Symptoms
- Fan stays still while the PC is idle or doing light tasks
- Fan doesn't spin even during demanding games or benchmarks
- Card feels very hot to the touch after gaming with a silent fan
- Only one fan spins on a card with multiple fans
Likely causes
- CommonZero RPM idle mode, a normal feature on most modern GPUsMany cards keep fans off entirely below a certain temperature to reduce noise.
- PossibleDust or debris physically obstructing the fanBuildup can prevent a fan from spinning even when it's told to.
- PossibleFan cable disconnected or damagedIf a fan header came loose during handling, the fan won't receive power.
- PossibleFan motor itself has failedFans wear out over years of use, especially in dusty environments.
What to do
- Check whether the fan spins at all under heavy load, like a demanding game, not just at idle, since zero RPM idle is normal.
- Use GPU monitoring software to check both temperature and reported fan speed under load.
- Power down and inspect the fan for visible dust or an obstruction, cleaning gently with compressed air.
- If comfortable opening the card, check that the fan's cable connector is properly seated (only for those experienced with GPU disassembly).
- If the card runs hot with a fan that never spins even under load, that fan has likely failed.
- As a temporary measure, increase case airflow while arranging for repair or replacement.
Tools and parts
- Compressed air
- GPU monitoring software
When to call a pro
If a fan doesn't spin under load and the card is overheating, most GPUs are sealed units best handled by a repair shop or the manufacturer's warranty service.
Safety
Use caution
Don't run a GPU under heavy load for extended periods if its fan isn't spinning and temperatures are climbing high, since sustained overheating can permanently damage the card.