What is a CPU Fan?

The central processing unit (CPU) is the main microchip in a computer, while a CPU fan is the dedicated fan that helps keep the processor cool. Processors generate heat from internal electrical energy. The more demand placed on a CPU, the harder it works, and the warmer it gets. If the CPU gets too warm it can make errors and eventually ‘melt’ becoming completely inoperable. A CPU fan works in conjunction with a heat sink to prevent this.

A heat sink is a metallic device that sits directly on the CPU, drawing heat away from the chip into its cooler, aluminum, fin-like structure. The CPU fan attaches to the heat sink, pulling air through the fins. By dissipating heat drawn into the heat sink, the fan indirectly cools the processor.

Types of CPU Air Coolers

• U-Type/Twin Tower Air Coolers. A commonly used cooler with a vertical stack of heat fins, arranged parallel to the heat base. …
• C-Type Air Coolers. A top-down air cooler with c-shaped heat pipes curving from the heat fin stacks. …
• Low-Profile Air Coolers. …
• Closed-Loop. …
• DIY.

The computer may look like a very powerful and intelligent device but without the help of the various parts, the computer is absolutely nothing. We all know about the hardware and software parts of a computer but among them also there are such minute things which do not comes in our notice easily but are something very indispensable. These are very small and useful objects which sometimes prove to be very important for even performing the major tasks.

Troubleshooting your CPU fan

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

Try using a different fan header (terminals on your motherboard that connect to your fan(s)) to test your fan. You can use the PSU, case/chassis or GPU fan header. Laptop users will need to test on a different computer. If it spins, then the problem could be the motherboard or power supply unit.

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

If you have a multi-meter, test the voltage across the red and black terminal. It should be 3-5V or 12V, otherwise your motherboard or PSU has a problem.

All computers have system diagnostic tools and the CPU fan is one component tested here. Shut down your computer and press the power button. Immediately press F12 to enter into the system boot options. On the boot menu screen, select the Diagnostics option. The PSA+ window is displayed, listing all devices detected in the computer. The diagnostics starts running the tests on all the detected devices. Once the test is completed, a message prompt will appear “if you want to continue memory test” select no. Then 32-bit Diagnostics will be initiated, select custom test. Now select fan as a specific device and run the test. Once the test is completed the results will appear and make a note of the log displayed. If you get an error message such as: “Fan-The [Processor Fan] failed to respond correctly. Error code 2000-0511. Validation 13133” then you’re your cooling system is dead and will need replacement.

Below are some of the common solutions to this problem. The methods mentioned can get expensive quickly since this could be a hardware problem so we have started with the inexpensive methods.

Method 1: Restart your computer

The CPU fan can easily be stopped with a finger or debris since it does not have much torque. To prevent the fan wiring from frying or any other damage, your fan will stop spinning even if you remove your finger or the debris. Restart your computer to clear this error.

PRO TIP: If the issue is with your computer or a laptop/notebook you should try using Restoro Repair which can scan the repositories and replace corrupt and missing files. This works in most cases, where the issue is originated due to a system corruption. You can download Restoro by Clicking Here

Method 2: Clean your fan by blasting it with compressed air

Fans usually get clogged with dust. The buildup could reach the fan blades and prevent them from spinning since these fans do not produce a lot of torque. You can disassemble your fan and clean it. If you are not sure how to do that, get a can of compress air and blast it into the fan vents. Make sure that your fan does not get to high RPMs (Revolutions per minute) since it may damage the fan.

Method 3: Clear any wiring from the fan blades

Since CPU fans do not produce a lot of torque, wiring going into the fan motor can block the blades from spinning. Take down your fan and make sure that there are no wires or anything going into the fan blades. Secure the fan wiring onto the side using epoxy to ensure they do get in the way of the fan blades.

Method 4: Reset/Flash your BIOS

Your BIOS controls your fan. Resting it will clear any misconfigurations and get your fan working. To reset the BIOS:

1. Shut down your PC
2. Press the power button and immediately press F2 to enter into BIOS setup
3. Press F9 (or the load defaults button shown on the BIOS screen) to reset your BIOS
4. Press Esc or F10 and select “save and Exit” press Enter and allow your system to restart then check if the fan now works.

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

Method 5: Replace your fan

If you have tested your fan on another PC and it doesn’t work, or you have tested a known working fan on your PC and it still doesn’t spin, then you will need to get a new fan. You should also ensure that you are getting a 3-5V or 12V on the CPU fans terminals to avoid any doubt.

Method 6: Replace your motherboard

The only sure way to know if your motherboard is the problem is to test a working CPU fan on your PC. If it also doesn’t spin, then you will need to replace your motherboard. If you have electrical skills, you can test if the CPU fan voltage output is between 3-5V or 12V. 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 will need to replace your motherboard.

Make sure that your motherboard fits with your power supply unit and other components or you will have extra costs replacing the other components too.

Method 7: Replace your power supply unit

Replacing the motherboard is not usually a guarantee to solve this problem if you are on a desktop computer. Since laptops integrate the PSU onto the motherboard, replacing the motherboard will fix the problem. Desktop computers have a separate power supply unit that supplies 3V, 5V, 10V and 12V to your motherboard. If the 5V or 12V supply is dead, your fan will not work. This will therefore need your to replace the PSU.

You can tell that your PSU needs replacement when you get beeping sounds, or there is more than one component that won’t work (your monitor, fan, USBs, keyboard, mouse) or the computer starts for a while and then shuts down immediately.

Make sure that the PSU you are getting has similar supply ports with your replacement PSU otherwise they will not be compatible.

PS: If your CPU is overheating and you need inexpensive methods to cool it