How do you troubleshoot video card fans not spinning on startup?

1 Check the power supply

The first thing you should do is check if the power supply unit (PSU) is providing enough power to the video card and the fans. Sometimes, the PSU can fail or degrade over time, resulting in insufficient or unstable voltage. To check the PSU, you can use a multimeter or a power supply tester to measure the output of the 6-pin or 8-pin connectors that plug into the video card. You can also try swapping the PSU with a known good one or use a different cable or connector. If the PSU is faulty or inadequate, you should replace it with a compatible and reliable one.

2 Check the fan connectors

The next thing you should do is check if the fan connectors on the video card are properly attached and not loose or damaged. Sometimes, the connectors can come off or break due to physical stress, dust, or corrosion. To check the fan connectors, you need to remove the video card from the PC and inspect the wires and pins that connect the fans to the card. You can also try plugging the fans into a different port on the card or into a fan header on the motherboard. If the fan connectors are faulty or disconnected, you should try to reattach them or replace them with compatible ones.

3 Check the fan settings

Another thing you should do is check if the fan settings on the video card are correct and not preventing the fans from spinning. Sometimes, the fan settings can be changed by software, firmware, or BIOS updates, resulting in different fan curves, speeds, or modes. To check the fan settings, you need to access the video card software or utility, such as NVIDIA Control Panel, AMD Radeon Software, or MSI Afterburner. You can also access the BIOS or UEFI settings by pressing a key during startup, such as F2, F10, or DEL. You should look for options that control the fan behavior, such as fan speed, fan curve, fan mode, or fan stop. You should adjust the settings to ensure that the fans spin at a reasonable speed and temperature.

4 Check the fan functionality

The last thing you should do is check if the fans on the video card are functional and not defective or worn out. Sometimes, the fans can fail or degrade due to age, wear and tear, dust, or lubrication issues. To check the fan functionality, you need to spin the fans manually and see if they rotate smoothly and freely. You can also use a compressed air can or a soft brush to clean the dust from the fan blades and bearings. You can also apply some lubricant, such as oil or grease, to the fan bearings to reduce friction and noise. If the fans are faulty or noisy, you should replace them with compatible and quiet ones.

5 Here’s what else to consider

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