The most common reason a CPU fan isn’t spinning is because it isn’t receiving power. Losing power to the fan could be caused by a variety of issues, such as a bad connection or a blown fuse. Other possibilities include a faulty fan itself, or some underlying issues with the computer.
In order to determine why a CPU fan isn’t spinning, one must first ascertain if the fan is receiving any power. To do this, you must take off the side panel of your computer and locate the fan attached to the CPU. Use a flashlight to look for a wire connecting the fan to the motherboard. If the wire is present and properly connected, then the fan should be receiving power. If it is not connected, you will need to connect the fan securely to the motherboard of your computer. Once connected, the fan should start spinning as soon as you turn on your computer.
If the fan still does not spin after being properly connected to the motherboard, then the issue may be a result of a blown fuse in the computer. A blown fuse is an electrical issue that prevents power from reaching certain areas of the computer, including the CPU fan. To inspect the fuses, look inside the power supply and identify which wires are connected to the motherboard. Unplug these wires and inspect the ends of the wires for a short circuit (signified by a blackened or burned area on the wire). If a short circuit is visible, then the fuse is likely blown and will need to be replaced.
If the fuse appears to be in working condition, then the issue with the CPU fan could be due to a faulty or broken fan. This will likely require the fan to be replaced, as there is no way to repair a faulty fan. In some cases, the fan could be running but still not spinning properly. If this is the case, you may be able to loosen the mounting screws and gently manipulate the fan blades to make sure that they turn freely. However, this approach is not guaranteed to fix the problem, and it is usually best to just opt for a replacement fan instead.
Finally, the issue could be caused by an underlying issue with the computer itself. If the computer is relatively new, then it’s possible that the fan has been running too hot due to a lack of airflow. Ensure that the vents of your computer are clear of dust and other debris so that the fan can get adequate airflow to cool the CPU. Additionally, check your computer’s internal temperature using a program like SpeedFan and make sure that it is not overheating. If it is, then you will need to address the cause of the overheating before the fan will begin to spin again.
In conclusion, the reasons behind a CPU fan not spinning can range from something as simple as a loose connection or a blown fuse, to something more complicated like a faulty fan or a problem with the computer itself. To determine the exact cause, one must first be able to identify if the fan is receiving power and then troubleshoot the issue accordingly. Once the issue is determined and addressed, the fan should start spinning again and your computer will be back up and running in no time.