F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Question Strange problem with the fans on my Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060

Question Strange problem with the fans on my Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060

Question Strange problem with the fans on my Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060

M
mertcan35
Member
204
11-16-2021, 05:39 AM
#1
When I power on my PC or switch it to energy-saving mode for a few hours, the GPU fans begin spinning up and become quite loud—about twice as loud as when playing demanding games. They continue this until I fully shut down the system, wait a few seconds, and then restart it again. After that, the fans return to their normal speed and function properly until another long idle period.

Initially, after shutting down once at the end of the day, the problem worsened over time. More frequent shutdowns became necessary until the GPU stopped spinning so loudly. Now it usually takes two to three consecutive shutdowns for the fans to operate normally again, and I worry this could keep getting worse.

Although the 3060 isn’t the latest model, I’d prefer it to remain functional for a couple of months if possible. I never mined anything, and when I purchased it in 2020, it was still new according to my knowledge. I cleaned the graphics card with pressurized air several times after this began, hoping it might be clogged with dust or debris, but it didn’t help. The fans also seem undamaged or bent, as far as I can tell.

I’m not sure whether the noise comes from just one fan or all of them at once. All I know for sure is that they spin at the same rate. If anyone has any suggestions, fixes, solutions, causes, or advice to help resolve this issue, I’d appreciate it.
M
mertcan35
11-16-2021, 05:39 AM #1

When I power on my PC or switch it to energy-saving mode for a few hours, the GPU fans begin spinning up and become quite loud—about twice as loud as when playing demanding games. They continue this until I fully shut down the system, wait a few seconds, and then restart it again. After that, the fans return to their normal speed and function properly until another long idle period.

Initially, after shutting down once at the end of the day, the problem worsened over time. More frequent shutdowns became necessary until the GPU stopped spinning so loudly. Now it usually takes two to three consecutive shutdowns for the fans to operate normally again, and I worry this could keep getting worse.

Although the 3060 isn’t the latest model, I’d prefer it to remain functional for a couple of months if possible. I never mined anything, and when I purchased it in 2020, it was still new according to my knowledge. I cleaned the graphics card with pressurized air several times after this began, hoping it might be clogged with dust or debris, but it didn’t help. The fans also seem undamaged or bent, as far as I can tell.

I’m not sure whether the noise comes from just one fan or all of them at once. All I know for sure is that they spin at the same rate. If anyone has any suggestions, fixes, solutions, causes, or advice to help resolve this issue, I’d appreciate it.

1
1132001
Junior Member
17
11-16-2021, 10:49 AM
#2
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Please list the specs to your build like so:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
include the age of the PSU apart from it's make and model. BIOS version for your motherboard at this moment of time.
I cleaned the Graphics card with pressured Air several times after this started, fearing it to be connected to stuck dirt/dust, but to no avail.
How about reapplying the thermal paste with something higher in quality? + Replacing the thermal pads with something higher in quality as well?
Try and use DDU in Safe Mode, to remove all GPU drivers(intel, AMD and Nvidia) then reboot and manually install the latest GPU driver sourced from Nvidia's support site in an elevated command, i.e, Right click installer>Run as Administrator.
I'm unsure if the noise is coming from just one fan or all of them at the same time, all I can say is they seem to be spinning at the same rate as each other.
You might want to roll a sheet of A4 paper into a cylinder, holding one end of the tube to your ear while using the other end to probe for the source of the noise. Visually inspecting the fans when they ramp up is also a good idea.
1
1132001
11-16-2021, 10:49 AM #2

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Please list the specs to your build like so:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
include the age of the PSU apart from it's make and model. BIOS version for your motherboard at this moment of time.
I cleaned the Graphics card with pressured Air several times after this started, fearing it to be connected to stuck dirt/dust, but to no avail.
How about reapplying the thermal paste with something higher in quality? + Replacing the thermal pads with something higher in quality as well?
Try and use DDU in Safe Mode, to remove all GPU drivers(intel, AMD and Nvidia) then reboot and manually install the latest GPU driver sourced from Nvidia's support site in an elevated command, i.e, Right click installer>Run as Administrator.
I'm unsure if the noise is coming from just one fan or all of them at the same time, all I can say is they seem to be spinning at the same rate as each other.
You might want to roll a sheet of A4 paper into a cylinder, holding one end of the tube to your ear while using the other end to probe for the source of the noise. Visually inspecting the fans when they ramp up is also a good idea.

M
MehSparky
Member
193
11-16-2021, 11:01 AM
#3
There is a straightforward solution. Install MSI Afterburner. This lets you configure a fan curve. Certain GPUs require starting at 30% fan speed at 30°C, then increasing to 50% at 60°C, 70% at 70°C, and 100% at 80°C. Your specific settings might not suit your setup, so try different values. Afterburner is a powerful utility that also lets you track CPU and GPU temperatures during games via the on-screen display.

Your GPU could be overheating because of inadequate airflow in the case or other factors, causing the fans to run at high speeds. Turning off your PC won’t help; it only delays the cooling process. The heat buildup indicates a problem that needs attention.

Another chance is a faulty fan bearing. From your description, it’s unclear whether the noise is just fans spinning quickly or producing unusual sounds.
M
MehSparky
11-16-2021, 11:01 AM #3

There is a straightforward solution. Install MSI Afterburner. This lets you configure a fan curve. Certain GPUs require starting at 30% fan speed at 30°C, then increasing to 50% at 60°C, 70% at 70°C, and 100% at 80°C. Your specific settings might not suit your setup, so try different values. Afterburner is a powerful utility that also lets you track CPU and GPU temperatures during games via the on-screen display.

Your GPU could be overheating because of inadequate airflow in the case or other factors, causing the fans to run at high speeds. Turning off your PC won’t help; it only delays the cooling process. The heat buildup indicates a problem that needs attention.

Another chance is a faulty fan bearing. From your description, it’s unclear whether the noise is just fans spinning quickly or producing unusual sounds.

T
TinoBanana
Member
177
11-17-2021, 04:52 AM
#4
It's not connected to heat at all unless the temperature sensor is faulty. The problem arises when I restart my PC, not while using something. The fans start up before Windows completes booting.
It only happens after my PC has been completely off for several hours. As mentioned, it works fine after a few shutdowns, but I'm concerned about repeatedly shutting it down to use it briefly and then having to repeat the process again.
T
TinoBanana
11-17-2021, 04:52 AM #4

It's not connected to heat at all unless the temperature sensor is faulty. The problem arises when I restart my PC, not while using something. The fans start up before Windows completes booting.
It only happens after my PC has been completely off for several hours. As mentioned, it works fine after a few shutdowns, but I'm concerned about repeatedly shutting it down to use it briefly and then having to repeat the process again.

T
therealboss13
Member
161
11-17-2021, 06:43 AM
#5
Are you certain you're not detecting your CPU fan starting? That's a typical behavior and part of the self-check when booting up the PC.
It remains beneficial to use Afterburner. It manages your GPU fans, but it doesn't influence your CPU fan.
I rechecked your initial message. If I'm correct, you're implying the GPU fans increase and remain active until you power off the system? Afterburner will take precedence over all other fan configurations for your GPU. Give it a try.
Certain GPUs include a silent mode. A physical switch is present on the GPU. If your card supports this feature, you might want to explore it as well to determine if it affects performance. There could be an issue with your GPU BIOS.
T
therealboss13
11-17-2021, 06:43 AM #5

Are you certain you're not detecting your CPU fan starting? That's a typical behavior and part of the self-check when booting up the PC.
It remains beneficial to use Afterburner. It manages your GPU fans, but it doesn't influence your CPU fan.
I rechecked your initial message. If I'm correct, you're implying the GPU fans increase and remain active until you power off the system? Afterburner will take precedence over all other fan configurations for your GPU. Give it a try.
Certain GPUs include a silent mode. A physical switch is present on the GPU. If your card supports this feature, you might want to explore it as well to determine if it affects performance. There could be an issue with your GPU BIOS.