The CPU fan fails to operate.
The CPU fan fails to operate.
I own an old PC from nine years ago with an i5-4460 gtx 970 and 8GB RAM. Everything is original, and the look is quite dated—no RGB or modern design. The CPU fan activates only when I power on the machine. The PC starts up, but when the temperature hits 90°C, it throttles and my frame rate drops. The fan in front works fine. I removed the RAM and reinstalled it again, but the issue remains. What do you think is causing this problem?
If the fans on the cooler failed to operate, you should swap them out. Their bearings will eventually wear down, which is typical for all of them.
I'm sorry, I don't have the right tools to check. The main cooler is likely not the CPU fan. If it's the CPU fan, it should be connected to the motherboard via the socket labeled "CPU FAN." The fan behind the computer doesn't appear to be attached to the motherboard. These videos might help clarify the setup.
Here are the videos you provided:
1. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IFtGTp5...share_link
2. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Znm5n6M...share_link
3. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HCXcLuy...share_link
4. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IFtGTp5...share_link
Let me know if you need anything else!
The fan featuring the Intel sticker (with the cooler attached) is what you should replace, as it’s likely to fail. Other alternatives exist, but if you’re not comfortable with tech details, it might not be worth diving into complex solutions. You could consider changing another header on the motherboard since there’s a chance the current one has a problem. Some motherboards can detect if nothing is connected to the CPU fan header and will trigger an error, which you’ll need to resolve in the BIOS settings.
I’ll attempt to borrow a fan from my friend and check if it works. Haha, yeah, it’s a bit messy. Thanks!
Also consider removing those fins. The heat sink is already not very strong. Dust buildup reduces its performance. A toothpick or similar tool can help clear out the dust pockets quickly—usually takes just a few minutes.