What causes the CPU fan to stop spinning?

The CPU fan is an essential part of the computer system and any issue with the fan can lead to serious problems. A common issue that most users experience is the CPU fan not spinning. This can be caused by a number of different factors.

1. Thermal Paste:

One of the most common causes of a CPU fan not spinning is a lack of thermal paste between the CPU and the heat sink. The thermal paste helps to transfer heat away from the CPU and ensures that the fan can draw air and cool the processor down. Without the required thermal paste, the CPU will quickly overheat and shut off, causing the fan to stop spinning.

2. Obstructed Airflow:

Another possible cause of the CPU fan not spinning could be an obstruction in the airflow of the fan. This could be caused by dust or other debris building up and blocking the blades of the fan. It is important to keep the inside of your computer clean and free of dust to ensure the best cooling performance.

3. Faulty Wiring:

Another common cause of a CPU fan not spinning could be a faulty cable or connection somewhere in the system. Check all connections and cables to ensure that they are properly connected and working correctly. In some cases, faulty wiring can cause the CPU fan to spin erratically or even stop spinning altogether.

4. Bad Motor:

In rare cases, the motor of the CPU fan may have gone bad and can no longer spin. Try replacing the fan with a new one to see if this solves the issue.

5. Overclocking:

Overclocking is a practice of increasing the speed of the CPU beyond its advertised speed. It can cause the CPU to run hotter than what it is rated for, which can put extra strain on the cooling system. In some cases, overclocking can cause the CPU fan to spin erratically or even stop spinning completely.

6. BIOS Settings:

In some cases, incorrect settings in the BIOS can cause the CPU fan to not spin. Make sure to check all of the settings related to the CPU fan and make sure that they are correct. Some motherboards have an “auto” setting that can cause the CPU fan to not spin if it isn’t enabled.

7. Faulty Fan:

Finally, it is possible that the CPU fan itself has gone bad and needs to be replaced. If none of these other solutions work, then it is likely that the fan has failed and should be replaced.