I copied a PC build I liked, but I'm not sure how to configure the CPU, radiator, case, and GPU fan curves. The system uses an AIO cooler in a push-pull setup. I'd like settings that keep temperatures safe without making the computer unnecessarily loud. Could someone suggest a good starting point and also give their opinion on whether this overall build looks well-balanced?
2 Answers
There isn’t one universally correct fan curve. Start with the motherboard’s standard or balanced profile, then adjust it based on your temperatures and noise tolerance. A silent profile normally won’t let the CPU overheat by itself—the processor will throttle or the system will shut down if temperatures become unsafe—but it may allow higher temperatures before the fans ramp up. Run a CPU and GPU stress test, check the temperatures, and raise the fan speeds if they’re hotter or louder than you’d like.
For an AMD CPU, you can use a temperature limit such as 80°C with PBO and let the processor manage its performance automatically. One practical starting curve is around 25–35% fan speed below 50°C, 45–55% around 60°C, 70% at 70°C, and 90–100% near 80°C. Keep the fans quiet at idle, then ramp them up more aggressively once the CPU passes roughly 70°C. Set a moderate ramp-up delay and a longer ramp-down delay so brief temperature spikes don’t constantly change the fan speed. GPU fans can usually remain on their default profile unless testing shows the card is running too hot.
That makes sense. I was mainly worried that using a quiet profile would let the CPU or GPU reach unsafe temperatures, but I’ll monitor temperatures during a stress test and adjust the curve if necessary.