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How to fix CPU fan error – 8 methods

Get rid of the CPU fan error with these methods.
Last Updated on April 22, 2024
An AMD Ryzen CPU placed in front of its cooling fan on a desk, displaying a "CPU fan error" message, with a blurred background featuring colorful computer hardware.
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If you want to learn how to fix the CPU fan error, then we’ve got a handful of solutions that can instantly solve the issue.

CPU fan error can occur for many reasons, such as overheating, dust buildup, damaged fan, or incorrect fan settings. It can also appear if the system is unable to detect a fan. In any case, the error can be really frustrating, as you can not use your PC without resolving it.

This is where we come in. We’ll walk you through several methods to resolve the CPU fan error so you can quickly get back to using your PC as before.

Quick Answer

Fixing overheating issues, cleaning your PC, inspecting the fans, and using a new CPU fan header are some ways that can help get rid of the CPU fan error.

How you can fix the CPU fan error

If you’re constantly getting the CPU fan error, you can try following these methods to get rid of it.

Step

1

Ensure the CPU isn’t overheating

The first thing you need to do is ensure your CPU isn’t overheating, as this can sometimes cause the CPU fan error to appear. To fix CPU overheating, check your CPU usage, relocate your PC to a different spot, and scan your system for malware or viruses.

Step

2

Clean your PC

While you don’t have to clean your PC every week, you do need to do it once every month or two, depending on much dust is in your area. If there’s a lot of dust buildup inside your PC, it will prevent the fans from operating properly.

To clean your PC, start by turning it off and unplugging all cables. Then, use a can of compressed air or an air gun to remove the dust. Continue until the fans and other components are clean.

A person uses a portable vacuum to clean the interior of a computer case, focusing on a CPU and motherboard.
Cleaning a PC using an Air Duster – Image taken by PCGuide.com

Make sure not to spray any liquid on the components, as this will end up damaging them. Only use compressed air for cleaning your PC.

Step

3

Inspect the fans

When you open the case to clean the components, it’s a good time to inspect the CPU fan and the case fans as well. The CPU fan error can also occur if the fans are physically damaged or not connected properly. Use a screwdriver to remove the fan and thoroughly inspect it for any damage or cuts. If you spot even a small cut on the fan, replace it right away. If everything looks good, check the fan cables for any cuts or bends, and make sure the connector is properly plugged in

Step

4

Use a new CPU fan header

If there’s isn’t anything wrong with the fan or its cables, the problem may be with the CPU fan header. Most motherboards come with multiple fan headers, so you can try using another one to see if that fixes the issue.

Step

5

Avoid overclocking your CPU

If you’ve recently overclocked your CPU, we suggest reverting it to its original settings immediately. This is because while it boosts the overall performance of the processor, it also significantly increases the temperatures, which leads to overheating. Since standard case fans may struggle with such elevated temperatures, disabling overclocking is recommended in such a case.

Step

6

Change the CPU fans settings

If you’re getting the CPU fan error in an ASUS motherboard, then you can try fixing the issue by changing fans settings from BIOS.

In the BIOS, you need to make the following changes after heading over to the Power tab.

  • Select Hardware monitor.
  • Change the CPU Fan Speed Power Limit to ‘Ignore.’
  • Set the Chassis Fan Speed to ‘NA.’
  • Change Power Fan Speed to ‘Ignore.’

Step

7

Disable the fan speed monitor

In some cases, you may need to disable the fan speed monitor entirely to fix the CPU fan error. For this, go to Monitor in BIOS, select Fan Speed Monitor and set it to ‘Ignore.’ While this may fix the problem temporarily, it can also start causing overheating issues after some time as your system will be unable to detect the fans.

Step

8

Get a new CPU fan

If you’ve tried everything but the CPU fan error isn’t going away, then you may need to replace the CPU fan. We don’t recommend doing this on your own, and it’s best to take your computer to a repair shop and have experts handle the replacement for you. And if you haven’t upgraded your CPU cooler in a while, now might be the right time to do so. You can either opt for an air or AIO cooler, depending on your budget and needs.

Interior view of a computer case showing two fans, a liquid CPU cooler, and RAM slots, with visible cables and components designed to fix CPU overheating.
Corsair H115i ELITE CPU cooler installed in a PC – Image taken by PCGuide.com

What to do if your CPU fan is damaged?

In case the problem is with your CPU fan, you may need to get it repaired. But if it’s beyond repair, you’ll need to get a new cooler. To help you out, we’ll recommend some options that we think are great for keeping the temperature low. Also, you may be interested in checking out the best PC case fans for your rig.

Conclusion

The CPU fan error can be really annoying, as you can not use your PC as long as it’s there. Hopefully, you’ll be able to get rid of it in no time by following the methods mentioned in our guide. And if the error isn’t going away, you may need to replace the fan or get a new CPU cooler.

Abdul is a contributing tech writer for PC Guide, specialising in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.