Asus X79 Deluxe - CPU opt fan not working

Simon42

Simon42

Simon42

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11 Dec 2006
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I've just assembled a new PC with an Asus Z79 Deluxe and the optional cpu fan header doesn't work, the main one does but the speed control seems off.

I am using the Phanteks PH-TC14PE and I've tried a number of things:


  • Switch the two Phantek fan connections around to ensure its not the fan
  • Tried two PWM fans in case the Phantek fans not being PWM is an issue
  • CMOS reset
  • Checked for shorts behind the motherboard
I did this test with the minimum of items connected (no SDD/HDD etc) so there's nothing I can remove to see if that's an issue.

One odd thing is the Phantek fan that does run is running fast even when the BIOS is set to quiet mode. When I put a PWM fan on instead it runs much slower in that mode with a similar CPU temp. So I am wondering if I have a faulty board and also whether I need PWM fans for the Phantek in general or that issue is related to the possibly fault motherboard.

Any further suggestions appreciated :)
 
Hi, l take it you installed the utility software > Fan Xpert 2 > quoted from a review"The Fan Xpert 2 finally makes its way to the X79 platform. ASUS’ fan control is simply second to none. Fan auto-tuning and precise control of all the fan headers are standard fare here. Pre-defined performance profiles make control of these a snap. Auto-tuning yields a performance report which includes overclocking guidelines. A report also shows what your fan’s test results are for each connected fan and gives you an idea of what the RPM range and adjustability is like."

Hope this helps,
Oldphart.:)
 
I've not installed the OS yet, I was doing some first checks before plugging other stuff in an installing Windows. Both CPU fans should run just by going into the BIOS.

I've now removed the motherboard for a close examination and one of the pins under the offending fan header appears to not be soldered correctly as it has a very large blob of solder which may be shorting another track.

If it was out of warranty I would re-solder the pin, but for a brand new board its RMA time. :(
 
Hi, l take it you have checked the mobo manual to see if the > optional cpu fan header is enabled by default.

If the Phantek fan is not PWM it will run at its rated speed and would need a fan controller to reduce speed. Note you proved this by using a PWM fan and it runs slower in silent mode.
 
Thanks, but there is no option to enable the second CPU fan, it's appears to be detected automatically.

The Asus motherboards have built in fan speed management in the BIOS although their Windows utility is even better. I have several Asus motherboards and the last one I assembled, a P8Z77-V Pro, did this all fine which a mix of PWM and non PWM fans. Just appears I've got a dud this time.
 
Hi Simon,

I've checked and this doesn't seem to be a known issue with the CPU_OPT fan header.
Looks like you've been unfortunate in this case, apologies.
Should be able to RMA from place of purchase.
 
Hi S42, lets use know how things go with the RMA.

Would love to know how the Asus x79 Deluxe actually performs all round. I'm still running a i7 930 X58 build. But trying to hold of upgrading till Haswel-E + DDR4 in 2014.

If the upgrade urge gets the better of me, the X79 route is just infront. Because of the heat issue's and the Haswell Lottery of getting a reasonable overclocking chip.

Have read a few good reviews on the AsusX79 D, l like the sound of it Gold and All , a user's view would be most appreciated.

Hope all goes well,
Oldphart.:)
 
Yes it's definitely a dud board. Although I got the original parts from OcUK I sourced a replacement board from a supplier that could ship on Sunday for delivery today as I needed to get this sorted as soon as possible.

I've just got it installed and with the same BIOS only tests both CPU fans are working as expected. Although it's not guaranteed to be the cause, the soldering on the CPU_OPT connector which is the left in the photo, seems less than ideal (excuse the slightly blurry shot):

bOLyQVB.png


The connectors look dirty but its a brand new board and it doesn't look noticable with the naked eye. This is the first time I've ever had a faulty Asus board, both new and during service so I suppose not that bad, but always happens when you're in a hurry!

Now to get Windows installed and give it a full test :)
 
Last edited:
Simon42 said:
The Asus motherboards have built in fan speed management in the BIOS although their Windows utility is even better. I have several Asus motherboards and the last one I assembled, a P8Z77-V Pro, did this all fine which a mix of PWM and non PWM fans. Just appears I've got a dud this time.
Click to expand...

ASUS boards can control PWM fans from the CPU/CPU_OPT headers but not 3pin ones, the other headers can control 3pins as usual. (I know your specific issue was related to a faulty CPU_OPT header but I'm just pointing that out).
 
The X79-Deluxe can definitely control non PWM fans from the two CPU headers, both in the BIOS mode and with the AI Suite fan control software. It just requires the advanced mode to be enabled in the BIOS.

I did a test install of Windows earlier and this was the first thing I tried with the AI suite as I do like a quiet PC. It runs the two standard Phantek fans at ~800 RPM when the CPU is idle and then ramps up according to the slope I've set and at 800 RPM I cannot hear them with the case sides on. They do come with a PWM converter to give 700-1200 so I've always got that option if I don't mind losing 100rpm at the top end.

I spent so long calculating whether the cooler would fit my case (just 7mm clearance in total above and below fan with LP ram) and also whether it would obstruct the first pci-e slot that I missed that detail about the fans. I wanted the Phantek PH-TC14PE in preference to the Noctua NH-D14 for the matching fan size which SPCR says is a benefit. I've got a couple of Noctua NF-A15 PWM fans coming so I will give those a try as well once I get the rest of the case and cabling sorted and the overclocking started :D.
 
Hi S42, how's the new build going, come on give us your views on this mobo as it got good reviews. So would like to here your views good or bad be it on the Bios, overclocking would be appreciated.

Thank you,
Oldphart.
 
I not started the overclocking yet as I've had some very long hours at work this week, I'll provide an update once I've had some more time over the holidays.

However as for the board in general, I thinks its great so far. I will be measuring temps across the board with an IR gun and it will be interesting to see how warm the Corsair Vengeance low profile RAM gets (needed it to fit under the Phantek PH-TC14PE fans). The X79-Deluxe has good spacing for the first pcie x16 slot if air cooling with the likes of the Noctua NH-D14 or Phantek PH-TC14PE which can be too wide for some boards.

The Asus fan control in Windows will happily drop all the fans, case and CPU (all non PWM) down to ~500 RPM and they're inaudible from ~800 so that's plenty.

The BIOS is very comprehensive, although I will be checking all the options carefully as running on the default Auto, when I used the Asus Windows software it showed VCCSA LLC on Extreme. Most of these will be changed to manual anyway but assuming that's reading correct it's not ideal for out of the box settings although I've got a BIOS update to apply.
 
Hi S42, glad your up and running and things are sound, looking forward to hearing from you.

Have a smashing Xmas Day.:D
Oldphart.
 
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