Help - Motherboard and CPU Fan

zenkmander · May 30, 2005, 11:34 PM

Hi, I just finished installing a new motherboard. Unfortunately, the CPU fan is always on. I've updated the BIOS and the chipset drivers, but the fan still won't turn off. I have a Biostar P4VMA-M, by the way. Is there some specific setting in CMOS that I need to switch on or off?

mkk · May 30, 2005, 11:43 PM

It most likely should be on all the time, or does the motherboard manual say it has a feature for turning the fan off at low temperatures? I'd guess it might have a feature for lowering the fan speed, but turning it completely off is a bad idea.

Unless you mean that it stays on even when you turn the system off. Then I would guess that the system isn't really turned OFF but put into sleep mode instead.

zenkmander · May 30, 2005, 11:54 PM

My old motherboard regulated the control. The fan wouldn't go on maximum power unless under a heavy load, but with this motherboard it's ALWAYS on. Even when idle.

mkk · May 30, 2005, 11:58 PM

You could try the program SpeedFan to see if it allows for regulating the CPU fan speed with your current motherboard. It probably can. (http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php) Just don't set it to turn off the fan completely, just slow it down to maybe 50-60% at low temperatures.

zenkmander · May 31, 2005, 12:20 AM

Okay, I tried SpeedFan. I changed the percentage down to 50 and the RPM didn't change. The CPU fan is running at around 4500 RPM, apparently. SpeedFan also says that Temp2 and Temp3 are are 128 C, which is easily wrong. With WarpSpeeder, my motherboard's overclocking utility and hardware monitor, I checked the CPU temperature and it's at 30 C. So why the need for 4500 RPM? Ugh!

zenkmander · May 31, 2005, 12:22 AM

Oh, wait. They're actually at -128 C. Odd.

Tipstaff · May 31, 2005, 12:58 AM

In some instances certain power supplys (Thermaltake ones for instance), and certain motherboards will keep the CPU fan, and some case fans running well after the PC has been shut down. The idea is that this helps to get rid of excess heat that otherwise remains in the system after it's been shut down. When the tempreature gets to a certain point, or after a specified time, the system/power supply will shut the fans off.

To me, while this is a good idea, it can be a real pain in the @$$ as some power supplies will not all the system to startup while it's doing this 'cool down' phase (again, certain Thermaltake ones).

Not to worry though.

-Tip

zenkmander · May 31, 2005, 01:18 AM

No, the fan shuts off when I turn my computer off. I mean it's just always on otherwise, idle or load. It's usually quiet (with my old motherboard) unless under serious load.

e v o · May 31, 2005, 01:53 AM

the fans should be running all the time....esp on the CPU

if the noise is too loud, buy a new hs/f combo

Ben

zenkmander · May 31, 2005, 01:57 AM

Well, yeah, but you know how CPU fans are supposed to slow down/quiet down when the processor is idle? Not for me. It performs at max no matter what. The only time I can't hear the CPU fan is if I'm blasting music or something. It's that loud.

Tipstaff · May 31, 2005, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenkmander

No, the fan shuts off when I turn my computer off. I mean it's just always on otherwise, idle or load. It's usually quiet (with my old motherboard) unless under serious load.

Ah, I see. Not all boards will have a throttling fuction. It really depends on the manufacturer. From what I know that particular board uses a VIA chipset, and it has hardware monitoring for CPU and system fan speeds. However, since this is a VIA chipset, and not an Intel chipset it could just mean that they have the sensors for monitoring temps/fan speeds, but they don't auto adjust settings/speeds. Question: What was your older board?

I would check to see if there are any programs on the CD that came with your motherboard. See if there are any that deal with hardware monitoring/adjusting, or check the net for others that might allow you to adjust those speeds, such as the one mkk mentions.

Edit: BTW - the CPU fan header on the motherboard, does it have 3 pins, and does your CPU fan header have 3 wires? Is the bios detecting the speed/temp of the fans/CPU?

-Tip

zenkmander · May 31, 2005, 04:54 AM

Okay. My old chipset was Intel 845G, I believe. The problem might be that the fans were designed only for that motherboard, but who knows? As for the motherboard CD, the only hardware monitor was something called WarpSpeeder; I've been playing around it, and all it does is monitor, not edit. And yes, it's detecting the speed and temperature just fine. And yes, there are three pins and three wires.

Tipstaff · May 31, 2005, 05:07 AM

Ok.

With the 845 chipset Intel had a thing called 'Precision Cooling' that was part of the chipset. It's a management program that would allow for real-time monitoring and altering of fans based on temps.

In this case it sounds to me like the VIA chipset doesn't support the throttling function that you are used to with the old board.

4 things I can suggest are to replace your CPU fan/heatsink with a quieter one, or with one that has it's own built in thermal sensor. Other than that you could buy/make yourself a fanbus controller (great idea btw as you can hookup and adjust all case fans with it), or add a resistor to one of the wires on the fan (either on the red or black wire). This will reduce the voltage going to the fan, and thereby slow the fan down.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

-Tip

zenkmander · May 31, 2005, 05:21 AM

You've been plenty of help already, and I'm very grateful. I'll probably be ordering another CPU fan. I saw one on Newegg that has a noise level of about 21 and it designed for 3.0+ Pentium 4s. So that should be good.

gadabout · May 31, 2005, 05:38 AM

I don't know if this will apply in this situation or motherboard type but I know with mine I have to change the power management. Now I have an AMD cpu, but the motherboard will not manage the cpu fan speed or CPU speed unless I change the power scheme to Minimal Power Management. Hope this helps any.

Tipstaff · May 31, 2005, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenkmander

You've been plenty of help already, and I'm very grateful. I'll probably be ordering another CPU fan. I saw one on Newegg that has a noise level of about 21 and it designed for 3.0+ Pentium 4s. So that should be good.

Cool.. um.. pun intended.

There are some that come with basic fanbus controllers. The Zalman series comes with a 'Fan Mate' which is just a simple variable resistor that allows you to adjust the voltage going to the fan (comes as a stick with a slide button). As far as noise level, it depends on the model, but it can be anywhere from 18dB to 32dB (the quietest one is 18 - 27.5). You can check Neweggs site HERE for the Zalman products (just scroll down and you'll see them).

-Tip

zenkmander · May 31, 2005, 06:34 AM

Really? I'm gonna try that out! Thanks. I'll report back.

zenkmander · May 31, 2005, 06:43 AM

Unfortunately, the fan remains the same despite the power management setting. Thanks all the same though.

May 30, 2005, 11:34 PM	#1
zenkmander DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 136 Rep Power: 0	Help - Motherboard and CPU Fan Hi, I just finished installing a new motherboard. Unfortunately, the CPU fan is always on. I've updated the BIOS and the chipset drivers, but the fan still won't turn off. I have a Biostar P4VMA-M, by the way. Is there some specific setting in CMOS that I need to switch on or off? __________________ Intel Pentium 4 Prescott Processor (socket 478) 3.0GHz @ 3.60 GHz BFG GeForce 6800GT OC @ 385/1170 2048gb G.Skill PC4000 DDR RAM SoundBlaster Audigy2 ZS Asus P4P800-E Deluxe Motherboard

May 30, 2005, 11:54 PM	Thread Starter #3
zenkmander DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 136 Rep Power: 0	My old motherboard regulated the control. The fan wouldn't go on maximum power unless under a heavy load, but with this motherboard it's ALWAYS on. Even when idle. __________________ Intel Pentium 4 Prescott Processor (socket 478) 3.0GHz @ 3.60 GHz BFG GeForce 6800GT OC @ 385/1170 2048gb G.Skill PC4000 DDR RAM SoundBlaster Audigy2 ZS Asus P4P800-E Deluxe Motherboard

May 31, 2005, 12:20 AM	Thread Starter #5
zenkmander DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 136 Rep Power: 0	Okay, I tried SpeedFan. I changed the percentage down to 50 and the RPM didn't change. The CPU fan is running at around 4500 RPM, apparently. SpeedFan also says that Temp2 and Temp3 are are 128 C, which is easily wrong. With WarpSpeeder, my motherboard's overclocking utility and hardware monitor, I checked the CPU temperature and it's at 30 C. So why the need for 4500 RPM? Ugh! __________________ Intel Pentium 4 Prescott Processor (socket 478) 3.0GHz @ 3.60 GHz BFG GeForce 6800GT OC @ 385/1170 2048gb G.Skill PC4000 DDR RAM SoundBlaster Audigy2 ZS Asus P4P800-E Deluxe Motherboard

May 31, 2005, 12:22 AM	Thread Starter #6
zenkmander DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 136 Rep Power: 0	Oh, wait. They're actually at -128 C. Odd. __________________ Intel Pentium 4 Prescott Processor (socket 478) 3.0GHz @ 3.60 GHz BFG GeForce 6800GT OC @ 385/1170 2048gb G.Skill PC4000 DDR RAM SoundBlaster Audigy2 ZS Asus P4P800-E Deluxe Motherboard

May 31, 2005, 12:58 AM	#7
Tipstaff HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna Posts: 6,773 Rep Power: 191 System Specs	In some instances certain power supplys (Thermaltake ones for instance), and certain motherboards will keep the CPU fan, and some case fans running well after the PC has been shut down. The idea is that this helps to get rid of excess heat that otherwise remains in the system after it's been shut down. When the tempreature gets to a certain point, or after a specified time, the system/power supply will shut the fans off. To me, while this is a good idea, it can be a real pain in the @$$ as some power supplies will not all the system to startup while it's doing this 'cool down' phase (again, certain Thermaltake ones). Not to worry though. -Tip __________________ Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick.

May 30, 2005, 11:43 PM	#2
mkk Cthulhu/Dagon 2012 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Gefle, Sweden Posts: 4,495 Rep Power: 132 System Specs	It most likely should be on all the time, or does the motherboard manual say it has a feature for turning the fan off at low temperatures? I'd guess it might have a feature for lowering the fan speed, but turning it completely off is a bad idea. Unless you mean that it stays on even when you turn the system off. Then I would guess that the system isn't really turned OFF but put into sleep mode instead.

May 30, 2005, 11:58 PM	#4
mkk Cthulhu/Dagon 2012 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Gefle, Sweden Posts: 4,495 Rep Power: 132 System Specs	You could try the program SpeedFan to see if it allows for regulating the CPU fan speed with your current motherboard. It probably can. (http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php) Just don't set it to turn off the fan completely, just slow it down to maybe 50-60% at low temperatures.

May 31, 2005, 01:18 AM	Thread Starter #8
zenkmander DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 136 Rep Power: 0	No, the fan shuts off when I turn my computer off. I mean it's just always on otherwise, idle or load. It's usually quiet (with my old motherboard) unless under serious load. __________________ Intel Pentium 4 Prescott Processor (socket 478) 3.0GHz @ 3.60 GHz BFG GeForce 6800GT OC @ 385/1170 2048gb G.Skill PC4000 DDR RAM SoundBlaster Audigy2 ZS Asus P4P800-E Deluxe Motherboard

May 31, 2005, 01:53 AM	#9
e v o HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,037 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	the fans should be running all the time....esp on the CPU if the noise is too loud, buy a new hs/f combo Ben __________________

May 31, 2005, 01:57 AM	Thread Starter #10
zenkmander DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 136 Rep Power: 0	Well, yeah, but you know how CPU fans are supposed to slow down/quiet down when the processor is idle? Not for me. It performs at max no matter what. The only time I can't hear the CPU fan is if I'm blasting music or something. It's that loud. __________________ Intel Pentium 4 Prescott Processor (socket 478) 3.0GHz @ 3.60 GHz BFG GeForce 6800GT OC @ 385/1170 2048gb G.Skill PC4000 DDR RAM SoundBlaster Audigy2 ZS Asus P4P800-E Deluxe Motherboard

May 31, 2005, 04:54 AM	Thread Starter #12
zenkmander DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 136 Rep Power: 0	Okay. My old chipset was Intel 845G, I believe. The problem might be that the fans were designed only for that motherboard, but who knows? As for the motherboard CD, the only hardware monitor was something called WarpSpeeder; I've been playing around it, and all it does is monitor, not edit. And yes, it's detecting the speed and temperature just fine. And yes, there are three pins and three wires. __________________ Intel Pentium 4 Prescott Processor (socket 478) 3.0GHz @ 3.60 GHz BFG GeForce 6800GT OC @ 385/1170 2048gb G.Skill PC4000 DDR RAM SoundBlaster Audigy2 ZS Asus P4P800-E Deluxe Motherboard

May 31, 2005, 05:07 AM	#13
Tipstaff HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna Posts: 6,773 Rep Power: 191 System Specs	Ok. With the 845 chipset Intel had a thing called 'Precision Cooling' that was part of the chipset. It's a management program that would allow for real-time monitoring and altering of fans based on temps. In this case it sounds to me like the VIA chipset doesn't support the throttling function that you are used to with the old board. 4 things I can suggest are to replace your CPU fan/heatsink with a quieter one, or with one that has it's own built in thermal sensor. Other than that you could buy/make yourself a fanbus controller (great idea btw as you can hookup and adjust all case fans with it), or add a resistor to one of the wires on the fan (either on the red or black wire). This will reduce the voltage going to the fan, and thereby slow the fan down. Sorry I can't be of more help. -Tip __________________ Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick.

May 31, 2005, 05:21 AM	Thread Starter #14
zenkmander DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 136 Rep Power: 0	You've been plenty of help already, and I'm very grateful. I'll probably be ordering another CPU fan. I saw one on Newegg that has a noise level of about 21 and it designed for 3.0+ Pentium 4s. So that should be good. __________________ Intel Pentium 4 Prescott Processor (socket 478) 3.0GHz @ 3.60 GHz BFG GeForce 6800GT OC @ 385/1170 2048gb G.Skill PC4000 DDR RAM SoundBlaster Audigy2 ZS Asus P4P800-E Deluxe Motherboard

May 31, 2005, 05:38 AM	#15
gadabout Im Zaphod Beeblebrox Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 89 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	I don't know if this will apply in this situation or motherboard type but I know with mine I have to change the power management. Now I have an AMD cpu, but the motherboard will not manage the cpu fan speed or CPU speed unless I change the power scheme to Minimal Power Management. Hope this helps any. __________________ AMD64 X2 3800+ 2GB DDR400 Dual Channel 250GB SATA Seagate \| 500GB SATA WD (WAS an external HD unit, until closure failed) DVD+/-RW Dual Layer w/ Lightscribe \| Plextor DVD+/-RW Dual Layer ATI MSI RX3870 OC Edition PCI-E 2.0 Windows 7 64bit

May 31, 2005, 06:34 AM	Thread Starter #17
zenkmander DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 136 Rep Power: 0	Really? I'm gonna try that out! Thanks. I'll report back. __________________ Intel Pentium 4 Prescott Processor (socket 478) 3.0GHz @ 3.60 GHz BFG GeForce 6800GT OC @ 385/1170 2048gb G.Skill PC4000 DDR RAM SoundBlaster Audigy2 ZS Asus P4P800-E Deluxe Motherboard

May 31, 2005, 06:43 AM	Thread Starter #18
zenkmander DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 136 Rep Power: 0	Unfortunately, the fan remains the same despite the power management setting. Thanks all the same though. __________________ Intel Pentium 4 Prescott Processor (socket 478) 3.0GHz @ 3.60 GHz BFG GeForce 6800GT OC @ 385/1170 2048gb G.Skill PC4000 DDR RAM SoundBlaster Audigy2 ZS Asus P4P800-E Deluxe Motherboard