Member Avatar for georgetarkan

I've seen this problem: MY COMPUTER WON'T START, BUT FAN SPINS on many forums. I've had this problem for months. I found a solution. I have an Aliennware Area 51 2010 computer.

Solution.- I reduced the speed of the fans at start-up via an Aliennware program that lets you control the speed of the fans. That's it!

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by efmesch

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This symptom—fans spin but the system never POSTs—can come from several different causes. ’s Area‑51 report (startup boots when fan speed was reduced via OEM software) shows one real-world outcome, and ’s questions about mechanism and how to apply the fix when the machine won’t boot are exactly the right ones. Below are likely explanations and a short, safe troubleshooting sequence that applies years after the original post.

Possible mechanisms (each is plausible but not guaranteed):

  • PSU inrush or protection: many fans starting at full RPM can produce a brief current draw or glitch that trips PSU protection so other rails never come up fully.
  • Fan stall or short: a failing fan can short a header or pull a rail down, allowing the motor to spin but preventing full system power-up.
  • BIOS/EC fan monitoring: some firmwares halt or refuse to continue if they detect a fan error or wildly out‑of‑range RPM.
  • Faulty fan controller or motherboard sensor that reports an error to the EC at boot.

A safe, practical test sequence:

  1. Minimal boot: leave CPU + cooler, one RAM stick, required GPU (if no onboard video); disconnect drives, extra cards and all non‑essential case fans. Attempt POST.
  2. If minimal boots, add components back one at a time to isolate the offending device.
  3. With fans suspected, disconnect case fans (keep CPU cooler connected) and briefly test. Do not run long without the CPU fan attached—only short tests.
  4. Clear CMOS (jumper or remove battery) and check BIOS fan/failure settings; many systems allow disabling “halt on fan failure” or lowering thresholds.
  5. If still no POST, check PSU rails or try a known‑good PSU and look for motherboard POST LEDs/beep codes; a persistent no‑POST often points to PSU or motherboard failure.

When OS utilities are unavailable, BIOS/pre‑boot diagnostics or hardware changes are the route. When unfamiliar with bench testing or PSU handling, professional diagnostics are recommended.

Member Avatar for efmesch

Do you have an explanation as to why a fast fan prevented start-up? Do you think this solution will work for all computers and, biggest question--if you can't start, how can you get a fan-control program to work?
(I'm really not trying to be a wise-guy, just wondering how your solution can work for others)

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