Why do my self-built gaming PC's fans always spin loudly even when I'm running low-intensity games?

I totally get why you're frustrated with your gaming PC's fans being so loud all the time - it can be really distracting, especially when you're trying to focus on a game or just relax while watching a video. I've been in your shoes before, and I've found that sometimes it's not just about the fans themselves, but how they're configured and controlled. Have you tried using software like SpeedFan or HWiNFO to monitor and adjust your fan speeds? These tools can give you a lot more granular control over your fans than the BIOS settings alone.

I'm also curious - what kind of case fans are you using, and are they connected to the motherboard or a separate fan controller? Sometimes, cheap or low-quality case fans can be really loud, even at low speeds. And if they're connected to the motherboard, it's possible that the motherboard's fan control settings are overriding your manual adjustments. You might try swapping out the case fans for some higher-quality ones, or looking into a separate fan controller that can give you more precise control over the fan speeds.

Another thing to consider is the airflow in your case - if the case is poorly ventilated, the fans might be working harder to cool the components, which could be contributing to the noise. You might try reconfiguring the case fans to improve airflow, or adding some additional venting to help reduce the temperature inside the case. I've found that a good balance of airflow and fan control can make a huge difference in reducing noise levels, even when running demanding games.

Lastly, I'd be happy to help you troubleshoot further if you'd like - feel free to share more details about your build and setup, and I can try to offer more specific suggestions. Good luck, and I hope you're able to get your PC running quietly and smoothly soon!