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GPU Fans Not Spinning? – 5 Expert Ways to Fix It!

Essential gaming hardware must stay under recommended temperature. And if your GPU fans not spinning or functioning unexpectedly, your expensive gaming system is at risk. Since GPU fans are frequently custom-made and more stressful to substitute than case fans or CPU cooler fans, it is extremely problematic when they quit operating. You must ensure that your GPU fans are meant to be spinning before taking any further action. 

Why GPU fans are important?

Because they produce more heat than the case fans can handle, graphics cards require their own fans. In order to get graphics onto your display, GPUs must perform a lot of intensive computation with VRAM, which causes them to become very heated when you play games. It goes without saying that proper cooling is the most crucial component of a gaming computer. Even with the best gear, they will work poorly if the temperature rises too high.

It’s typical for GPU fans to remain off unless the GPU attains a certain temperature or the system is under load (you’re gaming or rendering graphics actively). This is because if the temperature of the card is low, it is wasteful for the GPU fans to run continuously. 

Slow vs Nonfunctional fans

Avoid being misled; low fan speeds are typically a deliberate decision made by the GPU manufacturer rather than a flaw or problem. Nothing unusual is happening as long as your GPU is operating at or below 85 degrees Celsius and performance is satisfactory. It’s technically not a GPU fans not spinning issue.

How to test if your GPU fans not spinning?

There are different approaches for testing this. 

  1. Observe your GPU fans whenever your system restarts. Your computer’s fans typically run at full speed at boot to make sure they are functioning properly. If throughout this process your GPU fans are not spinning, there may be a problem. 
  2. FurMark is a tool you may use to stress test your GPU. As the test runs, your GPU will get heated, which suggests your fans should turn on. However, avoid having your GPU overheat, and if your fans aren’t working, halt the test.

If your fans do not pass these tests, below are a few methods that could help you. 

How to Fix GPU Fans Not Spinning Issue

1. Check all wires and cables for obstruction

GPU Functioning Fix- Check cables and refixing

Among the initial things to look for is to determine whether something is blocking or interfering with the fans to spin. Without quite looking at the GPU fans while the computer is on, it’s sometimes not fully clear that something is keeping them in place. We advise taking off your PC’s side panel so you can see the GPU fans up close. Something is getting in the way if you notice the fans flickering but not fully rotating.

Be sure to power off your device before trying to eliminate the obstruction. You can deal with your GPU or other parts safely in this way. If the obstruction is still there, try lightly spinning the fans on your graphics card to see whether you’ve succeeded. Either your hands or a tool can be used for this. Again, in order to protect your hands, your equipment, and your GPU fans, try to do this as carefully as you can while the computer is off.

2. Reseating the GPU

Your GPU fans may have become partially or completely unplugged for any reason, however this is rare. The GPU must first be detached from the PCIe slot and reseated. Make sure it’s secured into place by giving it a firm push. If you have a second PCIe slot that is the right size, it might be worthwhile to move the GPU there for testing, but don’t be shocked if your motherboard just has one such slot. 

Your model will determine where the graphics card fan header is located, and it can also involve some level of dismantling. Although the solution to this issue is typically straightforward, there is still some risk involved because user-caused damage is typically not covered by manufacturer warranties.

Besides this, even if you are convinced that all the wires are connected correctly, unplug everything and replug it all in again just in case. This solution has helped us fix the GPU fans not spinning issue more than any other solution for our gaming systems.

3. Dust/Clean the GPU

Take advantage of this time to dust the GPU while the case is open. Your GPU fans may not spin if there is a significant accumulation of dust. To thoroughly clean the GPU and its fans, use compressed air and a lint-free cloth. If the card or system are fresh, then skip this step. GPU Spinning Issue- Clean Dust and Reseat GPU

4. Test the fans using another system

Grab your GPU and test it out on another system, if possible. You can use this to identify whether the problem is related to the graphics card or one of your system’s other parts. For instance, it’s possible that your power supply is defective and isn’t providing enough power to the GPU, which is why the fans aren’t spinning.

If the card does function on another system, it will be challenging to identify the part of your original system that is malfunctioning. Your motherboard, PCIe cables, or the power supply are most likely to blame. Replace them if you can, and then check to see if the GPU fans start to function.

Test Fans Using Another PC

5. Replace or Return your GPU

If everything fails, there’s a high possibility that your GPU is just broken. Although it’s not a definite solution, you might attempt replacing the GPU fans yourself if you feel confident with the process. Instead, if your GPU is still covered by warranty, you can send it back to the maker and request a replacement or a refund so you can purchase something different. Alternatively, you must RMA your GPU, undertake your own fan repair, or purchase a new GPU.

So I hope this small tutorial has helped you fix the GPU fans not spinning/functioning issue for your Gaming PC. Do let us know which solutions worked the best for your GPU or if you have to look somewhere else in the comments below.

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