[SOLVED] What power supply fan setting should I be using?

[Furzumz]

Hi, sorry for the dumb question, first time I've had a power supply with something like this.

I got a Super Flower 750w power supply and I noticed a extra switch on the back of it today, when I looked at the manual it says its for choosing 3 different fan modes:

(note this is paraphrased for the sake of brevity)

Mode 0 - Ambient temperature reaches critical point (62-68c) > cooling fan will start operating at 750-800 RPM, increasing / decreasing speed depending on temperature

Mode I - Same as above but will start operating at 42-48C instead of 62+

Mode II - Fan is always on at 900 RPM, speed increases depending on temperature

The fan noise isn't a problem for me, I'm more worried about the lifespan than the noise so should I leave it to always on? The manual doesn't recommend anything in particular for which mode to use

 

[stanley88845]

Depends on you hardware. What are your computers specs?

 

[Colif]

ryzen 9 3900x with a noctua NH-D14 cooler, video card is a 2070 super, Antec case
what else?

I think what fan speed setting you set depends on your usage.
If PC isn't always used for gaming or intense actions, use mode 0
If 50% of your usage is gaming or intense CPU actions, use mode 1
If PC constantly under load, use mode 2

My Seasonic PSU has similar button but it is based on load, not temps, and only has 2 choices, fan always on or only comes on after 50% load. Default on mine is off, expect yours was the same. I just leave it be as PC doesn't really hit 50% usage very often.

 

[stanley88845]

ryzen 9 3900x with a noctua NH-D14 cooler, video card is a 2070 super, Antec case
what else?

I think what fan speed setting you set depends on your usage.
If PC isn't always used for gaming or intense actions, use mode 0
If 50% of your usage is gaming or intense CPU actions, use mode 1
If PC constantly under load, use mode 2

My Seasonic PSU has similar button but it is based on load, not temps, and only has 2 choices, fan always on or only comes on after 50% load. Default on mine is off, expect yours was the same. I just leave it be as PC doesn't really hit 50% usage very often.

Great answer 👍

 

[Deleted member 2720853]

I always keep my Seasonic Prime PX-750 fan on, additional airflow over the components is better than none. The fan is FDB so longevity isn't a problem -- they usually last well over 100k hours if not stressed 24/7, that is over 10 years. I also dust my case every weekend and my dust filters, no issues.

Best part? The fan is very quiet.

 

[Colif]

Every weekend? how dusty is the environment to need weekly?

As I get older, there are advantages to not having clear sight, I only notice dust inside my pc if I take a photo. It isn't that bad for a 6 month old PC

yeah, fans are quiet, doubt i hear it over my exhaust fans

 

[stanley88845]

Every weekend? how dusty is the environment to need weekly?

As I get older, there are advantages to not having clear sight, I only notice dust inside my pc if I take a photo. It isn't that bad for a 6 month old PC

yeah, fans are quiet, doubt i hear it over my exhaust fans

I mean I guess it's good practice. Would rather be like that rather than the type of person to clean their pc a proper clean out couple times year. Oh wait I'm that person

 

[Colif]

I keep saying I will clean it on weekend, weekend goes past and I remember Sunday night. That has been happening for weeks
Most cases it isn't hard to take the filters out. It was easier to take filters out on my old PC than it is on my new one. Mine needs a clean as my exhaust fans are getting louder. I thought it was my AIO until I set its fans on zero rpm and realised I couldn't hear any difference

anyway, i shouldn't take topic off topic

 

[geofelt]

The job of a PSU fan is to protect the PSU from excessive heat.
Normally, that is no issue. Unless the case has very poor airflow, 50c. or there about would be the highest you would see. A gold rated psu will not heat up easily, particularly if it is not running close to the max capability.

I think I would use mode 0 or 1 where the fan will only turn on if it needs to.
I would avoid mode 2 running the fan at 900 rpm continuously when it is not necessary

 

[stanley88845]

I keep saying I will clean it on weekend, weekend goes past and I remember Sunday night. That has been happening for weeks
Most cases it isn't hard to take the filters out. It was easier to take filters out on my old PC than it is on my new one. Mine needs a clean as my exhaust fans are getting louder. I thought it was my AIO until I set its fans on zero rpm and realised I couldn't hear any difference

anyway, i shouldn't take topic off topic

Sounds just like me! Luckily I just got myself a new case so it gave me a chance to deep clean everything, and lets just say it wasn't looking to great:

 

[Deleted member 2720853]

Every weekend? how dusty is the environment to need weekly?

As I get older, there are advantages to not having clear sight, I only notice dust inside my pc if I take a photo. It isn't that bad for a 6 month old PC

yeah, fans are quiet, doubt i hear it over my exhaust fans

Not dusty, I just have a habit and like to keep my stuff overly clean. The littlest speck of dust in my case and on my mousepad bothers me.

 

[stanley88845]

Not dusty, I just have a habit and like to keep my stuff overly clean. The littlest speck of dust in my case and on my mousepad bothers me.

I wish I was more like you, it bothers me for my pc to be dusty but that doesn't mean I can be bothered to clean it!