CPU Fan Error: What it is and How to Fix It

Are you facing CPU Fan Error? And having a lot of trouble due to this? Same here I was a few days ago. My PC fan stuck due to some reason which I search a lot. And thanks to technology, every problem has its solution, finally, I fixed it. What about you! Here I am with my experience to fix the issue.

What is CPU?

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) of the computer is the main working hardware of the entire computer system. Basically, the CPU processes input and produces an output which is displayed on our monitor or the computer screen. In a laptop, the CPU is built below the keyboard. And on a desktop, the CPU is present either in a separate unit box or It is present behind the screen itself.

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What is a CPU fan?

CPUs, also known as Central Processing Units, is your computer’s “brain.” The CPU is the central processing unit that does the computing and processing that allows your computer to function. It’s done with the help of electricity, with part of the power being transformed into heat during the process.

The circuits inside the CPU can’t carry electricity effectively further if it becomes too hot, and computations will fail. The CPU can grow so hot in severe circumstances that the fragile electrical parts are ruined.

The CPU features a head spreader. It is a metallic part that contacts the CPU on the first side and shows the other to the outer side, to fight this. The heat spreader is topped by a heatsink, which is commonly constructed of aluminum and copper. A small amount of thermal paste is sandwiched between them. It allows for filling any air gaps that may occur between the two metal sides.

Heat is transferred from the CPU to the heatsink through the heat spreader. After that, the heatsink must be cooled. This is accomplished with the help of a connected fan that circulates air through the fins of the heatsink.

What is CPU fan error and why does it happen?

The CPU fan problem might be caused by one of two scenarios. Either your CPU fan is malfunctioning, or your computer believes it is. One of the things that might go faulty with the CPU’s fan is that it does not spin fast. It leads to insufficient cooling of your CPU. Another possibility is that the fan has completely come to a standstill.

While setting up a desktop or laptop, the Central Processing Unit (CPU) fan problem is a typical error message. Mostly, the error message shows after the device is shut off due to heating too much. This usually happens if the fan present in the CPU is not able to adequately cool the hardware. However, it’s not convenient at all, the CPU fan alert and hence the coerced shut-off makes it evident that the computer’s protections are in good working order. If the fans aren’t working correctly, the laptop will overheat, causing irreparable damage to the technical components.

If you see this error post a forced shutoff, it’s most likely due to a hardware issue. It’s a negative indicator if the fan of the CPU was extremely noisy before the shutoff. Your fan, on the other hand, might be absolutely quiet since it’s stopped moving, which isn’t usual. Especially when under a lot of stress!

Errors related to computer CPU Fan may not signal a faulty computer fan or another computer hardware problem. Don’t panic about the warning. Instead, continue reading this post to know more on the whys and hows to these CPU fan issue problems. To be honest, you may be able to address such CPU fan issues by just changing certain computer settings.

Troubleshooting: How to Fix a CPU Fan Error

The simplest approach to determine if the CPU fan is spinning or not is to simply glance at it. We only suggest this for desktop computers. This is because operating your laptop in a half-opened condition isn’t a good idea unless you’re confident in yourself. If you have a side window on your desktop computer, all you must do is see whether the fan is rotating or still. If you don’t, removing the CPU’s paneling and seeing inside the computer while it’s running is typically straightforward.

In case of laptops, all you have to do is simply place your palm near one of the air exhaust vents of your laptop. In case you have a laptop with a GPU as well, then you can search the manual. Confirm on which side is the exhaust vent for the CPU fan. Then feel whether hot air is blowing out of that vent or not.

CPU fan failures can be caused by either hardware or software or sometimes both. So, the solutions are as diverse as the errors themselves. They require you to check particular settings and also the internal CPU fan.

Change the location of your computer:

This method works mostly for the desktops as they are placed at a fixed spot. Whereas the laptop can be taken anywhere. Firstly, try changing the place of your computer. Although your device’s fans are functioning well, keeping it at a position where there is lots of warmth or sunshine might make it overheated and force it to shut off. Consider changing the location of your desktop. Place it in an area that is cooler than the place it was in earlier. Ensure that it is never exposed to direct sunshine as it can heat up the system rapidly.

Stop Overclocking:

Overclocking a part of your PC, most commonly the CPU, but also the graphics card, allows it to perform faster than it was designed to. This allows you to boost the performance of your computer without having to spend money on upgrades or enhancements. The pace at which various PC processor chips run is referred to as their “clock speed.” A greater clock speed indicates a CPU can do more “operations per second”, allowing your computer to function quickly.

Overclocking results in a considerable rise in CPU’s heat that is not manageable by the standard fans. Circuits might get destroyed, causing repeated power-offs and overheating problems. If you’re overclocking your Central Processing Unit or using a custom fan curve, try reverting to the default configuration to see if that sorts the issue. Overclocking may necessitate a fan update, and a faulty fan curve may not be cooling your CPU under the workload.

Keeping the Air Vents clean:

Sometimes, the air vents of the computer you use can be stuck with dust and other unwanted materials. This results in blockage of the air vents. This further results in an improper flow of air. It further results in CPU fans failing to run at their full effectiveness and efficiency. One of the simplest way, in order to remove the debris and dust from the air vents of the CPU, is to take out the brush from the vacuum cleaner and then use the vacuum cleaner at its full speed to pull out any dust and debris. You can also use an airgun if you have it. Use it to blast air from the airgun and blast out the dust and dirt.

Clean the CPU fans:

It may be possible that the CPU fans themselves might be dirty and not functioning properly due to it. Cleaning the CPU fans can result in letting the CPU fans function properly, and eliminating the CPU fan error. Turn off your computer and also detach it from the power outlet before proceeding to this step. Open the case of your CPU in the case of desktop, and unscrew the bottom in case of a laptop.

NOTE: SOME DEVICES ARE NOT DESIGNED/ALLOWED TO BE OPENED UP WITHOUT THE BRAND’S AUTHORISED TECHNICIAN. IN SUCH CASES, OPENING UP THE LAPTOP/CPU MAY VOID THE THE WARRANTY OR CAN ALSO CAUSE PERMANENT DAMAGE

After this, clean the insides of the laptop or your CPU with an airgun. Also, avoid using any sorts of chemical cleaners on to the CPU fan or any other part. They can damage the CPU components.

Check your CPU fan:

When you have your computer or your laptop opened, physically inspect the fans. Ensure the fact that they have not come out of their socket or broken. If the CPU fan is found broken or misplaced, or if it is loose, you can fix it easily. Tighten it using a screwdriver or glue, decided by the type.

NOTE: Always ensure that an electronic gadget is completely switched off and unplugged from every power source before opening and looking its inside. While switching your device off, keep in mind to click Shut Down rather than Sleep

Location of the CPU fan:

In case you’re attaching the CPU fan on your own, cross-verify that the fan is in the correct slot. It has to be plugged into the motherboard’s CPU header. The fan might function while the device is switched on in case it is plugged elsewhere. However it will not be cooling off the Central Processing Unit efficiently, that’s what it is meant to do.

NOTE: The CPU header will almost certainly be present and named “CPU Fan” on the motherboard. But even if it isn’t, there will be three holes matching the fan’s three-sticked connector, making it easy to find.

Try a different CPU fan header:

It’s possible that the motherboard on your computer or laptop might have more than one CPU fan header. This is primarily made available for the connection of more than one CPU fan. You can try to unplug the CPU fan from the motherboard and plug it into the other slot. Now check by starting your PC on again. If the CPU fan now works properly, then the slot in which the CPU fan was installed is damaged.

Checking the fan settings of the CPU in BIOS:

The BIOS (basic input/output system) is software that a computer’s CPU uses to start the computer once it has been turned on. It also controls how the data flow between the computer’s OS and peripherals including the hard drive, monitor, etc. BIOS acts as a connecting link for OS and on the hardware, they function on. It may be utilized to debug difficulties and cross-verify that all components are functioning correctly. Select Advanced Settings > Hardware Monitor > CPU Fan from the BIOS menu. Active Heat Sink and Fan Duct with Fan should be enabled in the settings mentioned above. Passive Heat Sink and Fan Duct without Fan should be disabled. Exit BIOS after saving your changes.

Install a new CPU fan:

This is the last option if none of the above-mentioned methods work for you. In case no method of the above-mentioned methods resolve the issue, it might be that the fan is just damaged and has to be replaced. For example, if your fans are severely damaged, a CPU fan error will appear on your computer’s boot screen. It allows you to avoid more serious computer issues such as computer freezing unexpectedly, slow computer performance issues, etc. In most cases, the fan’s repairing cost or replacement is included under the device’s warranty. If you bought the fan separately, it could come with its own warranty. You can utilize it to acquire a new part for free or at a reduced price.

Decrease computer CPU usage

The linked overheated computer difficulties can also be caused by excessive CPU utilization. You can simply try to reduce computer usage to eliminate overheated computer issues. To avoid risks, you can, for example, instantly terminate any unneeded games, programs, and papers. Of course, if you’re watching movies, listening to music, running heavy apps, you should close them and try again.

How Serious Is a CPU Fan Error?

The worst-case situation can be that your fan isn’t cooling your CPU, causing it to run hot every time. It will automatically turn off the computer if it gets too hot. But even running the CPU at that critical temperature for huge durations of time can cut the CPU’s lifespan. Therefore, as a prevention, this problem shouldn’t be overlooked or ignored. This can cause your CPU to be unusable and cost you a lot to purchase an entire system.

CPU Fan Error: What it is and How to Fix It