Fan Control vs MemTest86

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.

MemTest86 is a bootable utility that checks computer RAM for faults using memory test algorithms and patterns. It runs from a USB drive without an installed operating system, although Windows, Linux, or an Intel-based Mac can be used to create that drive. Version 11.7 requires UEFI firmware and x86 or ARM64 hardware, and does not support Apple Silicon M-series Macs. Its listed coverage includes 14 algorithms, such as SIMD, Row Hammer, and DMA tests, and support for DDR2, DDR3, LPDDR4, LPDDR5(x), ECC, CDIMM, and CAMM2 memory. It can create customizable HTML reports and, on supported configurations, decode an error address to identify a failed DIMM or chip. The Free Edition supports up to 16 CPU cores; Pro supports up to 512 and adds automation and custom tests. Site Edition adds PXE-based LAN deployment and Management Console integration. The Free Edition costs nothing; Pro Download costs $116, paid once.