CoreCtrl vs Fan Control

CoreCtrl is a free, open-source GNU/Linux application for controlling hardware through profiles. Profiles can launch when an associated Linux or Windows application starts, then restore their settings when it ends. You can also activate a manual profile, which takes priority over automatic profiles; only one manual profile can be active at a time. The project describes its AMD GPU controls as full, covering fans, frequency, power, sensors, and hardware and software information. CPU support is more limited: it includes a frequency-scaling governor control, a package maximum-frequency sensor, and CPU package information. Automatic profiles need an executable binary name, so they cannot be tied to scripts or interpreted-language applications. The available controls depend on the Linux kernel version and hardware. Full AMD GPU control with the amdgpu driver requires a boot parameter and reboot. CoreCtrl is free, with no paid plans stated, and the project recommends installation through a distribution package manager. It is in maintenance mode, with development focused on fixes and upkeep rather than new features or hardware support.

Fan Control is free Windows software for configuring CPU, GPU, and case fans across supported motherboards, graphics cards, AIOs, and other hardware. It offers seven documented curve types: RPM mode, Linear, Graph, Mix, Trigger, Flat, Sync, and Auto. Users can calibrate controls and adjust response time, hysteresis, RPM avoid zones, step-up and step-down behavior, and fan start or stop logic. Multiple profiles can be saved, edited, and loaded, with guided setup on first launch. Custom sensors can average or combine readings, apply offsets, or read temperatures from files. Mix curves can combine inputs using maximum, minimum, average, sum, or subtraction. Community.NET plugins add temperature, speed, or control sensors, with integrations listed for HWInfo, Home Assistant, Thermaltake, Corsair, Aquacomputer, NZXT Kraken, Lian Li, and others. The backend mainly uses LibreHardwareMonitor. Windows 10 and 11 are supported, with portable, installer, Scoop, Winget, and Chocolatey options. The plan is free.