fancontrolLinux
vs
NVIDIA System ToolsWindows
fancontrol as a Linux alternative to NVIDIA System Tools
Updated
Our verdict
fancontrol is a partial replacement for NVIDIA System Tools, suitable for users who primarily need automated fan management and basic temperature monitoring. It handles custom fan curves and real-time sensor data well, integrating with lm-sensors. However, it does not provide the deep GPU-specific controls found in NVIDIA System Tools, such as manual clock speed adjustments, voltage tuning, or power limit management. If your main goal is keeping your GPU cool with a custom curve, fancontrol works. If you rely on overclocking or precise power state management, you will need additional tools like nvidia-smi or a dedicated GPU control suite.
- License
- GPL-3.0-only
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 26.01 (January 24, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Real-time display of temperature and fan speed metrics
- Ability to define custom fan control curves
- Support for saving multiple configuration profiles
- Graphical interface for adjusting settings
What is different
- Lacks manual control over GPU clock speeds and voltage
- No support for adjusting power limits or performance states
- Relies on lm-sensors for data, which may not expose all GPU-specific details
- Requires manual udev rule configuration for full functionality
Opening your NVIDIA System Tools files
There is no direct file compatibility between fancontrol and NVIDIA System Tools. fancontrol saves its own configuration profiles, likely in a JSON or similar format, while NVIDIA System Tools uses its own proprietary settings storage. You cannot import NVIDIA System Tools profiles directly; you will need to manually recreate your fan curves and thresholds in fancontrol based on the values you previously used.
Switching from NVIDIA System Tools to fancontrol, step by step
- Install fancontrol from Flathub or your distribution’s repository.
- Ensure lm-sensors is installed and detect your hardware sensors.
- Add the required udev rule to grant fancontrol access to fan controls.
- Open fancontrol and identify your GPU fan in the sensor list.
- Create a new configuration and set your desired fan curve thresholds.
- Save the configuration and test it under load.
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 GPU clocks?
No, fancontrol only manages fan speeds based on temperature. For clock and power management, use nvidia-smi or other GPU-specific tools.
Does it work with all NVIDIA GPUs?
It works if your GPU’s fan is controllable via the system’s PWM or voltage interface and detected by lm-sensors. Most modern NVIDIA GPUs support this, but check your specific model.
Is a GUI required?
fancontrol is a GUI application. If you prefer command-line control, consider using pwmconfig or nvidia-smi directly.
2 other alternatives to NVIDIA System Tools
Nvidia System MonitorA lightweight Qt-based task manager specifically designed to monitor NVIDIA GPU performance and status.Open sourceFreeFlatpakNvidia System Monitor vs NVIDIA System Tools