Many gamers experience noisy graphics card fans. After all, graphics cards work hard to render those gorgeous graphics and keep games running smoothly.
But what if your graphics card fan is making more noise than usual?
Don’t worry – your fan bearings need some lubrication.
In this post, I’ll explain why your graphics card fan is making noise, and how to fix it.
Why Is My Graphics Card Fan Making A Noise?
A grinding noise from your graphics card fan is a common sign that it needs cleaning or lubrication.
Over time, the lubricant inside the fan bearings can dry up or get all gunky, causing the fan to spin less smoothly and make grinding or rattling sounds.
Worn-out bearings can also make these noises. This is probably the case if the GPU is not new.
Another potential cause is dust buildup. Dust and gunk accumulating inside the fan or around the bearings can mess with the fan’s smooth operation and create noise.
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Regular cleaning helps prevent dust buildup inside your computer, which can cause graphics card fan noise and other problems.
How To Fix A Noisy Graphics Card Fan
Clean It First!
Before diving into lubrication, dust buildup is the most common culprit behind a noisy graphics card fan.
The good news is that cleaning is often all you need to silence that racket, and it’s much safer for beginners than messing with lubrication.
Here’s how to safely clean your graphics card fan:
● Power down and unplug your PC. Safety first!
● Open your PC case. Refer to your case manual if needed.
● Locate your graphics card. It’s typically the largest component with a fan attached.
● Gently remove compressed air. Give the fan a good blast from a can of compressed air, holding the can upright to avoid any propellant liquid spraying out. Focus on blowing air between the fan blades and heatsink fins.
● For stubborn dust. If compressed air doesn’t solve it all, you can use cotton swabs dipped in isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher concentration) to clean more stubborn dust pockets.
Avoid using any cleaning solutions directly on the fan or electrical components.
Let everything dry completely before reassembling your PC.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you should do if your graphics card fan is still making a noise:
#1 Gather Up The Tools And Materials
Before you start, you’ll need to gather a few tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Small screwdrivers
2. Isopropyl alcohol or electronic cleaner
3. Lubricant (sewing machine oil or multipurpose 3-in-1 oil)
4. Precision knife or drill
5. Tape (hockey tape or electrical tape)
#2 Take The Graphics Card Apart
The first step is to take the graphics card apart so you can get to the fan.
Remove the backplate (if there is one) and unscrew the heatsink/shroud assembly.
Be careful when handling the components, and avoid touching any sensitive areas to prevent any potential damage.
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#3 Remove The Fan
Next, you’ll need to take it out from the heatsink or shroud assembly.
You can do this by unscrewing a few screws or releasing a locking mechanism.
But be mindful of any cables or connectors attached to the fan, and carefully disconnect them if needed.
#4 Clean The Fan And Area
Before you lubricate the fan, it’s important to clean it and the surrounding area thoroughly.
Use isopropyl alcohol or electronics cleaner and a soft brush or cloth to remove any dust, debris, or grime that may have built up over time.
This will prevent any contaminants from getting into the fan assembly.
You can also clean the heatsink and the rest while you are it.
#5 Create A Service Hole (If No Existing One)
Now remove the sticker on the fan hub and see if there’s a hole.
This hole is called a “service hole”. Some graphics card fans might have a pre-existing service hole that allows direct access to the bearings for lubrication.
But some GPU fans don’t have it.
If your fan doesn’t have one, you’ll need to create a service hole using the precision knife or drill.
Position the knife at the centre of the fan hub and carefully slice through the plastic at a 45-degree angle, rotating the fan as you go.
Be careful not to cut too deep and avoid damaging any internal components.
#6 Lubricate The Fan Bearings
Once you’ve created or accessed the service hole, it’s time to lubricate the fan bearings.
Apply a small amount of the appropriate lubricant (e.g., sewing machine oil, multipurpose 3-in-1 oil) directly into the service hole, allowing it to seep into the bearings.
You can gently spin the fan to help spread the lubricant evenly.
#7 Put It Back Together And Test
After lubricating the fan, carefully put the graphics card back together. Ensure all components are properly secured and any cables or connectors are reconnected.
Once it’s all put back together, turn on your computer and check if the fan’s performance has improved.
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If the noise has been eliminated or significantly reduced, congratulations – you’ve successfully fixed your noisy graphics card fan!
Alternative – Replace The Fan
If the fan is damaged or worn out, lubricating it might not work.
In those situations, you might need to replace the fan entirely.
However, finding a compatible replacement fan for your specific graphics card model can be tricky. But you should be able to get a used one from eBay.
Once you’ve got the new fan, remove the old fan and carefully install the new one.
Make sure all the cable connections are correct and securely mounted!
Other GPU FAN Noises
| Noise | Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Buzzing | This can be caused by dust buildup, loose components within the fan assembly, or even electrical interference from other components. | Clean the fan thoroughly with compressed air. Ensure all screws and connections are secure. If the issue persists, consider checking for cable conflicts with other components. |
| Whining | This high-pitched whine is often associated with normal fan operation at high speeds. However, it can also indicate bearing wear or electrical coil whine. | Ensure proper ventilation for your PC to keep fan speeds lower. If the whine is excessive even at low speeds, lubrication (as a last resort) or replacing the fan might be necessary. |
| Clicking | This sharp clicking sound usually indicates debris caught in the fan blades or misaligned blades scraping against something. | Carefully stop the fan and inspect for any foreign objects lodged between the blades. If the blades themselves seem misaligned, replacing the fan might be necessary. |
| Humming | A low, constant hum can be caused by imbalanced fan blades or worn bearings. | Check if the fan blades are damaged or warped. Consider replacing the fan if an imbalance is evident. |
| Squealing | This high-pitched screeching sound is a strong indicator of dry bearings or a failing fan motor. | Lubrication (as an absolute last resort) might provide temporary relief for dry bearings. However, a failing motor usually necessitates replacing the entire fan. |
| Chattering | This sound is similar to rapid clicking and often signifies loose screws within the fan assembly or debris getting caught intermittently. | Tighten any loose screws you find on the fan. If debris is the culprit, carefully remove it with compressed air or tweezers while the fan is stopped. |
Wrapping Up
A noisy graphics card fan isn’t just annoying and distracting; it can make your graphics card overheat, run slower, and even permanently damage it.
Fixing a noisy graphics card fan is important to prevent overheating and potential damage, Follow the steps I outlined to lubricate or replace the fan.
It will restore your graphics card to optimal performance and eliminate those annoying noises.
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