Author Topic: CPU fan failed error, but still spinning. (Read 19575 times)

tara · « **on:** June 18, 2009, 03:16:03 PM »

I added more RAM to my pc today. After installing it, I turned my computer on and it said:

CPU Fan Failed. Press F2 to continue to boot. Otherwise, the system will power down in five seconds. Have system serviced immediately.

The thing is, the fan is still spinning! I pressed F2 and I'm on the pc right now, have been for a while.

Why am I getting this error if the fan is still spinning?

I opened my pc again and unplugged the fan power cable from the motherboard and plugged it back in again. Same error.

This is going to be a pain in my *censored* if I have to press F2 every time I turn my pc on.

My computer: HP Pavilion Desktop, Media Center PC 873n
Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.53GHz

TheHoFL · « **Reply #1 on:** June 18, 2009, 03:21:40 PM »

I would check to see if there is a BIOS update for your motherboard. It may be only able to recognize a certain amount of RAM.

tara · « **Reply #2 on:** June 18, 2009, 03:25:16 PM »

Quote from: TheHoFL on June 18, 2009, 03:21:40 PM

I would check to see if there is a BIOS update for your motherboard. It may be only able to recognize a certain amount of RAM.

After installing the new RAM, I thought the same thing, so I took the new RAM out(1GB) and put the 512 back in. Still got the fan error. I also checked the RAM in BIOS, it recognizes the 2GB, 1GB in each slot.

TheHoFL · « **Reply #3 on:** June 18, 2009, 03:28:13 PM »

Hmm... Is this a homebuilt machine? Do you know the model on the motherboard? Do you know how old your CPU cooler is? It could actually be going out. I would be very careful with this error. If your fan suddenly stops then your CPU could fry.

tara · « **Reply #4 on:** June 18, 2009, 03:36:52 PM »

It's not homebuilt. I just got a new hard drive and power supply installed by Best Buy last month.

My motherboard is FIC VC19.

I just googled and apparently a lot of people get the cpu fan failed false error after installing something.

Aegis · « **Reply #5 on:** June 18, 2009, 03:38:08 PM »

Please DO NOT flash / update the BIOS. This should be done as a last resort! (If the flash / update goes wrong, it causes more problems than it might fix.)

It is possible that some element of the motherboard/system board is simply not detecting input from the fan, even though the fan is still working.

tara · « **Reply #6 on:** June 18, 2009, 03:45:08 PM »

Don't worry, I have no idea how to update the BIOS. I've never had to do that.

TheHoFL · « **Reply #7 on:** June 18, 2009, 03:47:29 PM »

I would go to frys or another electronics store that accepts returns without questions and buy something like the link below. Then you cold return it if you still get the error.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835200029

Aegis · « **Reply #8 on:** June 18, 2009, 03:57:57 PM »

That's a nice lookin' fan, but it presumes that Tara is prepared to go down that road of removing the existing fan and heat sink, cleaning the existing thermal paste, applying new paste, and then the new fan and heat sink -- or paying for Best Buy to do it -- oh, they'll happily do it, for a price...

The message doesn't necessarily mean the fan is failing. Tara has found evidence on the 'net that the message seems to be a particular bug with that model of motherboard / computer.

TheHoFL · « **Reply #9 on:** June 18, 2009, 04:07:10 PM »

A BIOS update would probably assist her with that issue...

ftp://ftp.fic.com.tw/motherboard/driver/1stUtilities_v1.27/PATCH/

Aegis · « **Reply #10 on:** June 18, 2009, 04:14:02 PM »

It may very well do that; however, I don't have the level of expertise to recommend a BIOS update. It would be nice to find evidence on the 'net from folks who have nothing to gain by recommending the BIOS update that it will actually fix the problem. If it fixes the problem, I'm all for it.

The Internet is also filled with tales of BIOS updates / flashes gone wrong, which cause more problems than they solve, and sometimes render worthless what were perfectly good computers.

I stand by my statement that one should not flash the BIOS unless necessary.

Karnac · « **Reply #11 on:** June 18, 2009, 04:25:23 PM »

Tara , make sure you didn't accidently loosen the heatsink under the CPU fan when you were installing the new memory.......make sure the heatsink sits flush on the motherboard.

TheHoFL · « **Reply #12 on:** June 18, 2009, 04:25:50 PM »

Go with that then ... i have rolled out 300+ computer at a time that i freshly updated the newer BIOS so they could function properly on our network. No issues at all...

I have read of issues, but never experienced any in my IT career.

tara · « **Reply #13 on:** June 18, 2009, 04:46:04 PM »

I went into BIOS and it says this:

CPU fan speed: O PPM
System fan spped - 2362 PPM
CPU Temp: 73°C

I just saw the clip on one side of my heatsink is loose. I can't lock it in place because the a piece of the plastic you hook it onto broke off. Could this be the problem?

Here are pics.

Fan

Fan and heatsink

Heat sink with loose clip

TheHoFL · « **Reply #14 on:** June 18, 2009, 04:49:10 PM »

Did you remove the CPU fan off the heat sink? Was there one on there before?

tara · « **Reply #15 on:** June 18, 2009, 04:56:47 PM »

I didn't touch the fan or heatsink. The only things that have been touched since I got this pc are the hard drive, power supply, and RAM. The hard drive and power supply were put in by Best Buy.

Karnac · « **Reply #16 on:** June 18, 2009, 05:23:11 PM »

I just saw the clip on one side of my heatsink is loose. I can't lock it in place because the a piece of the plastic you hook it onto broke off. Could this be the problem?

************************************************************************************

That's your problem...the cpu is overheating and shuts itself down in auto protect so no further damage occurs......I would recommend that you not use the computer until it's fixed.....otherwise you 'll need a cpu as well.

TheHoFL · « **Reply #17 on:** June 18, 2009, 05:40:19 PM »

I agree. If you want to order one that is cheap and got great reviews, this one did pretty good...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835200029

tara · « **Reply #18 on:** June 18, 2009, 06:15:08 PM »

There's nothing wrong with my fan or heatsink.

Buying a new one wouldn't help because I still wouldn't be able to clip it into place.

I just googled this but you see how silver part of the clip hooks into the black plastic part? That's what broke. The little black tab. Not the actual heatsink.

Karnac · « **Reply #19 on:** June 18, 2009, 06:23:47 PM »

The problem is the heatsink must be FIRMLY in place over the processor otherwise the cpu overheats....The clips exert downward pressure onto the processor to effectively disperse the heat .......no pressure = no heat dispersal.

tara · « **Reply #20 on:** June 18, 2009, 07:22:10 PM »

Darn. Can best buy fix that?

Karnac · « **Reply #21 on:** June 18, 2009, 07:30:55 PM »

Probably....Here's a link for intel boards.

http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/CS-021983.htm

http://www.thefind.com/computers/info-heatsink-retention-bracket

Aegis · « **Reply #22 on:** June 18, 2009, 07:33:59 PM »

I missed the part about the broken clip. I'd have to agree that it's up for a motherboard replacement. Check out the link so you'll have an idea of prices when you go back to Best Buy.

tara · « **Reply #23 on:** June 18, 2009, 07:39:14 PM »

Quote from: Karnac on June 18, 2009, 07:30:55 PM

Probably....Here's a link for intel boards.
http://www.thefind.com/computers/info-heatsink-retention-bracket

This looks like the one I have now. 1 of the 4 broke.

Would I be able to put a new one in myself? Like could I just pull the heatsink out, remove the broken bracket, and put a new one in?

Karnac · « **Reply #24 on:** June 18, 2009, 07:55:42 PM »

If you are comfortable inside the case and practice safe ESD(static) procedures I don't forsee a problem...I've seen some of these with pins and some that screw in so make sure you get the right one.

tara · « **Reply #25 on:** June 18, 2009, 08:07:07 PM »

Is there any way to figure out which bracket to buy? I have no idea. It looks like the pic I posted above.

jestersflunky · « **Reply #26 on:** June 18, 2009, 08:09:08 PM »

Quote from: tara on June 18, 2009, 04:46:04 PM

I went into BIOS and it says this:

CPU fan speed: O PPM
System fan spped - 2362 PPM
CPU Temp: 73°C

I just saw the clip on one side of my heatsink is loose. I can't lock it in place because the a piece of the plastic you hook it onto broke off. Could this be the problem?
Take a pencil point it at the dealy bob, take another shot, Ican't see, I can't see.
Here are pics.

Fan

Fan and heatsink

Heat sink with loose clip

Karnac · « **Reply #27 on:** June 18, 2009, 08:17:08 PM »

Confirm your Pentium 4 socket as 478 and that clip is the one you need.

Download Everest to find out your socket

tara · « **Reply #28 on:** June 18, 2009, 08:35:03 PM »

I have Everest. What do I look under?

Under CPU Properties I see:
CPU Type: Intel Pentium 4, 2533 MHz (19 x 133)

Under CPU Physical Info:
Package Type: 478 Pin uPGA

Is that the info you need?

patio · « **Reply #29 on:** June 18, 2009, 08:41:47 PM »

That bracket is known to be fragile and can be easily replaced...
You don't need a new MBoard.
However that being said instead of letting BestBuy do it find a local PC shop that will sell you it for 8 Bucks or so and if you want them to do it it may cost you an extra 20 Bucks...
BestBuy won't let you leave the store for less than a Hundred Bucks.....

Good Luck to you.

Karnac · « **Reply #30 on:** June 18, 2009, 08:45:45 PM »

Under CPU Physical Info:
Package Type: 478 Pin uPGA

That's the info you need ...... you're looking for a Socket 478 heatsink retention module

http://www.amazon.com/Pentium-Socket-Heatsink-Retention-Module/dp/B000YA7QTO

I would shop around........Gotta agree with Patio , Tara......it can be delicate and apply too much pressure and you can crack a trace on the motherboard and you'll be shopping for one of those as well......find a small shop and let them do it.

tara · « **Reply #31 on:** June 18, 2009, 09:09:05 PM »

So you think if I do it myself I'll break the motherboard?

Would I have to remove the motherboard to install it?

Aegis · « **Reply #32 on:** June 18, 2009, 09:28:48 PM »

Yes, most likely, because you'll have to "pinch" the "feet" of the frame that is in place in order to get it out so you can put in the new one.

Karnac · « **Reply #33 on:** June 18, 2009, 09:50:22 PM »

Tara ...I'm removing a module from an old motherboard as I type and I really recommend you take it in to a shop....and you do have to remove the motherboard.

tara · « **Reply #34 on:** June 18, 2009, 10:10:39 PM »

Thanks guys. I just bought the bracket off of ebay for around $7. When it comes I'll bring it with my PC to Best Buy.

Karnac · « **Reply #35 on:** June 18, 2009, 10:19:54 PM »

Great.....Smart girl..... better than

patio · « **Reply #36 on:** June 19, 2009, 06:25:24 AM »

Wow...i was only off by a Buck !

Aegis · « **Reply #37 on:** June 19, 2009, 06:27:35 AM »

You can put that buck toward Broni's gift certificates.

Karnac · « **Reply #38 on:** June 19, 2009, 07:08:57 AM »

Quote from: patio on June 19, 2009, 06:25:24 AM

Wow...i was only off by a Buck !

No deal at Amazon...only $41 delivered.

robit · « **Reply #39 on:** June 19, 2009, 08:49:14 AM »

Hi: OK It's a BIG problem if the heat sink is lose - could kill your CPU due to high temp.... but that alone wouldn't cause your fan thing..... make sure your CPU-Plug is in.... I'd think the CPU mount may have been broken @ Best Buy.... go back & ask them to Fix.....

Aegis · « **Reply #40 on:** June 19, 2009, 09:07:42 AM »

Quote

I'd think the CPU mount may have been broken @ Best Buy.... go back & ask them to Fix.....

I don't disagree, but that is the proverbial tough row to hoe.

Tara can ask, and they may 'fess up, but I think she'd be better off having a small shop or repair person do the work for her.

TheHoFL · « **Reply #41 on:** June 19, 2009, 09:38:27 AM »

Quote

but I think she'd be better off having a small shop or repair person do the work for her.

Or have a computer savvy friend install it for her.

robit · « **Reply #42 on:** June 19, 2009, 10:11:08 AM »

Hello: That's the way to go!!!

Computer Hope Forum

News:

Author Topic: CPU fan failed error, but still spinning. (Read 19575 times)

tara

TheHoFL

tara

TheHoFL

tara

Aegis

tara

TheHoFL

Aegis

TheHoFL

Aegis

Karnac

TheHoFL

tara

TheHoFL

tara

Karnac

TheHoFL

tara

Karnac

tara

Karnac

Aegis

tara

Karnac

tara

jestersflunky

Karnac

tara

patio

Karnac

tara

Aegis

Karnac

tara

Karnac

patio

Aegis

Karnac

robit

Aegis

TheHoFL

robit