fancontrolLinux
vs
MSI CenterWindows
fancontrol as a Linux alternative to MSI Center
Updated
Our verdict
fancontrol is a decent replacement for MSI Center if your main need is fan control and temperature monitoring. It reliably adjusts fan speeds based on sensor input and integrates with lm-sensors for accurate readings. However, it does not handle RGB lighting, BIOS updates, or power profiles—key features in MSI Center. It’s best suited for users who prioritize thermal management over other hardware controls and are comfortable configuring things manually. Not ideal for those needing full system integration like RGB or firmware updates.
- License
- GPL-3.0-only
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 26.01 (January 24, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both monitor real-time temperatures from hardware sensors
- Support fan speed control based on temperature thresholds
- Allow customizable fan curves and control logic
- Provide system hardware feedback during operation
- Aim to optimize system cooling and prevent overheating
What is different
- fancontrol does not support RGB lighting configuration
- No BIOS or firmware update functionality
- Lacks power profile switching (e.g., performance, silent modes)
- MSI Center offers a unified GUI; fancontrol relies on config files or third-party frontends
- fancontrol requires manual udev rules and sensor setup
Opening your MSI Center files
fancontrol does not support importing MSI Center configuration files. The two programs use entirely different formats and architectures. MSI Center settings are tied to Windows drivers and MSI-specific firmware, which are not accessible on Linux. fancontrol uses its own configuration format stored in plain text or application-specific profiles. Migration must be done manually by recreating fan curves and sensor mappings based on hardware behavior.
Switching from MSI Center to fancontrol, step by step
- Install lm-sensors and run 'sensors-detect' to enable hardware monitoring
- Install fancontrol (via package manager or Flathub)
- Run 'sensors' to identify available temperature sources and fan PWM controls
- Create a fancontrol configuration using your sensor and fan labels
- Add required udev rules from the GitHub documentation to allow user-level access
- Test fan curves in real conditions and adjust thresholds as needed
Key features of fancontrol
- Automatically adjusts fan speed based on sensor readings
- Supports PWM and voltage-controlled fans
- Real-time display of temperature and fan speeds
- Customizable control curves and thresholds
- Saves multiple configurations
- Integrates with lm-sensors for hardware monitoring
- Configurable update intervals and logging
How to install fancontrol on Linux
flatpak install flathub io.github.wiiznokes.fan-controlFrequently asked questions
Can fancontrol control my CPU and chassis fans automatically?
Yes, if your motherboard supports PWM or voltage-based fan control and the sensors are detected by lm-sensors, fancontrol can automate fan speeds based on temperature inputs.
Why do I need udev rules for fancontrol?
Udev rules grant the application permission to access fan and sensor hardware without running as root, improving security and usability.
Is there a GUI for fancontrol?
The original fancontrol is command-line based, but third-party tools like the Flathub version by wiiznokes provide a graphical interface for easier configuration.