What is 'CPU fan error'?
CPU fan error is an error that usually occurs when you boot up your computer. Basically, it indicates that the basic input/ output system (BIOS) has detected that the CPU fan is malfunctioning. This error may occur for a number of possible reasons including inappropriately setting your fan's information in BIOS interface, the CPU fans run too slow due to poor quality or dust, the CPU fan is incorrectly connected, and the CPU fans are broken due to overheating.
How can you fix 'CPU fan error'?
Some of the common fixes include:
- Checking the CPU cooler
- Configuring the BIOS
Please see our in-depth walk-through solutions below.
1. Check CPU cooler
"CPU fan error" may appear when the CPU cooler is not installed properly into the motherboard or it may be malfunctioning. To fix the error, see the guide below.
- Open your computer chassis and connect the CPU cooler cable to the motherboard CPU_FAN pin.
- Clean the CPU fan, or the radiator if you are using a liquid CPU cooler.
- Reset the computer BIOS by removing the CMOS battery for at least 30 seconds.
- If you are using a CPU fan cooler, make sure the fan is running. If not, the fan might be defective. To verify, connect a chassis fan to the CPU_FAN pin. If the chassis fan works the CPU fan is defective. If not, the motherboard CPU_FAN pin is defective.
- If you are using a liquid CPU cooler, make sure radiator is connected to the CPU_FAN and the pump is working. To verify if the pump is working, hold the tube. If the tube is hot, the liquid may not be circulating due to a defective pump or the CPU_FAN pin is defective.
- Some motherboard has two CPU_FAN pins. If you are using a liquid CPU cooler, connect the fan and radiator of the liquid CPU cooler to the CPU_FAN pins.
2. Configure BIOS
“CPU fan error” may also appear when your BIOS configuration is not compatible with your CPU fan. See the guide below to fix the error.
NOTE: To access the BIOS, restart the computer and continuously press DEL key while it is booting in the BIOS.
- If you are using a liquid CPU cooler, set CPU FAN Speed to Ignore.
- If you are using a CPU fan with low revolutions per minute (RPM), set CPU Fan speed 400. Or, replace it because some motherboards do not like low RPM fan.
- Make sure your aftermarket CPU cooler is compatible with your Motherboard. Check your motherboard's official website for compatible CPU fan cooler. Update your BIOS accordingly.