GPU fan dead unless I lay PC flat on its broad side

TheMovement85

Prominent
Apr 18, 2017
1
0
510
I have a zotac GeForce gtx 960 and just the other day I noticed the fans where not spinning. So I opened up my side panel laid my pc down and turned the pc on to see if I was right. I stood it back up turned it off and turned it back on and the fans stopped spinning again. every time I lay it flat it works fine. I can even set it upright while its on and the fans will keep spinning. Any one have any idea why this is?
 
Solution
Gpus can have fan profiles, though voltage regulation (as these are usually 3pin fans). Voltage regulation for fan speed is not very accurate; a tiny amount of voltage may not result in the fan spinning at all. By turning the pc to its side, the fan will be assisted by gravity and might be able to spin up even when given a tiny amount of voltage.

I think you gpu fan is fine. If you use MSI after burner, you can manual adjust those fan profiles. You can temporary ramp them up to always run at 100% just to see if the fan is working properly. Make sure to switch it back afterwards.

On a side-note (no pun intended), its not a great idea to turn your case on its side like that when its still running, especially if you have a HDD in your...

LowlySkeleton

Reputable
Aug 5, 2015
235
1
4,860
Gpus can have fan profiles, though voltage regulation (as these are usually 3pin fans). Voltage regulation for fan speed is not very accurate; a tiny amount of voltage may not result in the fan spinning at all. By turning the pc to its side, the fan will be assisted by gravity and might be able to spin up even when given a tiny amount of voltage.

I think you gpu fan is fine. If you use MSI after burner, you can manual adjust those fan profiles. You can temporary ramp them up to always run at 100% just to see if the fan is working properly. Make sure to switch it back afterwards.

On a side-note (no pun intended), its not a great idea to turn your case on its side like that when its still running, especially if you have a HDD in your pc. The spinning disk can easily be damaged if you alter its orientation like that while it is still spinning.
 
Solution