How to Fix a CPU Fan Not Spinning

How to Fix a CPU Fan Not Spinning

To make your computer work it's optimum, cooling is necessary. This can be done by using the cooling system, cooling, and more popular, cooling fans. So it is dangerous when you see that your CPU cooling fan is not spinning. Although this may not be the cause of the alarm itself, when combined with the CPU overheating it is definitely a red alert. The computer has many fans, including a PSU (power supply unit) fan, CPU (central processing unit) fan, case/chassis fan and GPU (graphics processing unit) fan. Laptops usually have a fan to save space and weight. Users have had a common problem with not spinning their CPU fans; The computer then heats up the BSOD and throws and closes due to thermal monitoring. For others, the computer does not start at all. During the boot process, they can see a fan error. In both cases, these are usually mechanisms that prevent the computer from overheating because the fan does not work. This article will deal with this problem, will show you how to troubleshoot and solve common problems.

Troubleshoot Your CPU Fans

The issue may be your fan, motherboard or power supply unit. You can use the methods given below to tell where the problem is.

Try using a different fan header (terminals on your motherboard) that connects with your fan (s) to test your fan. You can use PSU, Case / Chassis or GPU fan header. Laptop users will need to test on a separate computer. If it revolves, then the problem can be a motherboard or a power supply unit.

You can use a known working fan and plug it on your motherboard. If it revolves, then the problem is with your fan.

If you have a multimeter, then test the voltage in the red and black terminals. It should be 3-5V or 12V, otherwise, there is a problem in your motherboard or PSU.

All computers have system diagnostic tools and the CPU fan is a component that has been tested here. Close your computer and press the power button. Press F12 immediately to enter the system boot options. On the boot menu screen, select the Diagnostics option. The PSA + window is displayed, which lists all the devices found on the computer. The diagnosis starts running tests on all known instruments. Once the test is completed, a message prompt will appear, "If you want to continue testing the memory" then no. Then 32-bit diagnostics will be launched, select Custom Test. Now select the fan as a specific device and run the test. Once the test is completed, the results will be displayed and the log of the displayed log will be made. If you receive an error message such as: "Fan-D [Processor Fan] failed to respond correctly. Error code 2000-0511. 13133 Verification" So you will need your cooling system and replacements are dead.

Below are some common solutions to this problem. The aforementioned methods can be expensive soon because it can be a hardware problem, so we started with affordable methods.

Method 1: Restart your computer

The CPU fan can be easily prevented from finger or debris because it does not have much torque. If you remove your finger or debris, then your fan will stop walking, to protect the fan's wires or to avoid any other damage. Restart your computer to correct this error.

PRO TIP: If the problem is with your computer or laptop/notebook, then you should try to use Reimage Plus, which can scan the repository and change corrupt and missing files. It works in most cases, where problems arise due to a system corruption. You can download Reimage by clicking here

Method 2: Explode your fan with compressed air

Generally, the fans are filled with dust. Buildup fans can reach blades and spin them off because these fans do not produce too much torque. You can collect your fan and clean it. If you are not sure how to do this, get a way to compress the air and blast it in the fan vent. Make sure your fan does not get high RPM (revolutions per minute) because it can damage the fan.

Method 3: Clear any wires from fan blades

Since CPU fans do not produce too much torque, spinning in the fan of the fan can spin the wiping blade. Take down your fan and make sure there is no wire or anything in the fan blade. Secure the wires on the sides using epoxy to get in the way of fan blades.

Method 4: Reset / Flash your BIOS

Your BIOS controls your fan. Resting it will remove any misunderstanding and your fan will get the job. To reset the BIOS:

• turn off your PC

• Press the power button and press F2 to enter the BIOS setup immediately

• To reset your BIOS, press F9 (or the load default button shown on the BIOS screen)

• Press Esc or F10 and select "Save and Exit" and press Enter and allow your system to restart.

• You can reset your BIOS by removing all the power cable, battery and by removing the CMOS battery and pressing the Power button for at least 30 seconds.

Method 5: Change your fan

If you have tested your fan on any other PC and it is not working, or you have tested a known work fan on your PC and it still does not spin, then you have to get a new fan . You should also ensure that to avoid any suspicion, you are getting 3-5V or 12V on the CPU fans' terminals.

Method 6: Change your motherboard

The only sure way to know if you have a motherboard problem is to test the CPU fan working on your PC. If it does not even spin, then you have to change your motherboard. If you have electrical skills, then you can test whether the CPU fan voltage output is between 3-5 V or 12 V. If there is no voltage or it is below 3V, then your computer is not able to supply enough power to run the fan. You have to change your motherboard.

Ensure that your motherboard fits with your power supply unit and other components or you have an additional cost to replace other components too.

Method 7: Change your power supply unit

If you are on a desktop computer then changing the motherboard is not guaranteed to solve this problem. Since the laptops integrate the PSU on the motherboard, hence the motherboard will fix the problem. A desktop computer has a separate power supply unit that supplies 3V, 5V, 10V and 12V to your motherboard. If the 5V or 12V supply is dead, then your fan will not work. That's why you will need to change the PSU.

You can tell that your PSU requires replacement when you have a beeping sound or have more than one component that will not work (your monitor, fan, USB, keyboard, mouse) or computer for a while Starts and then immediately closes.

Ensure that the PSUs you are getting are the same supply port with your replacement PSU or they will not be compatible.

PS: If your CPU is getting too hot and you need cheap methods to cool it, then you can check our article on how to reduce the temperature of the CPU.