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Intel Stock CPU Fan Errors

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  • Intel
  • Intel i5
  • Computers
  • CPUs
  • Error Message
Last response: in CPUs
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September 25, 2014 2:51:22 PM

I got a pre-built computer from ibuypower about 2 months ago. It is a i5-4690 cpu with the stock fan on a asus z97-p mb. PSU is 850 watt XFC core edition pro 80 plus bronze.

I've had two times where the cpu fan failed to start up normally and it gave me the cpu fan error message. Once about a month ago I think, and once last night. When you start the computer the cpu fan does like a quarter to half turn twitch once... then twice... then it spins to full speed and is really loud for a second or two. It only takes a few seconds all together.

This is normal apparently for intel stock fans nowadays, but occasionally like in the two instances I've had, it doesn't whir up to full after two turns. It just keeps twitching over and over even more times and then it shows the cpu fan error message.

I'm pretty sure it starts up just fine after that. It forces you to press f1 to go into the bios and it shows the fan is spinning normally by then and I just save and exit without changing anything.

In a cpu fan error instance like this I am almost positive lowering the RPM threshold wouldn't solve anything. It is already at 200 RPM and I would have to disable it completely in order to not give the cpu fan error message and I don't really want to have to do that. I could also lower it to 100 RPM but I'm pretty sure the tiny twitches of the fan that result in the error message are considered way below that.

I called ibuypower support last time it had the cpu fan error and he told me to unplug and replug the cpu fan cord into the MB which I had done. I did the same thing after the 2nd failure this time but I know it won't really solve anything. The support rep told me to call again if I had the same problem and they could send me a new stock fan replacement. I sent an email but I haven't called yet. Do you think the stock fan is the issue here and would replacing it fix anything?

From searching for posts online this topic was most close to what I'm experiencing and had some info:

http://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=124925...

Thank you for the help.

More about : intel stock cpu fan errors

a c 110 à CPUs
September 25, 2014 3:05:54 PM

Okay... I've been using custom watercooling for years, so I'm not the best man to ask here, but you have a detailed question AND have done some research, so I'll do whatever I can to help. :) 

Go into your bios and see if you can figure out whether your fan is being controlled through PWM or straight voltage. Either way, try increasing it to be at roughly 40% of maximum and see if that fixes the twitching.

I'm 80% positive that what's happening is the fan isn't getting enough voltage at first to start it moving. (After it's already spinning, it can use less power, because momentum is a wonderful thing.) The other way you could test this is to boot your computer with the case open until the fan starts twitching *(past the regular first couple) on boot... then just give it a little nudge with your finger and get it out of the way quick. If I'm correct, it should start spinning and function like normal.
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September 26, 2014 12:52:35 AM

Hello. I tried looking into my bios about voltages like you said. I think a page with many different voltage options but I didn't see any way to change number values. It was just like which one of three options do you want: automatic, manual , or something else and I couldn't figure it out sorry.

The ibuypower email support got back to me and he asked if I have tried updating my bios. I read into it and checked my bios version and it REALLY is intimidating me and I don't really want to do it. I just read an article right now that says:

"Although you can update today's BIOSes, doing so is more dangerous than updating drive-based software. If something goes wrong, it could render the PC completely unbootable; you won't even be able to boot a live Linux flash drive or reinstall Windows. There's probably a way to bring the PC back to life, but it won't be easy.

So when should you update your BIOS? Only if there's a problem--especially a hardware-related one--and your research suggests that the BIOS may be the cause."

Haha.. :\

I have an Asus Z97-P motherboard my bios version is 0310 x64 from the date 5/29/2014. I went to Asus' website and checked for driver updates and under Z97-P there is one from 7/25/2014. But I really don't know if updating my bios 2 months would fix this fan issue.

Also btw I called ibuypower support today too and the guy was quick and nice and said he would get approved sending me a new intel stock cpu fan and it should be here in less than a week, probably like tuesday or wednesday.

So what do you think? Should I update my bios? I think it would be easier replacing a new cpu fan.

Thank you for the help.
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a c 110 à CPUs
September 26, 2014 4:12:47 PM

They tend to try to scare you away from updating your BIOS, but it really isn't that difficult, depending on your motherboard. Usually it just means putting the file on a USB drive, going into the BIOS, and pressing update. Also, pretty much every bios release is there for a reason, so if it had been half a year rather than two months, it wouldn't have made that much of a difference.

As for installing a CPU fan, it's also quite easy. You take off the fan that's there right now, clean off the CPU with a q-tip and alcohol, and plunk the new heatsink down in its place.
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September 26, 2014 5:35:45 PM

Ok thanks for the help. I might try replacing the cpu fan and if it has the issue again after that I might try updating the bios later. Thanks for the help, dark.
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