Testing fan speed helps prevent your computer from becoming too hot to handle.
From mainframes to netbooks, all computers suffer from a common problem: heat. As your computer strains its brain to complete numerous tasks at once, it uses more and more processing power, and components can become red-hot. While a computer generating heat is normal, a computer scalding to the touch is not. And excessive heat doesn't only burn fingers, it also fries key components inside your machine. Critical to cooling down your computer are the fans inside. Keeping on top of your computer's current fan speed is vital for keeping your system healthy.
Instructions
Using SpeedFan
1. Download SpeedFan (see Resources). SpeedFan is a free program that monitors your computer's fan speed and reports on your CPU's temperature.
2. Double-click on the SpeedFan file when it finishes downloading. Follow the on-screen instructions to install SpeedFan on your machine.
3. Open SpeedFan after you have finished the installation.
4. Note your computer's fan speed. This information will be displayed on the opening screen of SpeedFan and is expressed in revolutions per minute (RPM).
Using CPU Fan Speed
5. Download the CPU Fan Speed monitoring program (see Resources).
6. Double-click on the downloaded file to install the program to your machine. Open CPU Fan Speed when finished.
7. Note your computer's fan speed. Fan speed will be displayed on CPU Fan Speed's main screen upon starting the program.
Using CPUCool Monitor
8. Download CPUCool (see Resources).
9. Double-click on the CPUCool file when it is finished downloading to install it to your system.
10. Open CPUCool by navigating to the program in your computer's Start menu and clicking on it. Note your fan speed on the main screen. The program will also display CPU temperature.
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