Problems with fans
Problems with fans
While experimenting with the overclock adjustments in MSI Afterburner the previous night, I opted to reset everything back to default and power off the machine. When I turned it on later, after playing a game for about an hour or two, I noticed a noticeable drop in frames per second. The temperature readings were higher than usual. Upon opening the case, I observed that the CPU cooler fans weren’t spinning, along with my front bottom fan. Additionally, the debug LED light was illuminated near sys_fan 3, which is connected to my bottom fan. I didn’t alter the core voltage settings in the program, as I couldn’t and likely wouldn’t have wanted to. This situation has me concerned—could my overclocking have affected the motherboard, or is there another cause?
Also, I’m uncertain whether this issue occurred today or not, but I did notice the computer was significantly quieter than usual.
Components:
Motherboard - MSI Z270A Pro
PSU - Cooler Master G650M
CPU - Intel i7 7700k
GPU - Gigabyte GTX1080 Windforce OC 3
RAM - Corsair Vengeance LPX 2x8gb
Cooler - Noctua NH D15
Extra fans - 2x Noctua NF12 Industrial PPC, 1x Noctua NF-A14 Industrial PPC
Storage details were omitted since I don’t think it’s relevant to the problem. The PSU provides ample power, so I’m puzzled as to why the sys_fan 3 and CPU fans suddenly ceased functioning. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Small update: I realized recently that MSI Afterburner doesn’t perform well with my GPU, especially after attempting to adjust fan speeds. However, using AORUS Gigabyte utility for my GPU does allow me to modify settings. This makes me doubt whether any changes made during the night in the MSI program actually had an impact or were applied. So, why did the fans just stop working without warning?
Yeah, your cpu_opt is working fine and you can definitely connect your CPU fan to it. You can also detach the fan from a sys_fan 3 header and use 4 or 2 or 1, but for a new system this isn't a strong sign about the quality of the motherboard in general. MSI is a reputable brand, I own one personally, but even with them you still have a chance of silicon issues. Also, top-quality mobos usually include fan header surge protection so problems don’t spread across your board. Right now, you’re only noticing fan header problems, but it’s hard to say anything else will affect you in the long run. If you’re still within warranty (which you should be), I wouldn’t hesitate. Reach out to MSI and explain your concerns...
The functionality for fans on the GPU should originate from the maker, such as Gigabyte. MSI Afterburner is intended for MSI GPUs, according to my understanding.
The MSI software you need to manage case fans in Windows is named Command Center and can be found on your motherboard's support page.
The benefit for users on the gpu should come from the maker, such as gigabyte. MSI afterburner is intended for MSI GPUs according to what I understand. The MSI program you need for controlling case fans while using Windows is called command centre, and you can find it on your motherboard's support page.
First ensure they function properly by verifying if your fans are PWM or VG (DC) types. The one with NH-D15 should be PWM. Check the remaining case fans as well. When restarting, navigate to BIOS then fan settings. By default, select PWM for the two CPU fans. Confirm the curve isn't just a flat line but adjusts to temperature changes. Move the temperature points until you're happy. Repeat this for all fans, always choosing PWM or DC correctly.
Sedivy:
First, let's make sure they function properly. Verify whether your fans are PWM or VOTAGE fans (DC). The one with NH-D15 should be PWM. Check the others in your case fans. When you restart, navigate to BIOS and then fan setup. For the two CPU fans, PWM should be the default setting. Ensure it remains that way. Adjust the curve so it reacts to temperature changes—move the temperature points until it works. Do this for all your fans, confirming the correct PWM/DC selection for each.
Also, notice the degub LED trail—it's glowing and pointing at sys_fan 3, where my front bottom fan is connected. I can't tell if it's also pointing at the CPU fan slot, but it's not working, so I assume that. They're not spinning and won't spin. What's going on with them?
I've reviewed your message carefully. You seem to be addressing a potential issue with fan functionality. It's possible the problem lies in the fan header configuration, whether it's PWM or DC, or if the temperature curve isn't properly set. Start by verifying the fan header type and settings. Then test the fan on another header to see if it works. If it does, investigate the motherboard or power supply connection. If not, consider replacing the headers or fans.
I'm not able to try this right now because I'm tired and very stressed. But I already had a fan curve set, PWM was configured, and they weren't working. You're asking me to change the headers. If that doesn't help, what's rma? I'm sorry for being so confused, but I need this explained before I wake up. Thank you for your patience with my stressed situation.
If everything appears fine in the BIOS, switch the headers. If one fan header is functional, remove the device from it, then insert your fans one by one, power on the system, and observe if it starts spinning. Since your CPU fans aren’t working, avoid keeping it running for more than a couple of seconds just to verify they’re active. It’s improbable all three fans failed at once, but double-check at least one known working header for certainty.
RMA stands for return/exchange within the warranty period. They’ll replace your motherboard. I verified the Noctua iPPC fans in the BIOS—they remain under the standard amperage limits (usually 1A, higher on some boards with liquid cooling). If more than one header failed, it could indicate a motherboard issue, which is a manufacturing defect and not related to your actions. They’re required to replace it if it’s within warranty, which you should be.
I connected my cpu fans to the pump_fan header instead of cpu_fan, and they functioned properly. The cpu header is working. For the sys_fan 3 header, removing the fan from it kept the LED light active, indicating a problem. What should I do next? Should I take out the motherboard and send it to MSI?