One of the most common complaints that computer technicians receive daily is that the CPU fan is not running. Although the problem appears to be simple, the answer is not.
The CPU fan on a laptop is generally driven by 3V or 5V, however, on a desktop, it is supplied by 12V from the Power Supply Unit or PSU.
The fan header is the port on the motherboard that connects the fan. Most fans have three wires or pins. One for voltage provided (red), one for neutral (black), and one for adjusting fan speed (green) (yellow).
The BIOS then powers the CPU fan through a stepped process. When the device temperature exceeds a certain level, the fan normally activates. As the temperature and CPU load rise, the fan speed increases, which may be regulated using dedicated software.
Why is cooling fan necessary?
Cooling Fan is required for your system to perform optimally without overheating. This is performed by the use of ventilation devices, coolants, and, most commonly, cooling fans. As a result, the lack of a running fan is grounds for alarm.
PSU fans, CPU fans, case/chassis fans, and GPU fans are all examples of cooling fans for a computer.
When the CPU fan stopped spinning, the machine overheated and threw a BSOD, according to users.
The machine would shut down due to the heat monitoring system. It may not turn on for some time if a fan fault occurs during the boot process.
This article will address the problem and show how to resolve it. It contains fundamental remedies for the problem ‘if your CPU fan is not running.
What are the warning signals that your CPU cooling fan is not spinning?
The CPU fan installed on the processor is designed to keep it cool and avoid overheating and damage. When you initially turn on your computer’s screen, you will notice a noise. The failure of the CPU fan is a typical problem that affects all desktop and laptop computers.
A faulty CPU fan could be the source of any or all of the following issues:
- The computer frequently shuts down unexpectedly – If it goes down and does not resume unless you press the Power button, there could be a fan problem.
- The computer will no longer boot – If your computer will not boot, it is possible that the CPU fan is not running. This may cause harm to the motherboard.
- The boot logo is missing – If the boot logo does not appear when you turn on the screen, it is conceivable that there is no sound from the CPU fan.
- The computer has overheated – After a while, your computer will attain a high temperature and the fan will turn on. If you can’t hear the fan spinning, it’s broken.
- The CPU fan does not activate – When you power on the machine, the CPU fan does not activate.
Install a computer inspection tool to see if the computer hardware and software are in good working order. If the program detects that the CPU fan is not working, it will notify you.
How do you solve the problem of the CPU fan not running?
- Reboot the computer or laptop.
- Remove the wiring from the fan blades.
- Use compressed air to clean the fan dust.
- Swap Out the Motherboard
- Change out the power supply unit (PSU)
- Purchase a new fan
- Reboot the computer.
Method 1: Reboot the computer or laptop.
Because the CPU fan has no torque, it will stop working if it is obstructed by a finger or debris. Even after you remove the dust, the fan will shut down to avoid overheating. Restart your smartphone to resolve his problem.
Method 2: Remove the wiring from the fan blades.
Due to the low torque of CPU fans, the wires connected to the fan motor may prevent the blades from moving.
Remove the fan and check it for any cables or other objects that have been lodged in the fan blades. To minimize wires being caught to fan blades, glue the fan wire to the side.
Method 3: Use compressed air to clean the fan dust.
Fans are often clogged by dust. Because these fans don’t provide a lot of torque, the build-up could collide with the fan blades and prevent them from spinning. You may clean your fan by taking it apart. If you’re unsure how to proceed, take a can of compressed air and spritz it through the fan vents.
Keep in mind that if the fan reaches very high RPM (Revolutions per minute), it will be destroyed.
Method 4: Swap Out the Motherboard
The only way to be certain that the motherboard is to blame for the fan problem is to test your PC with a working CPU fan. If it does not spin, the motherboard must be changed.
If you have the necessary electrical skills, you should also check whether the CPU fan voltage output is between 3-5V (for laptops) or 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 also need to replace the motherboard.
Check that the motherboard is compatible with the power supply unit and other components; otherwise, you’ll have to spend even more money to replace them all.
Method 5: Change out the power supply unit (PSU)
Replacing the motherboard is not always a viable option. Because the PSU in laptops is incorporated into the motherboard, changing the motherboard would resolve the problem.
However, if you are using a desktop, your fan will not function if a 5V or 12V supply is not available. As a result, the power supply unit must be replaced.
If you hear beeping sounds, or if more than one component stops working (display, fan, keyboard, mouse), or if the machine starts briefly and then abruptly shuts down, the power supply must be replaced.
Note: Make sure the PSU you choose has the same supply ports as the one you’re replacing; otherwise, it won’t function with all of the computer’s components.
Method 6: Purchase a new fan
If you’ve tested your fan on another computer and it doesn’t work, you’ll need to replace it. Before purchasing a new fan, double-check that the fan terminals are receiving the necessary power supply.
Method 7: Reboot the computer.
The BIOS controls your fan. Resetting it will clear out any misconfigurations and restore the fan’s functionality.
Final thought
We hope this information was helpful, and that you were able to resolve the CPU Fan not spinning issue. If you have any problems during the procedure, please let us know in the comments and we will assist you.
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