Resolving Constant Fan Activity After Firmware Updates on Lenovo ThinkCentre M715q Gen 2
Firmware updates are essential for maintaining system stability, security, and compatibility. However, sometimes these updates can inadvertently introduce unintended hardware behaviors. Recently, users have reported an issue where their Lenovo ThinkCentre M715q Gen 2, running Windows 11, experiences constant high-speed fan operation following firmware updates.
Understanding the Issue
In this case, after updating the graphics, BIOS, and chipset firmware, the system’s cooling fan runs continuously at full speed, even when the system is idle. This behavior can be disconcerting, leading to concerns about increased noise levels, power consumption, and potential long-term hardware impact. Notably, system temperatures remain low (around 36°C), indicating that the fan’s persistent activity isn’t temperature-driven.
Diagnosing the Cause
The problem appears to stem from the firmware updates affecting either the fan control settings or how the system’s thermal management is handled post-update. Common initial steps—such as reinstalling the firmware or checking BIOS settings—do not always resolve the issue, particularly if the relevant configuration options aren’t exposed or configurable in the BIOS interface.
Recommended Troubleshooting Steps
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Verify Firmware Versions:
Confirm that the firmware updates have been successfully applied and are the latest recommended versions from Lenovo. Sometimes, a rollback to previous firmware versions can temporarily nullify such issues while awaiting a fix. -
Check BIOS Settings:
Explore all BIOS/UEFI options related to thermal management and fan control. Some systems allow manual adjustments, but others may hide these settings; in such cases, updating or resetting BIOS defaults might help. -
Update System Drivers and Utilities:
Ensure that all system drivers, especially chipset and management utilities, are up to date. Lenovo often provides system management software that might include fan control features. -
Use Lenovo System Update Utility:
Utilize Lenovo’s official System Update tool to synchronize firmware and driver packages, which can sometimes resolve conflicts caused by partial updates. -
Monitor System Temperatures and Fan Speeds:
Employ reliable hardware monitoring tools to log temperatures and fan speeds. This can help determine if the fan remains active due to misreported thermal readings or control signals. -
Contact Lenovo Support:
If the problem persists despite these measures, reaching out to Lenovo’s technical support can provide tailored guidance. They may have specific patches or advice for this firmware-related
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