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GPU fans not spinning is usually normal: most modern graphics cards use a 0 RPM (semi-passive) mode that stops the fans until the GPU reaches about 50–60°C. GPU fans are faulty only when they stay stopped while the GPU is under load and getting hot.
Why are my GPU fans not spinning?
Your GPU fans are not spinning for one of 6 reasons:
- 0 RPM fan mode: the fans stop at low temperature by design.
- Low GPU load: the desktop or a light game does not heat the GPU enough to start the fans.
- Missing PCIe power: an unplugged or loose 8-pin or 12V-2×6 cable.
- Software fan control: a fan curve in MSI Afterburner or vendor software set to 0%.
- Driver problem: a corrupted driver reports wrong temperatures or fan values.
- Hardware failure: a dead fan motor, broken fan cable or seized bearing.
Should GPU fans spin all the time?
No, GPU fans should not spin all the time on most modern cards. NVIDIA GeForce and AMD Radeon partner cards from ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, Sapphire, PowerColor and Zotac stop their fans at idle to reduce noise and dust buildup. Older cards and many blower-style cards keep their fans spinning constantly.
When do GPU fans turn on?
GPU fans turn on when the GPU temperature passes the card’s fan-start threshold, which is typically 50–60°C. The exact threshold depends on the card’s BIOS fan curve. Once the fans start, they usually keep spinning until temperature drops a few degrees below the threshold.
How do you test whether GPU fans work?
You test GPU fans by putting the GPU under load and watching temperature and fan speed. Follow these 4 steps:
- Open GPU-Z or HWiNFO and watch Fan Speed (RPM) and GPU Temperature; see how to check GPU temp.
- Run a demanding game or a stress test such as 3DMark or FurMark for 2–3 minutes.
- Check that the fans start once temperature passes about 60°C.
- If temperature goes above 75°C and the fans still show 0 RPM, the fans have a fault.
How do you fix GPU fans not spinning?
You fix GPU fans not spinning with these 8 steps:
- Load the GPU first. Confirm the fans are not simply in 0 RPM mode.
- Check PCIe power cables. Reseat every power connector on the card and the power supply.
- Force the fans on. In MSI Afterburner, enable a custom fan curve and set 50% manually; if the fans spin, the hardware works.
- Reset fan software. Reset MSI Afterburner, ASUS GPU Tweak, MSI Center or AMD Adrenalin tuning to default.
- Clean-install the driver. Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU), then install the latest driver; see how to update GPU drivers.
- Clean dust and debris. A cable or hair caught in the blades can block a fan.
- Reseat the graphics card to fix poor slot contact; see how to reseat a GPU.
- Check the fan cable or replace the fan. Replacement fan kits exist for most popular cards; a card under warranty should be sent back instead.
Is it dangerous if GPU fans stop under load?
Yes. GPU fans that stop under load let the GPU reach its maximum temperature within minutes. The GPU then throttles, crashes or shuts down. Stop gaming and fix the fans first. Read how hot is too hot for a GPU for the limits.
Can you turn off 0 RPM mode?
Yes. You turn off 0 RPM mode with a custom fan curve in MSI Afterburner, or with the Zero RPM toggle under Performance > Tuning in AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition. Disabling 0 RPM mode lowers idle temperature but adds fan noise.
If the noise is a high-pitched whine that changes with FPS rather than a fan sound, it is probably GPU coil whine.
FAQ
Is it normal for GPU fans not to spin at idle?
Yes. Most modern GPUs stop their fans at idle until the GPU reaches about 50–60°C.
Why do my GPU fans spin then stop?
GPU fans spin then stop because temperature hovers around the fan-start threshold. A small custom fan curve that keeps fans at 30% removes the on-off cycling.
Do GPU fans spin when the PC starts?
Yes. Many GPU fans spin for a few seconds during boot as a self-test, then stop.
Related guides
Related reading: see our guide on whether 60°C is too hot for a GPU while gaming.
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