Sometimes your computer fans not spinning and you are unaware of the reason behind this. But to help you find the best strategies for fixing your fan-spinning problem this article is all you should know now. Below to know some of the most common causes leading to fan spinning problems and the most effective solutions for these problems.
Contents
Why are CPU fans not spinning properly?
Some of the most common causes of fan spinning problems include:
- Dirty or jammed fan
- System startup problems
- Problem with the BIOS
- Hardware issues
- Disconnection problems
- Circuitry damage
Strategies for fixing fan spinning problems
There are different methods to choose from in case your computer fans are not working properly. The most important of these are discussed below:
1. Restart your computer
Collection of dirt or removing your finger can easily stop your computer fans from running because they have less torque. To protect the wiring of your fans from damage cleaning the dirt or removing your finger will stop the fans from spinning. It is best to restart your computer, in this case, to escape this error and ensure proper running of your computer fans.
2. Use compressed air for blasting your fans
The most common cause of inefficient computer fan spinning is the build-up of dust. The dust can accumulate in your fan blades which makes it difficult to spin for them. This is because computer fans have low torque requirements for producing a spinning action. For cleaning your fans in a better way you can also disassemble them first.
In case you do not know the proper disassembly protocol for CPU fans then using the compressed air method for cleaning them is the best. You simply have to get a compressed air can and blast it into the vents of your computer fan. One thing to keep in mind is to run your fan at normal RPM (Revolutions per minute) to avoid damage.
3. Clean any wiring from the fan blades
As you already know that computer fans do not have much torque requirement for spinning. So the wiring going into the motor of your fan may block the spinning action of the blades. For this, you should remove your fan first and ensure that the blades are free from any wiring.
Also, remove any other thing that is making it difficult for the blades to move. Then set the fan wiring onto the sides of the fan blades. For this, you can also take the help of epoxy to keep the wiring in its place.
4. Reset/flash your BIOS
Another great method for fixing your inefficiently running computer fans is to flash or reset your BIOS. It is an important element that is responsible for the control of your computer fan. An attempt to reset the BIOS settings will clear out any misconfigurations.
As a result, your fan settings will normalize. Ultimately the fan spinning motion will also get back to normal. For resetting the BIOS settings follow these steps:
- Turn off your system.
- Now press the power button followed by pressing the F2 key immediately to enter into the BIOS setup.
- Then reset your BIOS by pressing the F9 key. You can also press the load default button shown on your BIOS screen as an alternative.
- Press F10 or Esc to get a lot of options, and choose “Save and Exit”.
- Press Enter to allow the restart process of your system.
- Check the working of the fans now.
For resetting your BIOS you can also remove the battery, and power cables. Pressing the power button for half a minute after removing the CMOS battery will turn reset the BIOS.
5. Replace your fan
In case you have tried all the above methods and your fan is still not running properly then the best option is to replace it. It is always good to get a 3-volt, 5-volt, or 12-volt fan for your CPU for meeting the performance demands of your system.
6. Replace your motherboard
Another option for fixing your fan spinning is to replace your motherboard. But for taking this big step you must make sure that it is the motherboard that is causing the fan spinning problem in your system.
For this, you can test a working CPU fan on your system. If the spinning motion is proper this means your motherboard is also good. But if the working CPU fan does not give proper spinning motion on your system this means that your motherboard has some fault.
You can also use your electrical skills to check the fan voltage output of your CPU. It should be between 3 to 5 volts or 12 volts for optimum fan spinning performance. In case the voltage supply is less than 3 volts then your computer is incompatible to meet your power demands.
So it is best to replace your motherboard in this case. One thing to ensure before buying a motherboard is that it has suitable compatibility with the power demands of your other computer components and the main supply unit. Otherwise, you will have to spend extra on replacing the other computer parts also.
7. Replace your power supply unit
Last but not least replacing your power supply unit is also another great strategy for fixing your fan spinning problems. This should be your last option even after replacing your motherboard and still not getting the desired fan spinning results. A motherboard replacement is not always effective especially if you are using a desktop computer.
The PSU integration onto the motherboard in the case of laptops is efficient. So replacing laptop motherboards will definitely end the fan-spinning problems of your system. But in the case of the desktop, there is a separate power supply unit installed that provides 3 volts, 5 volts, 10 volts, and 12-volt power supply to your motherboard. In case the 5-volt or 12-volt power supply dies your fan spinning will stop. So it is best to replace your PSU in this case.
The right time to think of a PSU replacement is when your system starts making a beeping noise. Or when more than one component of your system is not working properly. This may include fans, keyboards, monitors, or USBs.
Moreover, if your computer shuts down soon after it turns on then you should also go for a PSU replacement. One thing to keep in mind when getting a PSU replacement is to check the supply ports of your future PSU. They must be the same as those installed in your previous PSU for getting optimum performance results.
Conclusion: Computer Fans not Spinning
The most common reason behind fan spinning disturbance in your CPU is dirt built up or a problem with your motherboard. In other cases, your PSU might not be compatible with your system leading to fan spinning problems. So take the help of the above-mentioned strategies for fixing your fan spinning problems.
FAQ: Computer Fans not Spinning
● Does your computer fan always spin?
Yes, computer fans always spin to cool down your CPU. High CPU temperature can lead to heat damage and performance reduction in your system.
● How can I clean a computer fan?
Use compressed air for cleaning your computer fan. Or use a brush to remove the dirt as an alternative to compressed air.
● How frequently should I clean PC fans?
Clean your CPU fans at least once in 6 or 12 months.