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    what if the desktop system says "cpu fan fails"

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by vi3tscorpian, Aug 6, 2009.

  1. vi3tscorpian

    vi3tscorpian Notebook Evangelist

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    hey guys!

    what if the system says the cpu fan has failed? does that mean the motherboard is dying? i checked: cpu fan still works!


    any idea?

    thanks
     
    vi3tscorpian, Aug 6, 2009
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  2. Fountainhead

    Fountainhead Notebook Deity

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    No idea, other than to say I have an older system that has displayed that message on every boot for at least 3 years. And the fan is functioning. I long ago quit fretting about it.
     
    Fountainhead, Aug 6, 2009
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  3. bjcadstuff

    bjcadstuff Notebook Consultant

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    The motherboard has to detect that the fan is turning. I don't know how it does that but perhaps that part of the fan is defective or that part of the motherboard is defective.

    As with any flaky issues with a motherboard, the first order of business is to unplug and replug the questionable component and try that. If that doesn't work then find a similar component to put in place of the questionable one and try that.
     
    bjcadstuff, Aug 6, 2009
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  4. gerryf19

    gerryf19 I am the walrus

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    usually, it does this with the wire that powers the fan. Simply a case of detecting a current moving through a sensor.

    Check the wires from the CPU fan to the motherboard.

    If no joy, maybe the sensor is shot. You might be able to disable the alert in bios (or see the results of the sensor in bios under a section like HEALTH).

    Also, you should be aware that there may be a threshold--for example, the CPU fan needs to spin at >5000 rpms.

    As a fan wears out, it may drop below this speed and throw that warning. Again, check the bios or a program like speedfan and see what the CPU fan RPMs are. Most older CPU fans are supposed to spin at >4000
     
    gerryf19, Aug 6, 2009
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  5. vi3tscorpian

    vi3tscorpian Notebook Evangelist

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    i don't know, it's acting weird! i'm planning to replace the motherboard. could it be the power supply unit as well?
     
    vi3tscorpian, Aug 10, 2009
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  6. gerryf19

    gerryf19 I am the walrus

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    what is acting wierd
     
    gerryf19, Aug 10, 2009
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  7. vi3tscorpian

    vi3tscorpian Notebook Evangelist

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    never mind! i threw it into the trash bin already. just replaced the new mobo n case. HA HA
     
    vi3tscorpian, Aug 11, 2009
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