Thread: [Problem] CPU fan always at full speed, no matter what

Hello everyone,

I've been having this problem for a couple of months now. First, my CPU fan started randomly going faster or slower (with the matching increases and decreases in noise), even though I have the frontal fan controller that came with it installed, and operative for years now. Installing Speedfan seemed to fix this - for a while. But now, as the thread title states, the cooler runs at full speed (and noise) all the time. I hadn't changed any BIOS settings, voltages or anything before the problem started, so I have no idea of what the trigger was.

Here's what I've tried.

• Setting the speed manually using the knob in the controller does nothing - it's the same at the minimum and maximum.
• Running Speedfan to control the fan speed does nothing.
• Enabling Q-Fan Technology in the BIOS for automatic speed does nothing, regardless of whether the fan controller is plugged or not.

Cooler is a Thermaltake Volcano 12, on an Asus A7N8X-X Deluxe motherboard.



Thanks in advance!

What about the CPU thermal paste ?

Originally Posted by cheatos

What about the CPU thermal paste ?

What about it? Do you think I should buy some paste and finely recoat the processor?

BB's suggestion is good,

two more theories:

since you didn't change anything except changing Windows XP to 7, I think this could be a reason?
Have you tried "Power Saver" mode, if you want to leave your PC downloading at night for example?

Also, you're now using a dedicated graphic card, could it be generating heat and 'sending' it off to the processor, since I don't think you have one of those well-ventilated cases?

Originally Posted by anon

What about it? Do you think I should buy some paste and finely recoat the processor?

I'm not really sure, that what came to my mind and I thought of suggesting it, normally, you shouldn't care, but since you live in a super-super hot country... then you might need to check it?

Originally Posted by BrianBosworth

Has there been any increase in CPU temps? Check for dust buildup in the heatsink. Since you have made no changes in settings, this is the only thing that I would check before reapplying thermal paste.

I will check!

Originally Posted by cheatos

since you didn't change anything except changing Windows XP to 7, I think this could be a reason?
Have you tried "Power Saver" mode, if you want to leave your PC downloading at night for example?

I changed to 7 a year ago, but this only began happening recently. I've always used the balanced power scheme - just changed the cooling policy to "passive" to see if it makes a difference.

Also, you're now using a dedicated graphic card, could it be generating heat and 'sending' it off to the processor, since I don't think you have one of those well-ventilated cases?

I've always used a dedicated card And I'd think the case is well-ventilated, that was a priority when the computer was built.

Originally Posted by bjs

Slightly off topic

No worries. I don't know much about hardware myself and I enjoy reading that stuff!

The fan is speeding up because the CPU is getting overheated. It is possible for enough dust to obstruct cooling however my bet would be on the thermal paste on the CPU. Re-do it with some good paste and clean the HSF while it's out.
This is the hoary used remedy and work for most users unless there is some other problem with the Fan.

Alright guys, you convinced me about the paste. Coincidentally, this week I have to do some shopping for someone whose hard disk broke (they give me the money, I buy the stuff for them), so I'll also buy some silver paste then and see when I can find enough time to open the CPU case again.

gu5t3r, there are no updates for my BIOS and no processes hogging the processor, but I'll try that overclock test!

I was planning to get on it right this weekend.