Generally, CPUs generate a lot of heat when a person works with their computer for a long time without taking a break. Even when your CPU isn’t under heavy load and pressure, it requires sustained heat extravagance. For that, CPU Fans are placed that always run to dissipate heat from the processor. If your CPU fans stop working, you will feel your CPU temperature rising significantly.
However, if the temperature goes to a high level, then it’s the minimum range, and there will be more chances that your computer will crash at any time. Also, you will face automatic reboot issues without any notification. Thus, you will find a lot of dedicated third-party CPU cooling systems mainly designed to keep the fan temperature at a minimum level.
Sadly, many users have encountered an issue with their CPU fans which indicates a problem with the controlling system of CPU fans. In spite of that, most users cannot access CPU fans or show fan errors on their computers. But don’t brood; we’re here to help you. In this guide, we will discuss how to fix the CPU fan error and why it occurs on a computer. We will also offer a handful of solutions you can easily try to solve as soon as possible.
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What is CPU Fan Error?
Generally speaking, CPU fan issues happen when your CPU fan isn’t working properly. A useful part of the central processing unit (CPU) that reduces temperature if it rises too high is the CPU fan. However, if the CPU fans are not functioning properly, it is difficult to operate a computer in real-time. For instance, when launching any applications or programs like Discord or Microsoft Browser then it will utilize CPU at a rate that will cause a rise in its temperature and minimize it according to usage.
If the CPU fan is not working or functioning improperly on your computer, it will cause several issues with your system. It is possible that due to a malfunctioning CPU fan, your system will crash and reboot automatically without informing you. Even if your system doesn’t reboot then it will freeze at a certain point in case. You will have to manually force reboot the computer to access it again.
Alternatively, the loss of data is certain to come with it. Rebooting your computer can also cause several issues including with your hard drive, accumulating bad sectors, which can eventually ruin the drive and result in inaccessible data loss. Therefore, it is essential to have a proper working CPU fan in order to access your computer and to protect your data without losing it.
What Reasons CPU Fans Not Working or Showing Error?
There could be several reasons why the CPU fans are not working and it’s showing the error on your device. However, if the fan is not completely turned off and it’s rotating slowly, then you will face slow fan speed, which will eventually lead to the same issue later. Generally, the CPU fan error is mainly caused by physical damage, including the fan blade damage, which reduces the airflow of the CPU fan.
Apart from that, there could be other reasons why the CPU fan isn’t working. Many users encountered the problem because of the incorrect BIOS settings which can be annoying for almost every user. In addition, the unexpected rise in temperature can also be due to dust and debris inside the system which may cause issues with the CPU fan. However, if your system doesn’t have enough space around it then it causes blockage in airflow which may create several issues with the CPU fans.
Solutions to Fix CPU Fan Error Issue
If you also have the same issue with the CPU fan, don’t worry. Most of the time, the problem is generally fixed by following a few solutions mentioned in this article. Make sure to follow each step carefully to get rid of the problem permanently.
Solution 1: Change Your Computer Path
The first thing you have to do is to change your computer’s location cabinet. As incorrect installation location will affect your CPU and computer, resulting in improper airflow which will result in increased CPU temperature at a high level. However, if you’re in a warmer place, then you need to ensure that your computer is not directly under sunlight as it will contribute to temperature rise.
In such a scenario, you have to make some space over the desk you’re using and move the cabinet on top to offer sufficient airflow. Also, the overall temperature plays a major role in this scenario, so make sure you’re at a cooler temperature.
Apart from that, if you are having a similar issue with your laptop, then you should consider purchasing a cooling pad that definitely works wonders for a laptop and it will make your laptop cool all the time whenever your laptop temperature increases to a high level. A cooling pad offers an external fan that increases the airflow in your system and manages the temperature.
Solution 2: Check Overclocking Parameters
Nowadays, most users, especially gamers, overclock their CPUs to find the best performance on their system while playing the games. However, the most frequent drawback of overclocking a CPU is increased temperature to a high level as a result of greater power consumption and faster clock rates. But if you have an issue with the CPU fan error, you will have to use the CPU at default settings.
In addition, if the motherboard and CPU support overclocking then you will definitely find the overclocking status in the BIOS. Hold down the DEL key while booting your system and again check the overclocking from the BIOS settings. For AMD processors, users can easily download AMD Ryzen Master utility software and check the status without hassle.
Solution 3: Clean Dust and Debris
If you have not cleaned your computer cabinet for a long time, then there may be a chance of the dust and debris particles which easily take up the entire place and settle over the CPU fan. However, when the CPU fans are operating at full power dust and debris will easily restrict airflow and cause the fans to work inadequately. In that case, cleaning the desktop cabinet is essential, and it’s simple to do.
If you find the dust and debris settle over the CPU fan, then make sure to clean it. You can try using a vacuum cleaner to suck all the residue dust in a single blow. But if you don’t have a vacuum cleaner, you can use an air blower to clean the dust over the CPU fan and around the space. This will restrain the air from the blower and displace the dust from the CPU fan and cooler which surely resolve the problem you are facing.
Solution 4: Check CPU Cooler
The next thing is you have to check the CPU cooler. But in most cases, the default CPU coolers are good enough for basic usage and gaming. And if the CPU cooler isn’t providing the optimum level, you will end up with the CPU fan error. Typically, the CPU fan cooler consists of a single fan if you are using a default CPU cooler. But if you’re using a third-party cooler, then it will come with dedicated metal pipes and fins which increases the heat exchange rate.
Make sure to check whether your CPU cooler is performing perfectly. If the CPU fan cooler is jammed, then rotate the fan with a hard object and clear the dust around the space. Plus, there is another most important parameter case which is thermal paste. Generally, the thermal paste is applied between the CPU and cooler, and with the thermal paste the cooler can perform efficiently. In case if the thermal paste is dried, you need to clean your CPU or re-apply the thermal paste manually.
Solution 5: Check CPU Cooler Direction
The next thing is you have to check your CPU cooler whether the direction is properly assigned. However, if you have installed a third-party CPU cooler manually, you should check if it is installed correctly. Generally, on the cooler fan, you will see an arrow that depicts the airflow direction. Also make sure that the CPU fan is pushing the hot air out of the cabinet. Plus, you have to check whether the cabinet fans are correctly installed and working as exhaust fans or intake fans.
Alternatively, the CPU fan cooler also needs to be connected to the motherboard for accurate control. According to CPU temperature level, your motherboard will automatically control the fan speed according to temperature. Thus, why make sure that your CPU cooler fans are properly connected to the motherboard.
Solution 6: Check BIOS Settings
As mentioned earlier, an incorrect BIOS setting on the system can cause several issues, including the CPU fan error. In case you have to ensure to check the BIOS settings are properly set and the settings must be correct. If not, make sure to check and correct the fan status from BIOS settings. Here’s what to do.
- Firstly, turn off your computer.
- Now restart your system. While your system is booting up, press the DEL key to enter into BIOS settings. (The shortcut key might be different depending on your motherboard manufacturers).
- On the BIOS settings page, navigate to the “Advanced Settings” and look for the “Hardware monitor” section.
- Here you will find the related settings to the hardware installed on your computer.
- In the “Hardware Monitor” section, choose the “CPU Fan” option. This section is mainly dedicated to CPU Fan settings.
- In the “CPU Fan” section, enable the “Active Heat Sink” and “Fan Duct with Fan” options.
- If the “Passive Heat Sink” and “Fan Duct without Fan” options are enabled, turn them off.
- Finally, press the F10 key and save your settings. After that, your system will reboot normally.
Solution 7: Replace CPU Cooler
If you have tried the above solutions and it doesn’t work for you, it is recommended you get a replacement for your CPU fan. In most cases, the default CPU coolers are unable to hold the heavy usage for a long time and the in-built fans might be damaged. So, you should consider a high-end third-party CPU cooler to ensure the best performance for your CPU fan.
Alternatively, it could be possible that your CPU fan is faulty or damaged or there are damaged components, preventing you from accessing the CPU cooler. Make sure to contact a technician team to diagnose and resolve the problem you are facing with the CPU fan cooler. They will definitely fix the problem if there is any hardware damage visible. Otherwise, you have to replace it.
Wrapping Up
CPU fan error generally depicts a sign of unstable CPU performance due to temperature level goes high as compared to normal. But if the CPU fans aren’t working and showing an error, you will find your CPU underperforming by a lot which can be pretty hard to access applications and programs on your computer. Plus, it results in frequent system freeze, system reboots, shutters, lag problems if the temperature level is not under control.
Fortunately, we have provided a list of solutions that you can easily apply on your CPU cooler in order to resolve the problem. Make sure to follow each step carefully. Also, if the above solutions don’t work at all, then you should contact the technician team to get repaired. We hope this guide helps you a lot in fixing the CPU fan error. Thanks for reading. Cheers!