The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →On most MSI laptops the cooling fan already runs on its own, speeding up and slowing down with temperature. What you can change is how hard it works. To do that, open the MSI utility preinstalled on your notebook, go to the performance or User Scenario page, and choose a fan setting: Auto, Cooler Boost (full speed, where supported), or Advanced (a custom curve, on compatible models only). Menu names and availability depend on your model and utility version, so the exact labels on your screen may differ from the ones below.
What “turning the fan on” means on an MSI laptop
MSI’s fan-speed guidance is framed around modes inside its software rather than a separate on/off control. In the default Auto mode, the fan follows the processor and graphics temperature. Changing the fan setting therefore means choosing how aggressively the fan responds, not switching it from off to on. If you are looking for a fan that never seems to start, read the section on fans that appear stopped before changing any settings.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Before you start: identify your utility and model
Depending on the notebook, the fan controls live in one of several MSI applications. Check which one is installed before following any menu path:
- MSI Center, which MSI describes through its User Scenario modes and says varies by model.
- MSI Dragon Center or MSI Center Pro, which appear on some models.
- Another model-specific MSI utility preinstalled by the manufacturer.
Do not install a utility just because a guide names it. Use the one that came with your laptop, and make sure Windows and BIOS are current, since MSI’s overheating guidance lists both as first checks.
#1 Best Overall
- Ultra-Portable: Slim, portable, and light weight allowing you to protect your investment wherever you go
- Ergonomic Comfort: Doubles as an ergonomic stand with two adjustable height settings
- Optimized for Laptop Carrying: The metal mesh provides your laptop with a stable laptop carrying surface
- Ultra-Quiet Fans: Three ultra-quiet fans create a noise-free environment for you
- Extra Usb Ports: Extra USB port and power switch design allows for connecting more USB devices. Warm Tips: The packaged cable is USB to USB connection. Type C connection devices need to prepare an Type C to USB adapter
Step-by-step: change the fan speed
The route below is the one MSI’s current fan-speed FAQ describes. Some versions label the performance mode Apex Mode, and some models omit options entirely.
- Open the MSI utility installed on your notebook.
- Go to User Scenario and select Extreme Performance (labelled Apex Mode in some versions).
- Click the gear icon to open the mode’s advanced settings. On the screens MSI documents, this leads to Advanced Settings and then the Advanced tab.
- Locate Fan Speed and select the mode you want. The overheating walkthrough uses the same path and names Cooler Boost for the full-speed option.
- Click Save.
After saving, a noticeable increase in fan noise is the expected sign that Cooler Boost is active. MSI does not publish an RPM figure for it, so judge by sound and by temperature readings in the utility rather than by a number.
Rank #2
- 9 Super Cooling Fans: The 9-core laptop cooling pad can efficiently cool your laptop down, this laptop cooler has the air vent in the top and bottom of the case, you can set different modes for the cooling fans.
- Ergonomic comfort: The gaming laptop cooling pad provides 8 heights adjustment to choose.You can adjust the suitable angle by your needs to relieve the fatigue of the back and neck effectively.
- LCD Display: The LCD of cooler pad readout shows your current fan speed.simple and intuitive.you can easily control the RGB lights and fan speed by touching the buttons.
- 10 RGB Light Modes: The RGB lights of the cooling laptop pad are pretty and it has many lighting options which can get you cool game atmosphere.you can press the botton 2-3 seconds to turn on/off the light.
- Whisper Quiet: The 9 fans of the laptop cooling stand are all added with capacitor components to reduce working noise. the gaming laptop cooler is almost quiet enough not to notice even on max setting.
Fan modes compared
| Mode | How it behaves | Noise | Where it appears |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto | Adjusts fan speed to temperature. MSI says it is usually enough for everyday use. | Varies with temperature. MSI gives no decibel or RPM figure. | Default setting on the fan page where the model exposes it. |
| Cooler Boost | Requests maximum fan speed. | Louder. MSI describes the higher airflow as noticeably louder. | Only on some models; the button is model-dependent. |
| Advanced | Lets you adjust the temperature-to-speed curve manually. | Depends on the curve you set. Not stated by MSI. | Compatible models only; not stated for others. |
MSI’s own guidance on Auto is direct: “In most cases, Auto mode is sufficient for everyday use.” It points to custom curves for owners with specific high-load cooling or noise needs. That is the reason to open Advanced; it is not a fix for ordinary warmth.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
When the fan option is missing
A missing Fan Speed option is not necessarily a fault. MSI states that fan curves are a hardware specification limitation on some notebooks, that menu names differ between utility versions, and that some systems use one shared fan rather than separate CPU and GPU fans. If the option is absent, check the support page for your exact model before assuming something is broken, and note that a shared fan will be controlled as a single unit.
Rank #3
- SMART COOLING — From idle to full load, keep the laptop running smoothly with our first laptop cooling pad that changes fan speeds automatically to manage system temperatures based on the settings
- AIRTIGHT PRESSURE CHAMBER — Included foam seals ensure no cool air leakage and works in tandem with a long lifespan 140 mm brushless fan that spins up to 3000 RPM to significantly reduce CPU, GPU, and surface temperatures
- WORKS WITH MOST LAPTOPS — Whether you've got an ultra-portable 14″ laptop or an 18″ powerhouse, choose between three magnetic frames that maximize cool air pressure and circulation
- PRESET & CUSTOM FAN CURVES — Keep the system cool in any scenario with our recommended presets or calibrate the fan to adjust for noise level or desired internal temperature via Razer Synapse
- 3-PORT USB TYPE A HUB — From webcams to controllers to drawing tablets, plug in more devices to the laptop without solely relying on its native USB ports
Fan not spinning: is it a fault?
Zero or low fan speed is not proof of failure. MSI’s guidance on fans that do not spin explains two things. First, notebook thermal designs differ by model. Second, on some systems the discrete GPU fan does not start until its default temperature threshold is reached, so a stopped GPU fan at idle can be normal. MSI does not publish that threshold number in the material reviewed, so you cannot calculate it from the page.
A practical check is to observe temperatures in the MSI utility while you put a real load on the machine, then see whether the fan responds. If the fan still does not spin when the device is switched on, MSI recommends contacting its customer service and giving the exact model.
Rank #4
- Dual USB Hub: With a built-in dual USB hub, the laptop fan enables you to connect additional USB devices to your laptop, providing extra connectivity options for your peripherals. Warm tips: The packaged cable is a USB-to-USB connection. Type C connection devices require a Type C to USB adapter. Please plug the cooling pad's USB cable into a 5V 1A adapter for best performance; otherwise, the fans may fail to spin or run at very low speed.
- Whisper-Quiet Operation: Enjoy a noise-free and interference-free environment with super quiet fans, allowing you to focus on your work or entertainment without distractions.
- Enhanced Cooling Performance: The laptop cooling pad features 5 built-in fans (big fan: 4.72-inch, small fans: 2.76-inch), all with blue LEDs. 2 On/Off switches enable simultaneous control of all 5 fans and LEDs. Simply press the switch to select 1 fan working, 4 fans working, or all 5 working together.
- Ergonomic Design: The laptop cooling stand also serves as an ergonomic stand, offering 6 adjustable height settings that enable you to customize the angle for optimal comfort during gaming, movie watching, or working for extended periods. Ideal gift for both the back-to-school season and Father's Day.
- Secure and Universal Compatibility: Designed with 2 stoppers on the front surface, this laptop cooler prevents laptops from slipping and keeps 12-17 inch laptops—including Apple Macbook Pro Air, HP, Alienware, Dell, ASUS, and more—cool and secure during use.
Overheating: what to do first
If the concern is heat rather than the fan itself, MSI’s overheating guide suggests this order:
- Install current BIOS and Windows updates.
- Select Extreme Performance and Cooler Boost through MSI Center, as described above.
- Open Task Manager and close resource-heavy applications you do not need.
- Make sure the air openings are clear and the laptop is on a surface that does not block them.
- Run MSI Center’s Hardware Diagnosis, if your model includes it.
If these steps do not resolve the problem, MSI recommends contacting its support team.
Best Value
- New Upgraded Version-Cooling Gets Quiet and Quicker: Equipped with 5.5-inch large diameter turbo booster fan, combined sealed foam, ensures perfect cooling effect, 360 degrees all-round dynamic cooling, your laptop can reduce temperature by 44°C in 90 seconds (CPU+GPU), even during 4K rendering or AAA gaming, operating noise ≤70dB
- 3-Port USB Hub and Precise Control: The V12 laptop cooler features three USB 2.0 ports, turning your cooling pad into a central workstation hub. This solves the problem of limited ports on modern laptops, allowing you to connect a high-speed mouse, keyboard, and hard drive simultaneously. Meanwhile, the scroll wheel allows for easy, instantaneous, and precise airflow adjustment. ⚠️ For peripherals only – NOT for charging devices
- Integrated Dust Filtration Extends Laptop Lifespan: This cooler fan features a high-density, removable dust filter that effectively protects the internal fans of laptops. It captures hair and debris, preventing them from entering the vents, thus solving the common "pressure cooker" dust buildup problem, significantly extending the lifespan of your expensive gaming PC and reducing costly professional cleaning
- Soothing Controllable RGB: RGB light bar on the laptop cooling pad for PC, with 10 modes and 4 light colors collection, matches your PC gears accessories for amazing synergy even in dim room. Intuitive Touch-Mute Button adjusts RGB lighting with a single finger, minimizing distractions. Configured memory function, the laptop cooler RGB eliminates repeated selections and brings itself alive when power on
- User-Friendly Design: Featuring a reinforced chassis design, it's suitable for heavy-duty laptops from 15.6 to 19 inches. Three adjustable tilt angles (3°/12°/15°) allow you to customize your viewing height (scenario), directly alleviating neck and shoulder fatigue during long gaming or work sessions (pain point solved), ensuring maximum comfort and better posture
Cleaning the vents safely
Dust in the vents is a common cause of poor cooling, and MSI’s guidance covers how to clear it:
- Shut the laptop down completely before cleaning. Do not clean while it is running.
- Use a can of compressed air or a blower.
- Keep the nozzle at a distance from the exhaust vents rather than pressing it against them.
Only do this maintenance step with the device off. Do not open the chassis; MSI’s guidance does not cover internal access, and a generic replacement fan is not a safe substitute without the exact model number.
Noise, clacking, and when to contact MSI
MSI separates two kinds of sound. A fan that is loud at maximum speed is producing expected airflow noise. A fan that clicks, knocks, or rattles may be hitting an obstruction, possibly a foreign object, or may have an impact problem. For the first case, check whether Cooler Boost is turned on and review your fan settings. For the second, shut down, clean the vents, and test again.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Contact MSI service if the abnormal noise continues after cleaning, if diagnostics fail, or if temperatures stay abnormal after the steps above. Give your exact model, the utility version, and a description of the sound and the mode you were using.
Sources and dates
- MSI USA, “How to Adjust Fan Speed in MSI System Management Software,” last updated July 17, 2026: fan-mode meanings, settings path, limitations, and the Auto guidance quoted above.
- MSI, “How to Troubleshoot Overheating Issues?” (Notebook), May 13, 2024: Cooler Boost path, Hardware Diagnosis, vent cleaning, and escalation.
- MSI, “Why the fan is not spinning?”, December 17, 2021: model-dependent thermal design and discrete-GPU fan behavior.
- MSI Australia, “Troubleshooting for Fan Noise/Abnormal Sounds” (Notebook), March 12, 2024: expected maximum-speed noise, cleaning, and service guidance.
- MSI, “MSI Center,” July 25, 2023: overview of User Scenario modes and how they vary by model.
MSI’s published pages are the authoritative reference for your model. Menu labels and availability may have changed since these dates, so confirm the path on your own machine before relying on it.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
