spinning at a constant speed regardless of the temperature.

Although it’s easy to keep your GPU fans spinning all the time, there are still a few things that you need to know about GPU temperatures.

A graphics card with its fans spinning.

1. Download and Install GPU Software

You’ll need to use GPU software to create custom fan profiles to prevent your graphics card from activating Zero RPM mode.

Fan profiles allow you to create instructions that your VBIOS will follow when controlling speed and adjusting it depending on your GPU’s temperature.

If you’re using an AMD Radeon graphics card, you can use the AMD Radeon Software.

This gives you full control over the performance and configuration of your graphics card. Aside from the basic settings, this software can also help you optimize its performance autonomously without requiring inputs.

I recommend using MSI Afterburner if you’re using an Nvidia graphics card.

This is one of the most robust GPU software, giving you full control over your GPU settings, optimization, customization, and fan profiles.

It’s also compatible with non-MSI graphics cards, including AMD Radeon cards, making it one of the best programs to use if you want to get the most out of your graphics card.

I prefer using MSI Afterburner because of its compatibility with every graphics card. There won’t be a learning curve when you upgrade or change your GPU, which is common for PC enthusiasts.

You can plug the GPU into the motherboard, configure it with Afterburner, and already have your preferred settings.

You can also use other GPU software that you may already have installed. As long as it allows you to create custom fan profiles or curves, you can use it to keep your GPU fans spinning constantly.

Configuring it will be slightly different from what we’ll cover here, but the process will still be the same regardless of the software you’re using.

2. Create a Custom Fan Profile

A profile is a set of instructions that your GPU fans follow when you’re using your computer.

The fans and other video-related functions that computer programs need are controlled by the VBIOS (Video BIOS). Once you have a profile, the VBIOS will monitor your GPU temperature to adjust its speeds accordingly.

A custom fan profile would contain instructions like:

  • Spin at 0% when the temperature is below 104°F (40°C).
  • Spin at 50% when the temperature is 104°F to 140°F (40°C to 60°C).
  • Spin at 80% when the temperature is 141.8°F to 167°F (61°C to 75°C).
  • Spin at 100% when the temperature is above 167°F (75°C).

The fan profile you need for your GPU may vary, depending on the programs that you’re running on your computer.

However, this example should give you an idea of what a custom fan profile can do and how you can use it to keep your GPU fans spinning all the time.

Let’s discuss how you can create a custom fan profile for the two software I mentioned.

2.1 Creating a Custom Fan Profile Using AMD Radeon Software

Most AMD Radeon graphics cards will have the fan speed in auto mode. This allows the system to automatically adjust the speed depending on how you’re using your computer.

The Zero RPM mode is also enabled by default, which causes your GPU fans to stop spinning whenever it’s operating at a low temperature.

Here’s how you can disable the Zero RPM mode and create a custom fan profile using the AMD Radeon Software:

  1. Open the AMD Radeon Software.
  2. Go to the Performance tab on the main navigation bar.
  3. Go to the Tuning tab on the secondary navigation bar.
  4. Set the Tuning Control to Manual.
  5. Enable Fan Tuning.
  6. Disable Zero RPM. This option causes the GPU fans to stop working, and disabling it will keep them spinning all the time.
  7. (Optional) Use the Max Fan Speed to let the system determine the maximum speeds when using the computer. It can be anywhere from 35% to 100% when Zero RPM is disabled.
  8. Enable Advanced Control to set the instructions on how the fans should operate.
  9. Use the Fan Speed Chart to adjust their behavior depending on your GPU’s temperature. There are two axes for this chart:
    1. The level of temperature at which you want the speed to increase or decrease.
    2. The percentage of fan speed you want at certain levels of temperature.
  10. Click Apply Changes.
  11. (Optional) Click the three-dot menu icon on the top-right, then click Save Profile. This allows you to load the same profile if the software resets the configuration to default.

2.2 Creating a Custom Fan Profile Using MSI Afterburner

MSI Afterburner is the go-to GPU software for many PC enthusiasts because it works seamlessly with almost every graphics card brand and model.

It’s robust, and creating a custom profile using Afterburner will be easier than other GPU software.

Here’s how you can create a custom profile using MSI Afterburner:

  1. Open the MSI Afterburner.
  2. Look for the Fan Speed at the bottom of the window.
  3. Use the slider to adjust the max fan speed, then disable the Auto option.
  4. Click Apply to save the changes you’ve made.

This configuration should keep your GPU fans spinning all the time.

However, since you’ve disabled the Auto setting, your fans will only operate at the speed you’ve configured. It will remain constant regardless of your GPU’s temperature or workload.

If you want its speed to adjust depending on your GPU’s temperature, you need to create a custom fan profile. Here’s how you can do it using MSI Afterburner:

  1. Open the MSI Afterburner
  2. Click the Settings button at the bottom of the window.
  3. Click the Fan tab at the top of the popup window.
  4. Check the Enable user-defined software automatic fan control.
  5. Check Use firmware control mode if you want the settings to be set in the GPU’s firmware. Leaving this unchecked will run the settings in software mode. This means that the settings will only apply if the MSI Afterburner is running in the background.
  6. Use the Fan Speed Chart to adjust how your GPU fans behave depending on your GPU’s temperature. There are two axes for this chart:
    1. The level of temperature at which you want the speed to increase or decrease.
    2. The percentage of fan speed you want at certain levels of temperature.
  7. Click Apply to save your changes.

Remember, if you choose to use your custom profile in software mode, you must have the MSI Afterburner running in the background.

Without the software, VBIOS will use the auto mode and default speed settings for its operation.

This setup may be useful if you only use less resource-intensive programs that wouldn’t cause the GPU to heat up.

Tips for Creating Fan Profiles

Creating a custom fan profile is an advanced configuration that may affect the lifespan of your GPU.

That’s why it’s important to understand how it works and how to use it to your advantage to ensure that your GPU has constant and proper airflow.

Here are some tips that you can follow when creating a custom fan profile:

  • The fan speed should increase as the GPU temperature increases. Higher speed creates better airflow for your GPU, which helps with heat dissipation. So instead of keeping the fan speed at a constant percentage, I recommend increasing it as the GPU temperature goes up or as your workload increases.
  • Use a linear increase in your fan speed. Increasing or decreasing the speed drastically can be tempting when creating a custom profile or custom curve. Although this will still help reduce the GPU temperature, it won’t be the most efficient profile and may even be detrimental to your fans’ performance and health.
  • Use 100% fan speed if your GPU’s temperature is already close to 176°F (80°C). Anything below 176°F (80°C) won’t affect the lifespan of your GPU. So you must ensure that your GPU gets 100% of the airflow when it’s already close to 176°F (80°C) to stabilize the temperature swings and maximize heat dissipation.
  • Avoid wide temperature swings when using your GPU. Different parts of a graphics card expand and contract at different levels. This can result in degraded performance much earlier than its expected lifespan. So it would be best to try and maintain a constant temperature for your GPU when creating the fan profile.
Avatar for Marlo Strydom

Marlo brings over 20 years of IT expertise to his role as the founder and driving force behind Computer Info Bits. With a lifelong passion for technology, he has dedicated his career to not only working within the IT industry but also sharing that knowledge extensively. Since 2019, Marlo has turned his focus to writing, aiming to demystify technology and make accessible, reliable information available to both tech novices and professionals.

Through his articles, Marlo covers everything from basic computer tips to complex hardware discussions, always with the aim of helping readers better understand and use their technology. He continues to stay at the forefront of the tech world, dedicating countless hours to researching and interacting with the latest developments.