[SOLVED] Case fans sometimes fail to start unless they get a jump start via Gigabyte Smart fan

Aug 18, 2018
18
1
10
For some reason my case fans don't seem to want to start by themselves when my PC has been off for about an hour+.
I've been able to give them a jump start using Gigabyte Smart fan 5 by setting them to full speed, then back to standard, but i'd rather try to figure out what the problem is.

I have the fans connected directly to the motherboard headers and I've also tried connecting via molex to make sure the fans aren't faulty (they start without any problem using molex).

I've updated all of the motherboard drivers (Gigabyte b360 aorus gaming 3 wifi), checked the 24 pin motherboard connector, tried auto, voltage and PWM for the control mode in the BIOS but I can't seem to figure out what the issue is.

Does anyone have any suggestions? (Speedfan doesn't detect my fans, CPU and Graphics card fans all work fine)
Thanks in advance

 
Solution
I tried the suggestions above without any luck,
*the minimum fan speed to get the fans to start spinning being full speed then back to standard (nothing lower than 100% makes them start)

*there doesn't seem to be any resistance with the fans after my PC has been off for a few hours.

*uninstalling Gigabyte Smart Fan didn't help.

BUT...

I did manage to find a way to get the fans to start with windows :) by using Argus Monitor (similar to SpeedFan if you're not aware of it).

So far, all of the case fans have started spinning with Argus Monitor after a few seconds at startup.
I suspect it might be something to do with the Gigabyte BIOS or Gigabyte Smart Fan 5.

I'll just continue using Argus Monitor as it seems to fix the issue...
Sounds like a bearing issue. If there is a lot of resistance on them due to dust or general wear and tear they will need a put to get them going, which is what max fan speed is doing.

You can take them out and give them a good clean to see if that fixes the problem, if it doesnt then you need new fans.
 
Aug 18, 2018
18
1
10


it's only a 2 month old system, and I just noticed the issue about 2 weeks after it was built (the issue is happening with the 2 front case & exhaust fans).
 
Try with lower setting than 100%. Try different settings and determine minimal one that can start your fans.

 
Aug 18, 2018
18
1
10


I'll give that a try thanks, but as long as my PC hasn't been off for too long, the fans do start spinning as they should with the current default fan curve.
 


Ok i still think its a mechanical issue from what you have described though.

Try leaving them to the point that they normally dont work (a few hours) and try rotating them by hand, see if they feel stiff to begin with
 
Aug 18, 2018
18
1
10

I'll give that a try later thanks, it seems unlikely that all 3 fans would have a bearing issue after 2 weeks use though.
 
Aug 18, 2018
18
1
10


I thought that could be the problem too, but they still didn't want to start spinning after stressing the system with intensive games/programs. (also "auto fan stop" is disabled for the case fans in Gigabyte Smart Fan 5)
 
yes i agree all 3 fans failing after 2 weeks would be unusual. What make of fans are they? maybe they just cant get going until they get a certain amount of power, then once they are spinning they are able to run at that voltage.

If they are a low grade fan, something that came with a case for instance, this may be the problem.
 
Could be your standard setting has the voltage set to low to get the fans to start up. To start a fan it takes more volts and amps then to keep it constantly running once spinning.

I have a fan controller in one of my cases that on bootup will give 100% power to spin the fans then drop down to 6.5 volts to keep the just above stall out speed, this keeps them moving air and extremely quite.
 
Aug 18, 2018
18
1
10


yes they're just basic Coolermaster fans which came with the case. I read about that being a possibility, but I couldn't find where to set the voltage in the Gigabyte BIOS
 
Aug 18, 2018
18
1
10


That sounds like a promising idea, but without immediately rushing out to buy a fan controller, hopefully I can figure out a way to increase the voltage to my case fans at bootup.
 
Aug 18, 2018
18
1
10


I'll give that a try in the evening, and let you know the result.
 
Aug 18, 2018
18
1
10
I tried the suggestions above without any luck,
*the minimum fan speed to get the fans to start spinning being full speed then back to standard (nothing lower than 100% makes them start)

*there doesn't seem to be any resistance with the fans after my PC has been off for a few hours.

*uninstalling Gigabyte Smart Fan didn't help.

BUT...

I did manage to find a way to get the fans to start with windows :) by using Argus Monitor (similar to SpeedFan if you're not aware of it).

So far, all of the case fans have started spinning with Argus Monitor after a few seconds at startup.
I suspect it might be something to do with the Gigabyte BIOS or Gigabyte Smart Fan 5.

I'll just continue using Argus Monitor as it seems to fix the issue. (unless anyone knows of a free alternative other than SpeedFan)

Thanks for all the help everyone!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: firefliesalight
Solution