A computer’s hardware will heat up no matter what. It will heat up depending on how it is used; for example, if you are typing in a word processor, it will warm up, but if you are playing a game, it will heat up, and if you have too many tabs open in Chrome, your system will go supernova.
Fans are put in the system’s chassis to protect the system from being destroyed by heat. They are activated by rising temperatures and switch on if the system becomes too hot.
It’s important to remember that the CPU fan will cease spinning when the CPU temperature is low, or you’re not running any power-hungry programs. In this article, we’ll look at how to solve the CPU fan not spinning problem and fix any fan difficulties in your PC.
Why is Cooling Essential?
Cooling is necessary for your computer to perform at its best. This can be accomplished by using cooling systems, coolants, and, more often, cooling fans. When you find that your CPU cooling fan isn’t rotating, it’s a cause for concern. While this may not be the reason for concern, when paired with CPU overheating, it is causing concern.
A computer’s PSU (power supply unit) fan, CPU (central processing unit) fan, case/chassis fan, and GPU (graphics processing unit) fan are all examples of fans. To conserve space and weight, laptops normally feature one Fan.
Users have reported that their CPU fan has stopped spinning; as a result, the machine overheats, produces a BSOD, and shuts down due to thermal monitoring. For some, the computer will not even turn on. They may encounter a fan fault during the boot procedure.
They are often measures that protect the computer from overheating due to a malfunctioning fan in both circumstances.
PSU fans, CPU fans, case/chassis fans, and GPU fans are all examples of cooling fans for a computer. According to users, when the CPU fan stopped spinning, the system overheated and threw a BSOD. The machine would shut down due to the heat monitoring system.
It may take some time to switch on since it may face a fan problem during the boot process. The problem will be discussed in this post as how to solve it. It contains basic remedies for the situation “if your CPU fan is not working.”
Cause for why the CPU cooler stop working?
If your CPU fan isn’t spinning, the problem might be with the Fan, Motherboard, or power supply unit. The Fan might become blocked with dust and lint, making it impossible to spin. The Fan’s wiring can also get in the way of the blades, preventing the Fan from spinning (these fans don’t have a lot of Torque).
Your Motherboard might be the source of the problem; if the circuit delivering power to the Fan is fried/shorted, the Fan will not spin. An identical issue might arise if your PSU (power supply unit) cannot deliver the 5V or 12V required to run your Fan.
The power supply is frequently built into the Motherboard of laptops. This might also occur due to several circumstances, which are stated below:
1. BIOS issues
ATX motherboards could monitor CPU fan temperature and speed via BIOS settings up until now. As a result, there’s no need to open the device casing to inspect the CPU fan. Instead, you may enter BIOS settings while your device is starting.
BIOS may be unable to track CPU speed and temperature, causing you to assume the CPU fan has ceased spinning.
This problem is almost certainly caused by
- The power cable for the CPU fan is connected incorrectly: For example, if you connect the CPU fan to the case fan’s power connection on the Motherboard, it will not be monitored by your BIOS fan and will be designated as unusable.
- Contact issue: The BIOS will state that the CPU is not functioning if the CPU fan’s power cable makes improper contact with the Motherboard.
- CPU fan design flaws: It’s also possible that the CPU fan is defective in design and is the source of its failure.
2. Faulty Installation of CPU Fan
The CPU is mounted on the computer’s motherboard, and the CPU fan is mounted on the CPU. The CPU fan will not operate properly if it is not installed appropriately.
3. Dust in the CPU fan
If your computer has been in use for a long time, it may create a lot of dust. If the CPU fan acquires a lot of dust, the CPU speed may slow down, and the CPU fan may fail. To keep the CPU fan running normally, you should clean it regularly.
4. CPU Fan Bearing Jammed
If the CPU fan stops spinning, it’s possible that the bearing in the CPU has been clogged after a long period of use. This is a frequent problem that affects most people every one or two years.
5. Faulty CPU Fan
The CPU fan is a component that might fail if it is overworked. The CPU fan will cease spinning if it is broken.
Because cooling is so important for your computer, you must fix the ‘CPU fan not operating’ issue as soon as possible.
This article will address the problem, demonstrate how to fix it, and provide typical remedies.
What are the signs to check if your CPU fan is not spinning?
The CPU fan on the processor is meant to keep it cool, so it doesn’t overheat and damage itself. When you switch on your computer’s screen for the first time, it makes a noise. The failure of a computer’s CPU fan is a typical problem that affects both desktop and laptop computers.
A faulty CPU fan might be the source of any or all of the following issues:
- The computer frequently shuts down without warning: If it goes down and does not restart unless you press the Power button, it might be a fan problem.
- The computer is no longer able to start: If your computer won’t turn on, it’s possible that the CPU fan isn’t spinning. The Motherboard may be harmed as a result of this.
- The boot logo isn’t visible: It’s conceivable that there’s no sound from the CPU fan when you turn on the screen, and the boot logo doesn’t display.
- The PC is too hot to handle: The Fan should turn on when your computer reaches a high temperature after long use. It is defective if you cannot hear the Fan spinning.
- The Fan on the CPU does not turn on: The CPU fan does not turn on when the system is turned on.
You may use a computer inspection tool to see if your computer’s hardware and software are up to date. If the program detects that the CPU fan is not operating, it will inform you.
What are the Dangers if your CPU Fan is not spinning?
When the CPU fan stops operating, it can lead to a variety of problems, including:
1. Computers frequently shut down without notice: Computers frequently shut down without warning, causing device failure or data loss.
If your machine, for example, fails unexpectedly, you will not be able to preserve your data. Additionally, all of your data will be gone if you restart your computer.
2. The CPU fan stops operating: If this occurs, the CPU and Motherboard may be damaged, leaving the computer unbootable.
Solutions For How to Fix CPU Fan Not Spinning
Here are the solutions to fix the CPU Fan Not Spinning issue.
- Restart the Computer/laptop
- Clear the wiring in the fan blades
- Clear the fan dust with compressed air
- Replace the Motherboard
- Replace the Power Supply Unit (PSU)
- Get a new fan
- Reset the BIOS
- Re-oiling the bearings
- Verify Proper Connection Of CPU Fan To Motherboard
- Power Cycle your Computer
Before going into the solutions, there are some troubleshooting steps that you have to do:
1. Checking Fan Header
On most contemporary motherboards, a pair of fan headers can give the sufficient current required by the fans. However, in your instance, one of these headers has likely been inoperable owing to a power outage or something else.
As a result, the obvious thing to do before we begin is to double-check that the fan header is operational. We propose unscrewing and removing the PC casing for this reason. The cable connecting your FAN to your Motherboard should now be flowing straight into a fan header.
Remove this PIN from the Fan header, and your FAN will be unplugged. Replace it in another fan header on the Motherboard (they should be accessible around the board’s edges) and see if the FAN now powers on with the PC. Your PC Case fan isn’t spinning because of a malfunctioning Fan Header if it happens.
2. Voltage Monitoring
Another way to see whether the PSU is operating properly is to see if the FAN receives proper Voltage from the PSU or the Motherboard. Get a Volt Meter and monitor the Wire connecting the Fan to the PSU or the Motherboard, depending on your arrangement, to see what amount of Voltage it is receiving.
“3-5V” or “12V” are the two most common voltages used by most fans on the market. If your computer isn’t receiving these numbers, it’s most likely because your PSU or Fan is malfunctioning.
If there aren’t any other problems with the computer, the problem may be traced back to the Fan, which is unable to pull the necessary power to power itself.
3. Performing Diagnostics Test
The most specific and practical test we can execute to evaluate the Fan’s functionality is to run a startup diagnostic to determine whether the components linked to your Motherboard are truly operating properly.
Turn off your computer, disconnect the power line from your CPU, then press and hold the “Power” button to drain all of the currents from its components. Reconnect the power wire, restart your computer, and immediately hit the “F12” key to enter the boot choices page.
To perform a diagnostics scan,
- select the “Diagnostics” option and click “Enter” using the arrow buttons to move the highlight pointer to perform a diagnostics scan.
- When the diagnostic scan is finished, the computer will ask whether you want to conduct a memory test. Select no on this page because we don’t need to do that.
- After that, a 32-bit scan will begin; choose “Custom Test” from the screen if given a choice, and then pick “CPU Fan” as a particular device.
If you get an error that says “Error code 2000-0511 Validation 13133″ after the scan, it implies the Fan has gone faulty, and your Motherboard cannot identify it. Try installing the Fan in another system if you want to be sure, but it most likely has to be replaced.
Now let us go through each solution one by one:
Solution 1: Restart the Computer/laptop
It will cease working because a finger or debris impedes it impeded by a finger or debris. Even if the dust is removed, the Fan will turn off to keep itself from burning. Restart your device to fix the problem.
Solution 2: Clear the wiring in the fan blades
The cables to the fan motor may prevent the blades from moving since CPU fans offer limited Torque. Remove the Fan and look for any cables or other objects stuck in the blades. Secure the fan wire to the side with epoxy to prevent it from becoming stuck to the fan blades.
Solution 3: Clear the fan dust with compressed air
Fans are always clogged with dust. The build-up might strike the fan blades and prevent them from spinning because these fans don’t create a lot of Torque.
You may clean your Fan by taking it apart. Grab a can of compressed air and squirt it into the fan vents if you’re not sure how to accomplish it.
Solution 4: Replace the Motherboard
Testing your PC with a working CPU fan is the only method to know if the Motherboard is to blame for the fan problem. The Motherboard will need to be changed if it does not spin.
If you have the necessary electrical abilities, you should also verify whether the CPU fan voltage output is between 3-5V (for laptops) and 12V (for desktops). With zero or less than the minimum needed voltage, your CPU will be unable to run the Fan. In this situation, you may need to replace the Motherboard as well.
Check that the Motherboard is compatible with the power supply and other components; if it isn’t, you’ll have to spend even more money to replace them.
Solution 5: Replace the Power Supply Unit (PSU)
In some cases, replacing or repairing the Motherboard is not viable. Changing the motherboard would resolve the problem because laptop PSUs are incorporated into the motherboard.
However, your fan won’t operate unless you have a 5V or 12V power source if you’re using a desktop. As a result, the power supply unit will need to be replaced.
The PSU has to be changed if you hear beeping sounds, if more than one component stops working (monitor, Fan, keyboard, mouse), or if the system runs briefly and then shuts down abruptly.
Solution 6: Get a new fan
If your Fan does not work on another computer, you will need to purchase a new one. Before purchasing a new fan, double-check that the fan terminals receive the necessary electrical supply.
Solution 7: Reset the BIOS
The BIOS is the source of electricity for your Fan. It may be reset to clear any misconfigurations and restore the Fan’s functionality.
Follow these procedures if you don’t know how to reset the BIOS:
1. Shut off your computer.
2. Press the power switch and immediately press F2 to enter BIOS configuration.
3. To change your BIOS setup, press F9. Now you can see the BIOS screen.
4. Press Esc or F10 to save and quit the program. Then, press Enter to restart the computer.
5. Check to see if the Fan is working.
You can also remove all power lines, the battery, and the CMOS battery, then push the power button for at least 30 seconds to reset your BIOS.
Solution 8: Re-oiling the bearings
Because the bearing requires some oiling to work correctly, the CPU fan may cease functioning owing to excessive friction. As a result, lubricate it using machine oil to bring it back to life.
Remove the top of the CPU fan and spray one or two drops of machine oil along the fan’s axis. It should boost its productivity.
Solution 9: Verify Proper Connection Of the CPU Fan To the Motherboard
If you’ve been getting BIOS warnings when you turn on your computer, double-check that the wiring between the CPU cooler Fan and the Motherboard is in good working order.
If this is the case, it’s a good thing since your Fan will be up and running as soon as you properly connect the cables. Double-check that you used the correct connection method if this doesn’t work.
Solution 10: Power Cycle your Computer
The Torque of the Fans placed in your system determines the speed they run. This Torque is pre-determined by the factory and can be adjusted or lowered by the system based on the requirements. However, there is a limit to how far it can stretch.
Because the CPU fan has low Torque, it might become clogged if it is contacted by a finger or any other debris that has fallen into it. If the Fan has been blocked in one run-cycle in this fashion, it will not restart unless the computer is rebooted. As a result, we’ll power-cycle our computer fully to check that this isn’t the case in this step.
How do troubleshoot if the CPU fan is not running?
Try a separate fan header (terminals on your Motherboard that connect to your fan/s) to test your Fan. The Motherboard or power supply unit might be the source of the problem if it spins.
Using a fan from a reputable brand is a good idea. If it works, the problem is almost certainly with your Fan.
If you have a multimeter, check the voltage between the red and black terminals. If it’s not 3-5V or 12V, the Motherboard or power supply has a circuit fault.
On all PCs, there are diagnostic tools and devices. Using these tools, we’ll inspect the CPU fan as follows:
- To turn off your monitor, press the power button. Press F12 right away to get to the system boot settings.
- From the boot menu screen, select the Diagnostics option.
- The PSA+ window will pop up, displaying all of the computer’s identified devices. All of them will be subjected to diagnostic checks by the diagnostics.
- When the exam is finished, you’ll get a notification asking if you wish to continue the memory test. No is the answer.
- 32-bit Diagnostics will now begin. Select the custom test from the drop-down menu.
- Use the Fan as the device in the test. After the test has been completed, the result will be displayed.
If you see an error message like ‘Fan-The [Processor Fan] failed to answer appropriately,’ your Fan is broken, and you’ll need to replace it.
Conclusion
Because it’s such a prevalent problem, many people have been able to solve CPU fans not spinning simply. Your CPU fan may be OK. Usually, another factor is to blame.
Regardless, I hope you found this post helpful, and if you have any more problems, please visit our website for other solutions.