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What should I do if the CPU cooling fan rotates too slowly

By enze May 21st, 2025 79 views
What should I do if the CPU cooling fan rotates too slowly
When the speed of the CPU cooling fan is too slow, it may affect the heat dissipation effect of the CPU, causing the CPU temperature to be too high, and thereby affecting the stability and performance of the computer. For this problem, the following several solutions can be adopted:

First, inspect and clean the fan and heat sink


Dust cleaning

After long-term use, a large amount of dust may accumulate on the fan and heat sink, causing the fan speed to slow down.

Use a compressed air canister or a soft-bristled brush to gently clean the dust off the fan and heat sink.

Be careful not to use overly moist cloths or cleaners to avoid damaging the electronic components.

Check the fan blades:

Make sure the fan blades are not damaged or deformed, as this may affect the fan's rotational speed and heat dissipation effect.

Second, check the power cord and connector of the fan


Check the power cord:

Make sure the power cord of the fan is not damaged and is firmly connected.

If the power cord is damaged or poorly connected, it may cause insufficient power supply to the fan and slow down its rotational speed.

Check the connector:

Make sure that the fan connector is correctly connected to the motherboard or power supply.

If the connector is loose or damaged, it may cause the fan to fail to work properly.

Third, adjust the BIOS Settings


Enable intelligent fan control:

Enter the BIOS Settings interface of the computer.

Find the setting options related to the CPU fan, which are usually located in menus such as "Hardware Monitor" or "PC Health Status".

Set "CPU FAN Control by" to "SMART" or a similar intelligent control mode so that the motherboard can automatically adjust the fan speed according to the CPU temperature.

Adjust the fan speed setting:

In the BIOS, specific setting options related to the Fan Speed can be found, such as "CPU Fan Start Temperature", "CPU Fan Off Temperature" and "CPU Fan Full Speed Temperature", etc.

Adjust these Settings according to the actual situation to ensure that the fan operates at the appropriate speed at the appropriate temperature.

Suggested Settings:

CPU Fan Start Temperature: Set between 24℃ and 35℃.

CPU Fan Off Temperature: Set between 16℃ and 20℃ (when the system enters standby mode).

CPU Fan Full Speed Temperature: Set between 60℃ and 64℃ (When the CPU temperature reaches or exceeds this temperature, the fan will operate at the maximum speed).

Adjust the PWM value:

The PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) value is used to control the rotational speed of the fan.

In the BIOS, you can try adjusting options such as "Start PWM Value" and "Slope PWM" to change the rotational speed response curve of the fan.

Suggestion: When adjusting the PWM value, make several attempts as the ratio of the rotational speed of different CPU fans to the PWM value varies. Generally, the starting speed of the CPU fan can be adjusted to above 1100rpm, and the approximate range of its PWM value is between 15 and 35. The step size of Slope PWM should usually be set below 16 PWM values /℃.

Fourth, replace or repair the fan


Replace the fan

If the fan is damaged or aged, it may be necessary to replace it with a new one.

When choosing a new fan, pay attention to selecting a model that is compatible with your CPU and cooler, and ensure that its performance meets your cooling needs.

Repair the fan

For some repairable fans, such as those with a reduced rotational speed due to bearing wear, you can try adding lubricating oil for repair.

However, this method might only be a temporary solution. In the long run, replacing the fan with a new one might be a more reliable option.

Fifth, check the CPU and the heat sink


Check the CPU:

Make sure the CPU is not overheated or damaged, as this may cause the fan to fail to work properly.

Check the radiator:

Make sure the heat sink is installed correctly and in close contact with the CPU.

If the heat sink is not installed properly or the thermal paste dries up, it may affect the heat dissipation effect, causing the fan to need a higher rotational speed to maintain a stable CPU temperature.

Sixth, use third-party software for monitoring and adjustment


Download and install the monitoring software:

Third-party software such as SpeedFan can be used to monitor parameters like CPU temperature and fan speed.

Adjust the fan speed:

Some third-party software allows users to manually adjust the fan speed.

When using this type of software, please be careful not to set the fan speed too low to avoid affecting the heat dissipation effect.

Seventh, seek professional help


If you have tried the above methods but still cannot solve the problem, or if you are not very familiar with hardware operations, it is recommended that you seek the help of professional maintenance personnel. They can conduct a more comprehensive inspection of your computer and provide targeted solutions.

In summary, when the CPU cooling fan rotates too slowly, it can be investigated and resolved from multiple aspects. Through reasonable maintenance and adjustment, the normal operation of the CPU cooling fan can be ensured, thereby guaranteeing the stability and performance of the computer.
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