8 reasons why VGA fans don't spin and how to fix them

The VGA fan is one of the important parts in the device that helps dissipate heat and produce good image quality. However, when encountering a situation where the VGA fan does not rotate, it will cause certain problems and difficulties while using the device. Read the article below with TipsMake to find out the reasons why the video card does not rotate and find the most effective solutions. 

8 reasons why VGA fan is not spinning

There are countless reasons why VGA does not work . Let's take a look at the basic causes and solutions right at home. Specifically: 

1. Due to passive cooling mode

The first reason why the VGA fan does not rotate is due to semi-passive cooling mode . This situation will cause the fan to stop rotating under inappropriate conditions. They will reach their limit around 60 degrees Celsius and return to normal operation as GPU load increases. 

Some typical video cards have semi-passive cooling mode such as: MSI Gaming, ARMOR, Gigabyte Gaming,. 

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When this happens, you can rest assured because this is an available feature that helps provide quiet operation and keeps cool. First, observe and monitor the real cause of the fan not spinning due to overload or not spinning at all. If it does not rotate when working with light loads, you can rest assured. 

Because the above case is the design intention of the manufacturer. They will not affect other machine operations. 

2. Check the PCIe power connection

This is also a fairly common cause discovered when the VGA fan does not rotate . Typically, video cards will require additional power through 6-pin/8-pin PCIe connectors . A power connector that is loose or has changed shape will cause the video card fan to stop. 

In this situation, pay attention and make sure the PCIe and PSU connectors are in place before moving on to the next steps. Users can also use a multimeter to test voltage. A small note is that you should read the meter at 12V . If the PSU and PCIe power connectors still have no problem, you should look for another cause.

3. Driver problem

When used for a long time, old or defective drivers can also cause the video card fan to not rotate.

If this situation results in the VGA fan not spinning, you should update the driver to a newer version. Or you can go back to the old version if you download the new version but the error still persists.

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4. VGA BIOS is damaged

Corrupt VGA BIOS will also affect GPU settings causing fans to not work. This is also the reason why VGA fans do not rotate rarely. The probability will be very low, so please check carefully for other errors and give this cause last. Because when the BIOS is damaged, it will not be possible to identify and control the device's operation. 

To fix this error, you can reset the GPU BIOS to the original version through useful tools such as: Nvidia NVFLash or AMD ATIFLASH . Or you can update to a newer version. 

However, this is a difficult and complicated case, requiring people with computer knowledge to check and fix to ensure quality after repair. 

5. Check the GPU fan wire/connector

Causes such as short wire, too high wire temperature causing melting, deformation, broken or improperly plugged fan connector, etc. will also cause the video card fan to not rotate and operate smoothly. 

With this error, you should check the fan wire and GPU fan connector to make sure the wire is not damaged and the connector is installed properly. If you fall into one of them, the fan will definitely work again if you check and do it properly. 

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6. Fan is defective

This is the most common cause of VGA fans not spinning. The video card fan may be defective or damaged and cannot be used anymore. 

The only solution to fix it is to replace the fan with a new one suitable for the machine. It is not difficult to replace a new fan, but the fan needs to have the same size, mounting box and connector, and voltage suitable for the previous broken fan. Otherwise it won't fit and won't work.

7. One GPU fan is not spinning

Another reason why the video card is not running is because the GPU fan is not spinning. This case is similar to the above. If one of the card fans is not spinning but the fans are still working normally, one fan may be damaged. You will have to replace the card with a new one. But in many cases, the card is within the warranty period, you can completely ask questions and get a new replacement for free.

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8. Fan rotates slowly

It is quite normal and common for fans to spin slowly even when operating. Because for modern graphics cards, the fan will have to slow down to rotate at the same low speed when the GPU is also at low temperature. 

You will see the fan spinning at  45% speed when idle. The fan rotates slowly to reduce noise and increase longevity and save more electricity. Don't worry too much because the fan speed will automatically rotate flexibly when you are active or working, helping to increase the load on the GPU. 

What are the effects of a video card fan not spinning?

The fan is designed with the cooling effect of the graphics card in mind. If the VGA fan does not rotate completely or rotates in a strange way, it will cause serious problems that require you to find the cause and a quick solution.

If the fan cannot spin at too high a load, the GPU and VRAM VRM will cause overheating. Surely the consequences will be reduced performance and in the worst case, the card will likely be seriously damaged.  

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Frequently asked questions when the VGA fan does not spin?

Here are some frequently asked questions related to the VGA fan not spinning issue:

Is it okay if only one VGA fan is not spinning?

There is a possibility that the fan will fail if only one fan stops working. You can check to see if the fan falls into the above causes or not. If not, replace the fan with a new one to ensure the card operates stably and with quality. If your video card is new and still under warranty, you can bring it to the company's warranty center to have it replaced for free.

Does a slow VGA fan affect the device?

Many people will be surprised that this is the new design of today's fans. If the card fan rotates slowly when you do not operate the computer, you should rest assured because it probably does not affect the device. This design helps reduce noise and prolong fan life. 

Epilogue 

Above is information related to the cause and how to fix it when the VGA fan does not rotate. Hopefully this article will help you have an overview of this phenomenon and find the most useful solutions.

Jessica Tanner

Update 03 October 2023