Here are the top six reasons why your graphics card fans are not spinning:

1. Sub-Optimal Stresses: If your graphics card fans are not spinning, it may be because they are not being utilized to their full potential. They activate to cool the card down when it draws excess power. To test this, run a hardware-heavy program like a video game or use a stress test/benchmark to put enough thermal stress on the graphics card.
2. Improper Driver Installation: Incorrect installation of drivers can prevent the graphics card fans from spinning. Reinstall the drivers manually from the Control Panel or uninstall and reinstall them using the manufacturer’s website.
3. Faulty Connections: Check your cable connections, especially the PCIe cables that draw power to the graphics card. Ensure they are securely connected. If your GPU doesn’t have a PCIe cable, verify that the screws into the motherboard are tight.
4. Dust and Other Contaminants: Physical contaminants, such as dust, can interfere with the functioning of the graphics card fans. Regularly clean your system and remove dust to prevent damage to the graphics card and other components.
5. Lack of Lubrication: Over time, the mechanism of GPU fans can become rough and less effective due to friction. Apply a few drops of silicon-based lubricant to the fans to restore their functionality. Avoid using volatile substances like WD40 or kitchen oils.
6. Fan Damage: If the fans are not spinning due to dislocation or damage, they may need to be replaced. Running the GPU with non-functioning fans can lead to thermal damage and potential hazards. Consult a professional and provide them with the necessary information, such as the size and maximum RPMs of the fans, to ensure compatibility and prevent damage to the motherboard.

Remember to take care of your PC to maximize its lifespan, especially considering the current shortage of graphics cards. These measures should help address short-term issues with non-spinning fans. If needed, quality replacement fans can be obtained for any graphics card model.

What factors should be considered when choosing the right replacement fan for your graphics card?

When faced with the task of selecting a suitable replacement fan for your graphics card, it is essential to consider the following factors:

1. Compatibility: Verify the compatibility of the replacement fan with your graphics card model. Consult the manufacturer’s website or manual to ensure that the fan you choose is specifically designed for your particular graphics card.
2. Size: Ensure that the replacement fan matches the dimensions of the original fan that came with your graphics card. A fan that is either too large or too small may not fit properly, potentially causing damage to your graphics card.
3. Performance: Evaluate the performance characteristics of the replacement fan. Look for a fan with a high CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating, as this indicates a greater airflow capacity and improved cooling performance. Additionally, check the fan’s noise level, measured in decibels (dB), to ensure that it operates at an acceptable sound level without causing disruptions during your work or gaming sessions.
4. Brand and quality: Opt for a reputable brand and a high-quality fan to ensure longevity and reliable performance. Seek out reviews and feedback from other customers to gauge the fan’s performance and overall reliability.
5. Price: Consider the cost of the replacement fan, as prices can vary significantly. However, be cautious not to compromise on quality solely to save money, as an inferior fan could lead to long-term damage to your graphics card.

It is important to note that some graphics cards may employ proprietary fans that are exclusively available through the manufacturer. In such cases, it is advisable to purchase the replacement fan directly from the manufacturer to guarantee compatibility and optimal performance.

In summary, when selecting a replacement fan for your graphics card, carefully evaluate compatibility, size, performance, brand and quality, and price. By considering these factors, you can confidently choose the most suitable replacement fan for your specific graphics card model, ensuring efficient performance and adequate cooling for your system.

How to install GPU cooling fan(s) ?

For the installation of the fans, it is necessary to follow these steps:

1. Remove the existing shroud: This involves carefully unscrewing 4-8 small Phillips screws using a hobbyist screwdriver. Take note of the screw locations for replacement.
2. Detach the fan(s) from the heatsink: Unscrew the fan(s) located between the fins or on the outer edge of the fan retaining brackets.
3. Disconnect the previous fans: Disconnect them from both the graphics board and, if replacing an individual fan, from the daisy chain connection(s).
4. Install the new fan(s): Place the new fan(s) in their respective locations, following the reverse process of removal.
5. Verify size and dimensions: Double-check that the new fans match the same size and dimensions as the ones being replaced. Ensure the connections are correctly aligned.

It is important to note that incorrect installation can potentially cause damage to your fan or GPU. Therefore, it is crucial to have the correct replacement part and the necessary experience before proceeding with the installation.

What is a PWM Fan?

A PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) fan utilizes a technique to control the power delivered to the fan by cycling between +12V and 0V based on a defined duty cycle or frequency. This enables the fan to operate at its correct voltage while still allowing speed control.

Why should I use a deshroud adapter instead of my motherboard fan headers? Although motherboard fan headers can be reassigned to monitor GPU temperatures, they often require the installation of third-party applications. Controlling fans through motherboard headers can lead to issues such as overheating due to software processing requirements. Additionally, the fan curve is not directly linked to overclocking or undervolting settings that might be required from a separate application. Using a deshroud adapter will also utilize two fan headers, preventing their use elsewhere in the system.

Which fans can be used with deshroud adapters?

Any PWM fan with standard connectors can be used as long as they are 4-pin and operate at 12V. Typically, a pair of 120mm fans are used for deshrouding, with popular options including Noctua, Arctic Cooling, and CoolerMaster due to their airflow and quiet performance.

How can I control fan speed based on temperature?

The recommended software for controlling fan speed is MSI Afterburner, which works well in conjunction with a deshroud mod. It can be downloaded for free from the MSI Afterburner website.

Why does my fan RPM reach a maximum before reaching 100% on Afterburner? Low RPM fans do not function in the same way as standard GPU fans and often have a lower maximum RPM speed. The PWM output is configured based on the stock fan, but most fans will reach their maximum RPM before the 100% duty cycle is achieved. To address this, you can adjust the maximum on your fan curve. A good starting point is typically 50%, which corresponds to around 1800 RPM for a typical fan. In this example, all points on the default fan curve are reduced by 50% to maintain the stock fan curve.

Where is the RPM reading taken from on my adapter?

The adapter comes with two outputs: a Primary (P) and a Secondary (S)*. The RPM reading (TACH) is taken from the Primary header, and both fans are synchronized. If the fans are identical (recommended), they will have the same RPM output.

Why are there missing pins on my adapter?

Asus graphics cards typically have 6 or 7-pin headers, controlling 2-3 fans individually based on their location relative to the GPU or memory. The fan adapters function like a fan splitter from the primary fan output of the GPU to ensure consistent airflow from the fans, regardless of their location. As a result, both fan outputs are synced, and the TACH reading is only necessary from a single fan (Primary). Therefore, not all of the pins are populated on the other fan outputs, as it is intended functionality.

*Newer designed cables do not include labeling upon customer request. However, the Primary header can be identified by having 4 pinouts, as opposed to 3 on the Secondary header.

All model GPU fan(s) sizes:

Presented below is a comprehensive catalog encompassing a variety of graphics cards offered by renowned brands such as ASUS, CORSAIR, EVGA, GIGABYTE, MSI, PALIT, ZOTAC, BIOSTAR, POWERCOLOR, SAPPHIRE, and XFX, representing both AMD and Nvidia. This compilation includes precise details about each graphics card’s model name, the number of fans equipped, and the size of the fans employed in the respective card.