CNET Editors' review
The computer's cooling fan typically operates on default presets, but for those who want to customize, Fan Control for Mac is an easy-to-use application that adds the ability to control fan operation from the user's preferences menu.
The free application has no restrictions. Download completed quickly, but the program's installed location was difficult to find. The program, itself, is easy to use and installs an extra option on the computer's overall preferences menu. Once this is selected, an easy-to-read but dated menu appears. There are no user instructions, but they aren't really needed either. It also did not appear that technical support was available. The application allows modification of the fan's base speed, as well as the low and high threshold temperatures. The current presets are also easy to read for all user levels, although the usefulness of changing these values would only be high for advanced Mac owners. Changing the preferences did appear to impact when the fan started, however .
While functional, Fan Control for Mac's ability to modify fan presets would only appeal to a small number of users. For those in need of this tool, it's available at no cost.
Publisher's Description
From Lobotomo Software:
Fan Control is a preference pane that allows to change the fan speed and ramp up temperature to run your MacBook or MacBook Pro cooler.
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All versions:
5.0 starsout of 1 votes
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Current version:
5.0 starsout of 1 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-3 of 3
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"good software,but could not open............."
Version: Fan Control 1.2
Pros
So, download dmg software to open this
Cons
but good to control the fan, save energy, save money
Summary
good for system heath.........ya......reply>>>>@
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"Stay cool"
Version: Fan Control 1.2
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
Works great on MacBook Pro 17" 2.16GHz running 10.6.4. Very useful to see temperature live. -
"Works ok on a Mini (Early '09)"
Version: Fan Control 1.2
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
Does the job, and keeps my Mini cooler than the default Apple fan speed settings.
Released just after Leopard's debut, this version isn't entirely Snow Leopard compatible, even though it works. The Fan Control preference pane is 32-bit, requiring System Prefs to relaunch in 32-bit mode when the pane is clicked.
A small problem I've encountered is once Fan Control has raised the fan speed, then lowered it back to what should be the base speed setting, the fan speed settles 100 rpm above that setting. I've tried different base fan speed settings and the problem repeats. Rebooting fixes this, but the problem repeats once the fan speed is raised and lowered again. Lomotomo targets this software for Macbook and Macbook Pro users, so perhaps this behavior is an incompatibility with the Mini. I've emailed Lobotomo about this.
I've also tried the "exponent" version previously mentioned, and have found the way it varies the fan speed preferable to Lobotomo's linear control.
Lastly I would recommend Fan Control over smcFanControl, which I used for many months. Lobotomo's fan speed control solution allows manipulation of not only the base fan speed, which is the only setting smcFanControl allows the user to change, but also the temperatures where the fan(s) should begin to speed up and where the fan(s) should be running at maximum speed.














