
This most recent version adds support for every current MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mini.

Auto keeps the default behavior, but opening up Custom allows you to set a specific RPM value, or set a target temperature. The SMC controls various hardware functions like cooling fans, status lights, system performance, and power supply unlike the PRAM, which deals more with operating system software. When it starts, you’ll see a list of all your fans and the option to set custom controls. The SMC (system management controller) is a chip on Intel-based Macs that manages important physical components of your computer. As with any settings-tinkering software, you'll want to use smcFanControl judiciously-but fortunately this application always keeps fans in automatic mode (so speed will increase along with CPU load) and never lets you set the fan speed below the Apple-recommended minimum. Get started by downloading the Macs Fan Control app and moving it to the Applications folder. SmcFanControl lets you monitor the current temperature (in Celsius or Fahrenheit), assign different minimum speeds for each fan using sliders, and even apply different settings when your power source changes (for example, going back to default fan speed when using battery power). This free, GPL-licensed utility has a single purpose: letting you increase the minimum speed of built-in fans, so your Intel computer will run cooler. Wondering if you attached some sort of cooling device to the outside of the cabinet (like a water cooler) if you could get a more effective solution rather than just moving around air.
#Smc fan control vs macs fan control pro#
If you've got burnt thighs from an old MacBook Pro or you notice that your computer is always overheating and crashing from using CPU-intensive apps (like playing PC games in a virtual Windows environment), you might want to check out smcFanControl. Does SMC Fan Control harm my Mac For example, see this article, though it deals with a MacBook Air, the same principles apply: And yes, to your orginal question, smcFanControl works well and should not harm your computer, and indeed as it allows a lower fan speed setting, it could conceivably have less wear and tear on the hardware. I had been told the metal mac cabinet on the new iMacs was intended to act as a heat sink.

SmcFanControl lets the user set the minimum speed of the build-in fans. Macs Fan Control allows you to monitor and control almost any aspect of your computers fans, with support for controlling fan speed, temperature sensors pane, menu-bar icon, and autostart with system option.
