If you want to learn how to fix the CPU fan error, then we’ve got a handful of solutions that can instantly solve the issue.
CPU fan error can occur for many reasons, such as overheating, dust buildup, damaged fan, or incorrect fan settings. It can also appear if the system is unable to detect a fan. In any case, the error can be really frustrating, as you can not use your PC without resolving it.
This is where we come in. We’ll walk you through several methods to resolve the CPU fan error so you can quickly get back to using your PC as before.
Quick Answer
Fixing overheating issues, cleaning your PC, inspecting the fans, and using a new CPU fan header are some ways that can help get rid of the CPU fan error.
How you can fix the CPU fan error
If you’re constantly getting the CPU fan error, you can try following these methods to get rid of it.
Step
Ensure the CPU isn’t overheating
The first thing you need to do is ensure your CPU isn’t overheating, as this can sometimes cause the CPU fan error to appear. To fix CPU overheating, check your CPU usage, relocate your PC to a different spot, and scan your system for malware or viruses.
Step
Clean your PC
While you don’t have to clean your PC every week, you do need to do it once every month or two, depending on much dust is in your area. If there’s a lot of dust buildup inside your PC, it will prevent the fans from operating properly.
To clean your PC, start by turning it off and unplugging all cables. Then, use a can of compressed air or an air gun to remove the dust. Continue until the fans and other components are clean.
Make sure not to spray any liquid on the components, as this will end up damaging them. Only use compressed air for cleaning your PC.
Step
Inspect the fans
When you open the case to clean the components, it’s a good time to inspect the CPU fan and the case fans as well. The CPU fan error can also occur if the fans are physically damaged or not connected properly. Use a screwdriver to remove the fan and thoroughly inspect it for any damage or cuts. If you spot even a small cut on the fan, replace it right away. If everything looks good, check the fan cables for any cuts or bends, and make sure the connector is properly plugged in
Step
Use a new CPU fan header
If there’s isn’t anything wrong with the fan or its cables, the problem may be with the CPU fan header. Most motherboards come with multiple fan headers, so you can try using another one to see if that fixes the issue.
Step
Avoid overclocking your CPU
If you’ve recently overclocked your CPU, we suggest reverting it to its original settings immediately. This is because while it boosts the overall performance of the processor, it also significantly increases the temperatures, which leads to overheating. Since standard case fans may struggle with such elevated temperatures, disabling overclocking is recommended in such a case.
Step
Change the CPU fans settings
If you’re getting the CPU fan error in an ASUS motherboard, then you can try fixing the issue by changing fans settings from BIOS.
In the BIOS, you need to make the following changes after heading over to the Power tab.
- Select Hardware monitor.
- Change the CPU Fan Speed Power Limit to ‘Ignore.’
- Set the Chassis Fan Speed to ‘NA.’
- Change Power Fan Speed to ‘Ignore.’
Step
Disable the fan speed monitor
In some cases, you may need to disable the fan speed monitor entirely to fix the CPU fan error. For this, go to Monitor in BIOS, select Fan Speed Monitor and set it to ‘Ignore.’ While this may fix the problem temporarily, it can also start causing overheating issues after some time as your system will be unable to detect the fans.
Step
Get a new CPU fan
If you’ve tried everything but the CPU fan error isn’t going away, then you may need to replace the CPU fan. We don’t recommend doing this on your own, and it’s best to take your computer to a repair shop and have experts handle the replacement for you. And if you haven’t upgraded your CPU cooler in a while, now might be the right time to do so. You can either opt for an air or AIO cooler, depending on your budget and needs.
What to do if your CPU fan is damaged?
In case the problem is with your CPU fan, you may need to get it repaired. But if it’s beyond repair, you’ll need to get a new cooler. To help you out, we’ll recommend some options that we think are great for keeping the temperature low. Also, you may be interested in checking out the best PC case fans for your rig.
Conclusion
The CPU fan error can be really annoying, as you can not use your PC as long as it’s there. Hopefully, you’ll be able to get rid of it in no time by following the methods mentioned in our guide. And if the error isn’t going away, you may need to replace the fan or get a new CPU cooler.