I was in the middle of a very important project when I suddenly noticed that my computer wasn’t getting power. I checked the power supply fan and saw that it wasn’t spinning.
At first, I panicked. I didn’t know what to do when I came to know about the power supply fan not spinning.
I tried looking online for help, but all of the solutions were for people who knew what they were doing. Finally, after wasting a lot of time, I decided to just take the power supply apart and see if I could fix it.
It turns out that all I had to do was give it a good cleaning and it started working again!
Later, I Joined a hardware training center to tackle such issues. Now I am an expert in solving hardware issues. Try my tutorial on how to fix the issue of the power supply fan not spinning on startup.
A power supply is a device that provides electrical energy to an electrical device. The most common type of power supply is a wall adapter, which plugs into a standard 120-volt AC outlet.
Wall adapters typically have a DC output of 12 volts and can provide up to 2 amps of current.
The most common cause of a power supply fan not spinning: Is a failed bearing
Over time, the bearings in the fan can begin to wear out, causing the fan to stop spinning. When this happens, the internal temperature of the power supply will begin to rise, potentially causing damage to the components.
The most common cause of a failed bearing is simply age – over time, the bearings will break down and eventually fail. However, there are other potential causes as well, such as dust or debris buildup, which can prevent the bearings from moving freely.
In some cases, a failed bearing can be replaced, but it’s usually more cost-effective to simply replace the entire fan assembly.
Either way, it’s important to keep an eye on the condition of the power supply fan and make sure it’s spinning freely. Otherwise, you risk damaging your valuable PC components.
Why is the power supply fan not spinning?
It is important to check all of the connections before plugging them in again. If the problem persists, it is best to consult a qualified technician for further assistance. Let’s talk about some common power supply fan not spinning issues.
1. Check the Power Supply
The first thing you should do if your power supply fan is not spinning is to check the power supply. Make sure that the power supply is plugged into an outlet and that it is turned on.
If the power supply appears to be turned off, try plugging it into a different outlet.
2. Check the Fan Blade
If the power supply is plugged in and turned on, the next thing you should check is the fan blade. The fan blade may be dirty or obstructed, which can prevent it from spinning. To clean the fan blade, you can use a can of compressed air or a soft brush.
3. Check the Fan Motor
If the fan blade is clean and unobstructed, the next thing you should check is the fan motor. The fan motor may be defective and need to be replaced. To test the fan motor, you can use a multimeter to measure the resistance across the terminals.
4. Check for Short Circuits
Another possible reason why your power supply fan is not spinning is that there may be a short circuit somewhere in the electrical system.
To find a short circuit, you can use a multimeter to measure the resistance between the ground and each of the other terminals.
5. Check for Loose Wires
Another possible reason for a non-spinning power supply fan is that there may be loose wires somewhere in the system. To find loose wires, you can visually inspect all of the connections and make sure that they are tight and secure.
6. Replace the Power Supply
If you have checked all of the above items and still cannot get your power supply fan to spin, then you may need to replace the power supply. Power supplies are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most electronics stores.
Other possible causes: loose fan blades, dirt or dust build-up, bad capacitors
When a power supply fan does not spin, it could be caused by several issues.
- One possibility is that the fan blades are loose and need to be tightened.
- Another is that there is a build-up of dirt or dust on the blades, which is preventing them from turning freely.
- Finally, it is possible that the capacitors in the power supply are bad and need to be replaced.
First Fix is troubleshooting for power supply fan spinning
All of these issues can be easily resolved with some basic troubleshooting. However, if the problem persists, it may be necessary to replace the power supply entirely.
How to diagnose the problem of the power supply fan not spinning
To diagnose the problem, first, check to see if the power supply is receiving power. If it is, then the problem is likely with the fan.
You can test this by using a multimeter to check for continuity between the fan wires and the ground. If there is no continuity, then the fan is probably defective and will need to be replaced.
If there is continuity, then the problem may be with the power supply itself.
How to fix a failed bearing
If the fan on your power supply is not spinning, it is likely due to a failed bearing. Replacing the fan is typically the best course of action, but if you are comfortable working with small parts, you can try to fix the bearing.
- First, remove the fan from the power supply.
- Next, use a sharp knife to carefully remove the old bearing from the housing. Once the old bearing is removed, clean out any debris from the housing. Then, press the new bearing into place.
- Finally, reattach the fan to the power supply and test it to make sure it is spinning properly.
Expert Tip
Replacing the fan is usually the safest and easiest option, if you are experienced with working with small parts, fixing a failed bearing can be a worthwhile challenge.
How to clean a power supply
To keep your power supply running smoothly, it’s important to clean it on a regular basis. The best way to do this is to remove it from the computer and use a can of compressed air to remove any dust and debris.
If you don’t have compressed air, you can also use a soft brush or even a vacuum cleaner with the proper attachment. Once you’ve removed all of the visible dirt, you can then use a damp cloth to wipe down the internal components.
Be sure to avoid getting any water inside the power supply, as this could damage it. With a little bit of regular maintenance, you can keep your power supply running smoothly for years to come.
FAQs
Is it normal for the power supply fan to not spin?
Whether or not it is “normal” for a power supply fan to not spin depends on a few factors. If the fan is completely unresponsive, then it is likely that there is an issue with the fan itself or with the power supply.
However, if the fan only sporadically spins, then it may simply be dust build-up causing the issue. Either way, a non-spinning fan can cause various problems, such as overheating and component damage.
As such, it is generally advisable to address the issue as soon as possible. In most cases, this will involve either cleaning or replacing the fan.
How do you fix a power supply that won’t turn on?
If your power supply is not working, it may be because it is not getting enough power, the cord is loose, or there is a short circuit. To fix a power supply that won’t turn on, first check the power cord and make sure it is plugged in correctly.
Then, check the circuit breaker and reset it if necessary. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the power supply.
What happens if the power supply fan is not working?
Without proper cooling, the unit could overheat and become damaged. Additionally, the fan helps to circulate air around the components of the power supply unit. Without circulation, components could overheat and become damaged.
Finally, the fan helps to keep dust and other debris from building up inside the power supply unit. If dust and debris are allowed to build up, it could lead to short circuits and other problems.
As a result, it is important to make sure that the power supply fan is working properly.
How do I force my PSU fan to spin?
Most power supply units (PSUs) have a fan that helps to keep the unit cool. The fan typically starts spinning when the PSU is turned on and then runs at a constant speed.
In some cases, however, the fan may not start spinning or may not spin at the correct speed. This can cause the PSU to overheat, which can damage the unit and potentially cause a fire.
There are a few things you can do to try to get the PSU fan to spin properly.
- First, check that all of the connections are secure.
- Next, try gently pushing on the fan blades to see if they will start moving.
- Finally, if the PSU is still not working properly, you may need to replace the fan.
