It has a 3 speed fan, but I always run it on the highest setting at 2200 rpm. I use a headset during most of my game play and I can't hear the fan running while playing. I play a wide variety of games and never have any overheating issues playing 6-8 hour sessions. It's extremely easy to install, just plug in the USB to the back of the console and set the fan on top. The button to the left selects the three speeds of the fan and turns it on and off. It does not have an auto on or off option. Don't worry, you always know when it's on because of the colorful LED light strip all the way around the top of the fan. You can select to have one solid color on, or there is a random setting that constantly dances all of the different colors, or as a third alternative you can turn off the colored led strip all together. The dust shield is a nice added bonus as well. I was wasting pressurized air cans to clean my console of dust once a month, but now it stays clean and I just wipe off the dust cover. I've been using it for over 3 months now and I have zero regrets for this purchase. It's a small price to pay for the added protection of a new age gaming console.