GPU No Signal Fans Spinning [Causes & How To Fix It?]
Finding out why is your GPU No Signal Fans Spinning. Sometimes, everything is running smoothly, and other times, a small problem must be fixed. Sometimes, though, whatever is causing the fan problem can harm the whole machine.
GPU No Signal Fans Spinning
If your graphics card fan is spinning, but there is no display, follow these steps to fix it: You can tell the computer is receiving electricity if your graphics card fan is spinning even though you can’t see anything on the screen .
That eliminates one potential issue. However, your issue could be caused by various hardware or software elements. You need to address the exact issue to fix it explicitly.
This article is for you if you want to understand how to fix your spinning graphics card fan without a display.
Why GPU No Signal Fans Spinning?
There are several possible issues here. It might be connected to the display’s and the computer’s connectors.
Any of the computer’s significant hardware parts could be malfunctioning. This also applies to the graphics card, but its likely working just fine.
Additionally, there are a ton of potential software flaws that could be the issue. Together, let’s go over the most typical circumstances so that you can better understand what might be wrong, how to spot the problem, and what to do about it.
The Connection To The Display
If the display is not a built-in laptop display, the connection between the computer and the monitor is the first and simplest item to check.
Even if everything else functions as it should, a damaged plug or a loose connection will hinder your screen from lighting up.
This test is simple. Reinstall all the cables you can. If that still doesn’t fix the issue, see if you can test the arrangement with a new cable and a different display. If changing wires fixes the issue, you know what it was.
If changing displays resolves the issue, the connection has been ruled out, and you can move on to the following option.
There is one more thing concerning display connectors that you should know. It’s rather typical to utilize adapters to connect various monitors and computers, but sometimes, they don’t function as intended.
It would help if you had a converter, not an adapter, to switch between an analog display and a digital output. You cannot use an adapter to make a computer’s HDMI or DisplayPort port work with a VGA or DVI.
The plug adapter is only one component of a converter. Since it modifies the signal, your converter typically includes a bulky component.
The GPU
The graphics processing unit is known as the GPU. This is the central component of the graphics card that does the computations required to generate the video you see on your screen.
It’s a crucial component that has a chance of failing. The rest of the card may function perfectly if the GPU fails, and your fans will run normally. A blank screen, however, does not prove that the GPU is the issue.
You must run a test to be certain; the most accurate test is only sometimes available or simple to carry out. The general idea is to connect the graphics card to a tested system.
You can presume you have a faulty GPU if you do this and still don’t receive any video.
Repair shops regularly perform this test and can test your graphics card (or perform diagnostics in general) for a fee if you need more resources to do it yourself.
If your GPU is defective, you must replace it. This usually entails changing the complete graphics card.
If your computer has more than one GPU, you can use the best one by switching. Although it depends on personal desire, it is impractical to repair a flawed GPU.
The Display Itself
It’s entirely feasible that the problem is with the display itself. As you read above, using a different monitor is the simplest verification method.
Even using a laptop, this is a useful test. The majority of laptops can output video data. Check your results by connecting an external display (a computer monitor or a TV). If so, you are aware of the problem.
The answer is straightforward in theory. The defective display has to be changed. If it’s an external display, you’ll need a new monitor to get things going again.
The process of replacing a laptop display is more involved. Although it is possible to change laptop displays, delegating this task to an IT professional is typically recommended.
The Motherboard
If your graphics card functions flawlessly in another configuration, your problem might be with the motherboard. Let’s first distinguish between two distinct problems before continuing down that path.
If you’ve been using the computer without any problems and suddenly the display stops working, you should check your motherboard. It makes more sense to double-check compatibility and revisit all internal relationships if this is a new build (discussed in a later section).
Assume the graphics card was functional before. The motherboard may be involved in the problem. Utilizing a graphics card with your motherboard that is known to be reliable is the best method to learn.
That will provide you with more details, but if the known-good graphics card still does not function, there are still a few other causes, so you should perform the remaining tests before concluding that the motherboard is the cause of the issue (or have an IT expert do it).
Your best option is to replace the motherboard once you know it’s the real problem. Although motherboards can be repaired, doing so is frequently more expensive than buying a new one.
When the installation is finished, you’ll probably need to reinstall your operating system if you decide to replace your motherboard. A lot of crucial software that would otherwise cause you problems gets reset by doing this.
Hardware Controllers
Everything becomes harder at this point. Your hardware might all be in perfect working order. Instead, the hardware control system’s fundamental software is the issue.
These kinds of software, often known as hardware controllers, load before your operating system and are required for the computer’s many parts to cooperate.
It’s crucial to realize that hardware controllers frequently come with BIOS (basic input-output system) software.
Consequently, these things load completely before anything appears on your screen. Your hardware has all passed diagnostic testing first. Second, your screen never displays anything at all.
A distinct problem (and one that is addressed in the following section) arises if you see a display and then it disappears after some time. There is a solution to fix hardware controllers if you can pinpoint the problem.
Installing the most recent versions is what you want to do. Install the next-most recent version if the issue appeared after you ran an update. You’ll need a flash drive (or other external storage) and an additional computer to complete this.
You can obtain the software controllers from the companies who created your computer or its parts and probably a BIOS update. The flash drive has the updates installed, which you can use to repair the hardware controllers.
You must ensure this process is automated because you have no display. To accomplish this, you can cooperate with the manufacturer’s support tools.
The CPU
Even though the graphics card performs the math for your display, it still needs the CPU to function. The CPU is in charge of the computer’s overall performance. Here is what you would ordinarily see in this situation.
The computer will appear to start without a hitch, but there won’t be any display. The computer will then turn itself off after some time (which could take a few seconds to a few minutes). This indicates that all fans, including those on the graphics card, will halt spinning.
When this occurs, the machine’s POST (power on self-test) is failing. Computers perform this test to ensure that crucial parts, such as the CPU, operate properly.
The machine will never attempt to load an operating system if POST fails. If this describes your experience, a CPU rather than a motherboard issue is more likely. Testing with a CPU that is recognized to be reliable will give you complete assurance.
Again, this type of test may only sometimes be available, so you may want to hire a repair professional to diagnose. If your CPU is malfunctioning, you should replace it.
You must double-check motherboard compatibility if you intend to upgrade it concurrently. Additionally, once the new hardware is installed, you should reinstall the operating system completely.
Internal Connections
The last typical issue with graphics cards in this circumstance is internal connectivity. If you are putting together a new construct, this is particularly likely. Numerous graphics cards have multiple power ports and connections to the motherboard.
Make sure every link is set up as planned by checking it twice. Go completely reseat each plug, just like when examining the external connectors.
A loose plug can prevent any display from turning on even when the fans receive electricity. You can look through the documentation included with your motherboard to find a tutorial for installing graphics cards.
To make sure you got everything, search for video tutorials. Let’s say a previously functional construct has an issue, and you need to be fiddling with the computer’s internal parts.
Software
Although hardware controllers can be viewed as software, technically speaking, they are usually differentiated from software. However, the software issue described here refers to software that comes pre-installed with your operating system.
Software, in particular, is referred to as drivers. These drivers allow your hardware, including your graphics card and display, to function with the operating system effectively.
The software trick is as follows. When you first switch on the computer, the software is probably to blame if your display loads with clear visuals but suddenly goes dark.
The BIOS is connected to the initial visuals you see. When it loads, and you can see it, your hardware functions properly.
The issue, in this instance, arises during the operating system’s attempt to load. A variety of things can cause this problem.
The most frequent causes of display blackouts are drivers. However, other causes include malicious software and sporadic problems. Fixing this can be complicated.
You will probably need to reset your operating system, or you can hire an IT expert to handle the issue if you want to bypass a long explanation.
Detailed troubleshooting will lead you down a far deeper rabbit hole than you’re already in because software problems are more likely to arise than hardware problems. You will likely need to uninstall harmful software and install good software to fix a software issue.
How To Fix GPU No Signal Fans Spinning?
If your components are properly installed, your GPU isn’t receiving power, or your GPU fans aren’t spinning (not because the passive cooling mode is engaged), you may have a broken component. After that, it’s a good idea to look at these things:
- If you have access to a power supply that is known to be functional, install it and then double-check to see if your graphics card and its fans operate. If it powers on, the first PSU can be broken. Your graphics card or motherboard can be broken if it doesn’t switch on. After that, you can test whether the PCIe lane on your motherboard is damaged by placing the graphics card in various lanes. If the problem persists, it can be a problem with the motherboard or the graphics card itself.
- Install the new graphics card into a different computer known to be functioning to test whether it powers on. If it powers on successfully in the test computer, the motherboard of the original system is probably damaged. It is likely a malfunctioning graphics card if it doesn’t switch on in the test PC.
- Disconnect the graphics card from the build and check whether your system still works. Without the graphics card installed, your system should start without any issues, which may rule out a motherboard issue. Running stress testing on the system to see if any issues arise is a good idea if it boots up without the graphics card inserted. If there are no problems when the graphics card is removed, either the PCIe connector on the power supply may be defective (which would be ruled out if you tested the graphics card with a known-working power supply and it still didn’t work) or the graphics card itself may be faulty.
After doing the three tests mentioned above, if your GPU is still not functioning, it is likely faulty and needs to be returned or RMA for a replacement.
Conclusion
So, why is your GPU No Signal Fans Spinning? After cleaning the computer and reinstalling the GPU, ensure the hardware functions as well as it did before you removed it.
Examine the fans and LEDs, and pay attention to your temperature gauge. If you discover that the fans aren’t rotating, remove them again and examine the blades for any problems. The blades may have encountered an obstruction when they were outside the computer.
If you disassembled the GPU to clean it, you should do it again. Reassemble it with care, tightening each screw as necessary and ensuring the fans are positioned properly.
If you didn’t disassemble the GPU, only look for obstructions in the fans. An expert computer repair specialist should only be able to disassemble a graphics card if they are comfortable doing so.
Top FAQs
Why is my GPU not working and fans not spinning?
Unless the graphics card is under load, the GPU fan won’t turn. If the fans on your card aren’t spinning as quickly as they should, clean the blades and check if anything obstructs them. Additionally, ensure your drivers are current and that no GPU settings block the fans from operating.
Can BIOS detect GPU?
The computer’s BIOS or UEFI must be up to date with the support of all the most recent and greatest hardware due to the regular emergence of new hardware. Due to an incompatibility, the system won’t (or may not) recognize the GPU if you have an older version of BIOS or UEFI.
This is Mohammad Talha, a fervent tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree, has been reviewing products and assisting the digital community for over 6 years. My passion for technology is matched only by my dedication to helping others navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.