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Why are my GPU fans not spinning? 7 possible fixes

After a few days of having your computer, you notice your fans have stopped spinning. Now what? Here are some fixes for common fan problems.

I’m a huge fan of Nvidia graphics cards and I was planning on buying a new one soon. I decided to do some research first, and here’s what I have found: 1. The GPU is not spinning because it is stuck in a state where it is either not on or on but not spinning. 2. It is not spinning because the fan is damaged and trying to spin it too hard can cause damage. 3. It is not spinning because the power supply unit is not providing enough power to the GPU. 4. The fans are not spinning because they are turned off. 5. The fans are not spinning because the GPU is overheating. 6. The fans are not spinning because the GPU is overclocked. 7. The fans are

I have heard from some readers that their GPU fans are not spinning. This is confusing, because they work. I have also heard from readers that they have stopped spinning altogether. This is also confusing, because they work. Why are they no longer spinning? Is there a problem with the motherboard? Is the problem inside the device? What is wrong with the GPU?

A PC builder’s biggest nightmare is their system not booting up and performing as expected, especially after spending a small sum on a new GPU. 

Now, don’t get too worried just yet; there could be a number of reasons why your GPU fans don’t spin straight away when you turn on your PC, but it could signify a problem. 

In this article, we’ll go through a few repairs you can try to see if your GPU fans are working properly or if you have a defective component. 

Also see: How do I monitor the temperature of my GPU in Windows 10?


One of the main reasons your GPU fans don’t start spinning right away is that they weren’t built to do so. GPU fans, you see, are designed to turn on when your GPU reaches a certain temperature when under load. 

Why are my GPU fans not spinning? 7 possible fixes

To see if this is the case for you, run a benchmark test or play a game for a while and see what occurs. You may also manually verify if your fans are working properly with MSI Afterburner. You have nothing to be concerned about if they are.

If they aren’t, it’s time to start looking around in your construction.


Another typical cause of GPU fans not turning on is that you neglected to connect your GPU to your power supply. It’s a rather regular occurrence, especially among first-time homebuilders.

Recheck all of your GPU cables, especially the ones that connect to the power supply. If your card (for example, the 1050/1050Ti) doesn’t have a PCIe power connection, that could suggest a different issue with the GPU. 


At this stage, it’s also a good idea to double-check all other power connections. Check that all connections are in good working order, are linked, and are placed properly in their slots. 

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If you’ve reseated all of the connectors and everything else (including the system fans) is working properly but your GPU isn’t, you’re most likely dealing with a defective component.


Another point of failure could be your power supply. Check your GPU’s compatibility with a spare one if you have one hanging around. If it does, it could suggest an issue with the power supply, and it’s worth trying to replace it. 

Also see: 7 Solutions for a Broken Logitech Keyboard


If you have a second PC (or motherboard), try plugging your GPU in there to see if it works. If your GPU turns on, there’s a problem with your motherboard; if it doesn’t, there’s a problem with the GPU.

Why are my GPU fans not spinning? 7 possible fixesChecking your GPU in a different build can help rule out a malfunctioning GPU.


Finally, try restarting your computer without the GPU plugged in. If it boots up normally, there’s a good probability your motherboard isn’t faulty. 

Next, conduct some stress tests on the computer to check if any faults occur. If you don’t, either your PSU’s PCIe power connector is broken or your GPU isn’t working.


If you have an older build and your GPU fans have suddenly ceased spinning, it’s possible that the GPU has reached the end of its life. However, there are a few things you can do to give your component a little more life. 

The GPU should be cleaned.

Dust collection is a relatively typical problem in older systems, and it can get so severe that it prevents your GPU fans from rotating at all. Check to see if cleaning your fan vents with compressed air or a blower causes your fans to spin. 


lubricate the fan bearings

If your GPU is old, it’s possible that the fan bearings are worn out. Oiling the bearings will help them survive a little longer. However, it necessitates the removal of the GPU, the disassembly of the fans, the removal of stickers, and the lubrication of the bearings. Use a mild household mechanical oil rather than WD-40.

Also, what’s the difference between a GPU and an FPGA?

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When he’s not writing/editing/shooting/hosting all things tech, he streams himself racing virtual vehicles. Yadullah can be reached at [email protected], or you can follow him on Instagram or Twitter.

In the days of nVidia and AMD, the GPU was the main visual processing unit of the system. It was the only part of the mobo that was in direct contact with the video output and it was the only one that was cooled by the heatsink. In the modern day, however, the GPU is no longer the sole visual processing unit. The other units, such as the chipset and the RAM, have taken the load of running the applications and doing all the heavy lifting.. Read more about gpu fans not spinning, no display and let us know what you think.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I fix my GPU fan not spinning?

If your GPU fan is not spinning, you can try to restart your computer. You can also check the BIOS settings in order to see if there are any changes that need to be made.

How do I force my GPU fan to spin?

The GPU fan is controlled by the motherboard. It should spin when needed. If it does not, you may need to replace your motherboard.

Why do my graphics card fans stop spinning?

This is a common issue with older graphics cards. Your computer may have overheated and shut down. You can try to restart your computer, but if this does not work, you will need to replace your old graphics card with a new one.

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