Cpu Fan Is Running And Stopping? (FAQ)

✅ Fact Checked

Updated on January 29, 2023

Written by
John Chad, Bachelor Degree in Computer Science & Computer Engineering.

Fact Checked by
Russel Collins

John is a certified IT & Computer Engineer with a Bachelors Degree. He has worked for a International Insurance Company in the IT department before deciding to become a full time blogger to help his readers. Holds a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science from Stanford University.

⭐ Fun Fact ⭐

Did you know that the first CPU (Central Processing Unit) was invented by Intel in 1971? It was called the Intel 4004 and it had a speed of only 740 kHz. Nowadays, CPUs have speeds that reach up to several GHz (gigahertz). It’s amazing to see how far technology has come!

As a computer user, you may have experienced the frustration of a CPU fan that runs for a while and then stops, only to start up again a few minutes later. This type of intermittent operation can be caused by a variety of factors, from simple dust buildup to more complex issues with the fan itself or the computer’s cooling system. It’s important to understand that this is not a normal behavior for your CPU fan, and it should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid potential damage to your computer. In this post, we will explore the possible causes of this problem and provide some troubleshooting steps that you can take to diagnose and resolve the issue. By the end of this post, you will have a clear understanding of what’s causing your fan to behave this way, and what steps you can take to fix it. So, let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

1 Causes of Intermittent CPU Fan Operation

There are several possible causes of intermittent CPU fan operation, which can range from simple dust buildup to more complex issues with the fan itself or the computer’s cooling system.

Dust buildup in the fan or CPU heatsink can be a common cause of this problem. Dust particles can accumulate on the blades of the fan, reducing its efficiency and causing it to run less frequently or for shorter periods of time. The same is true for the CPU heatsink, which is responsible for dissipating heat from the CPU. If dust accumulates on the heatsink, it can impede the transfer of heat and cause the fan to run less frequently. To resolve this issue, it is important to regularly clean the interior of your computer, paying special attention to the fan and heatsink.

Worn or damaged bearings in the fan can also cause intermittent operation. The bearings in a fan are responsible for keeping the blades spinning smoothly. Over time, however, they can wear out or become damaged, causing the fan to run less efficiently. In some cases, the fan may even stop spinning altogether. If you suspect that the problem is caused by worn or damaged bearings, you may need to replace the fan.

Incorrect fan speed settings in the computer’s BIOS can also cause intermittent operation. The BIOS, or basic input/output system, is responsible for controlling the fan speed. If the settings are configured incorrectly, the fan may run less frequently or for shorter periods of time. To resolve this issue, you will need to enter the BIOS and adjust the fan speed settings.

Failed fan control circuit or sensor can also be a cause of intermittent operation. The fan control circuit or sensor is responsible for controlling the fan speed. If it fails, the fan may run less frequently or for shorter periods of time. In some cases, the fan may even stop spinning altogether. If you suspect that the problem is caused by a failed fan control circuit or sensor, you may need to replace it.

In any case, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to avoid potential damage to your computer. It’s always better to diagnose and resolve the problem, rather than ignoring it and hoping it will go away.

2 Diagnosing the Problem

When diagnosing a problem with a computer, it’s important to check for a few key things. First, check for dust buildup and clean as necessary. Dust can clog up the internal components of a computer, causing it to overheat and potentially damage the hardware. Use compressed air or a soft brush to gently remove any dust that may have accumulated.

Next, listen for abnormal noise from the fan. If the fan is making a loud or unusual noise, it could indicate that it’s not functioning properly. This could be caused by a lack of lubrication, a build-up of dust, or a malfunctioning motor.

Check fan speed settings in the BIOS. The BIOS is the basic input/output system that controls the computer’s hardware settings. Make sure that the fan is set to run at the correct speed for the specific computer. If the fan is running too fast or too slow, it can cause overheating and other problems.

Check for error messages or warnings in the computer’s event logs. The event logs contain information about system events and can provide valuable insights into what might be causing a problem. Look for any error messages or warnings that might indicate a problem with the fan or other hardware.

Another important step is to check the temperature of the computer’s components. The temperature of the CPU and GPU can be checked using system monitoring software like SpeedFan. If the temperature of the computer is too high, it can indicate a problem with the cooling system.

If you find any issues, it is important to address them quickly to prevent further damage. Keep in mind that in some cases, it may be necessary to replace the fan or other components to resolve the problem.

In addition to these steps, it is also important to keep the computer’s software up to date. Make sure that you have the latest updates for your operating system and any installed programs. Outdated software can cause issues with the fan or other hardware.

So essentially, when diagnosing a problem with a computer, it’s important to check for dust buildup and clean as necessary, listen for abnormal noise from the fan, check fan speed settings in the BIOS, check for error messages or warnings in the computer’s event logs, check the temperature of the computer’s components, and keep the computer’s software up to date.

3 Resolving the Issue

Once you’ve diagnosed the problem with your computer, it’s time to start resolving the issue. One of the most common causes of overheating and other issues is a malfunctioning fan. To fix this, you may need to clean or replace the fan as necessary. Use compressed air or a soft brush to gently remove any dust that may have accumulated, and check for any signs of damage such as bent or broken blades. If the fan is damaged, you’ll need to replace it.

Another solution is to adjust the fan speed settings in the BIOS. The BIOS is the basic input/output system that controls the computer’s hardware settings. Make sure that the fan is set to run at the correct speed for the specific computer. If the fan is running too fast or too slow, it can cause overheating and other problems.

If the fan control circuit or sensor is not working properly, it can cause the fan to malfunction. In this case, you’ll need to replace the failed fan control circuit or sensor to resolve the issue.

Another solution is to consider installing additional cooling solutions, such as additional fans or a liquid cooling system. This can help to dissipate heat more effectively, preventing overheating and prolonging the life of the computer’s components.

It’s also important to keep the computer’s software up to date. Make sure that you have the latest updates for your operating system and any installed programs. Outdated software can cause issues with the fan or other hardware.

In addition to these steps, it’s also important to be proactive about preventing future issues. Keep the computer in a cool, well-ventilated area, avoid blocking the vents, and consider dusting the computer on a regular basis.

As such, when resolving an issue with a computer, it’s important to clean or replace the fan as necessary, adjust fan speed settings in the BIOS, replace a failed fan control circuit or sensor, consider installing additional cooling solutions such as additional fans or a liquid cooling system, keep the computer’s software up to date, and be proactive about preventing future issues. These steps will help to ensure that the computer is running smoothly and efficiently, and will prolong the life of the computer’s components.

4 FAQ

Why does my CPU fan keep starting and stopping?

The most common cause of an intermittent CPU fan operation is a failed fan control circuit or sensor. These components are responsible for controlling the speed of the fan, and if they fail, the fan may start and stop randomly. Other possible causes include dust buildup or problems with the computer’s cooling system. To diagnose and resolve the issue, it is recommended to perform basic troubleshooting steps such as checking for dust buildup, listening for abnormal noise, and reviewing error messages and warnings. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to seek professional help or replace the CPU fan or other cooling components as necessary.

Why does my computer fan keep surging?

The surging of your computer fan may be caused by a malfunctioning fan control circuit or sensor. This can cause the fan to turn on and off rapidly, creating a surging noise. Other possible causes include dust buildup, problems with the power supply, or issues with the software controlling the fan’s operation. It’s recommended to check for dust buildup and listen for abnormal noise from the fan. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to seek professional help or replace the fan or other cooling components. It’s also good to check for any software related issues, sometimes a software related problem may cause the fan to surge.

Why are my CPU fans going crazy?

The most likely cause of unusual fan activity in a CPU is an overheating problem. The fans are designed to activate when the temperature of the CPU exceeds a certain threshold, in order to dissipate heat and keep the processor from becoming damaged.

It is possible that the thermal paste between the CPU and heat sink is not conducting heat effectively, causing the CPU to overheat. Additionally, dust buildup on the fans or heat sink can impede proper air flow, leading to overheating.

Inspecting and cleaning the inside of the computer, and ensuring that all fans and the heat sink are free of dust and debris, is a good first step in resolving this issue. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to replace the thermal paste or even the fan itself. It is also worth checking if the BIOS fan speed settings are set correctly. It is always recommended to check the computer’s documentation or seek professional help if the problem persists.

How do I know if my CPU fan is dying?

One way to determine if your CPU fan is dying is to pay attention to its noise levels. A healthy fan will have a consistent, low-level noise, whereas a dying fan may produce louder, irregular sounds. Additionally, a dying fan may also start to exhibit a lack of speed control, resulting in surging fan speeds.

Another way to check the health of your fan is by monitoring your computer’s temperature. A dying fan will struggle to keep the CPU cool, resulting in high temperatures and potential thermal throttling.

It’s also important to check for any errors or warning messages related to the fan or cooling system in the system event logs. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to seek professional help or replace the CPU fan.

5 Conclusion

In short, intermittent CPU fan operation can be caused by a variety of issues, ranging from simple dust buildup to more complex problems with the fan itself or the computer’s cooling system. By performing basic troubleshooting steps, such as checking for dust buildup, listening for abnormal noise, and reviewing error messages and warnings, it is often possible to diagnose and resolve the issue. However, if the problem persists, it may be necessary to seek professional help or replace the CPU fan or other cooling components. Remember, prevention is better than cure, so be proactive and keep your computer clean and well-maintained to avoid issues with the fan in the first place. In any case, don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you’re unsure of how to proceed, a pro will be happy to assist.

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