The latest AMD Adrenalin 26.5.1 driver is causing issues for several Radeon GPU users due to a rather troublesome bug with the Zero RPM mode. Reports on Reddit indicate that this version can leave the graphics card fans completely stopped after turning off the monitor or exiting sleep mode. This oversight can potentially lead the GPU to dangerously high temperatures.
The problem has not been officially acknowledged by AMD, but the described cases point to the same behavior. In fact, the number of reported incidents continues to rise, suggesting a widespread error that has alarmed many users. Fortunately, a simple, albeit temporary, solution exists.
AMD has introduced a bug in its latest driver, causing the graphics card’s Zero RPM mode to become permanent in certain specific situations.
The Zero RPM mode is a common feature on modern graphics cards and is highly valued by users for its obvious benefits. Its function is well-known: it turns off the fans when the GPU is idle or under low load, for instance, while browsing, watching videos, or using the desktop. This reduces noise, accumulates less dust, and extends the lifespan of the fans. When the temperature rises, the fans should automatically spin up again and synchronize with the SKU jumps in BIOS and drivers.
The issue with Adrenalin 26.5.1 is that, according to several users, this return to normal operation does not always occur. The bug appears to be triggered when the monitor enters sleep mode, is manually turned off, or goes black. At that moment, Zero RPM activates as it should. However, the critical problem arises afterward: when the screen turns back on, the Zero RPM mode remains active, even though the GPU is no longer truly idle.
The consequence is quite dramatic. The fans remain at 0 RPM, and the GPU temperature can increase silently, gradually if there’s no significant load, or rapidly if a game or benchmark is launched. This is the most dangerous aspect of the bug, as users might initiate heavy tasks or continue using their PCs without realizing that the graphics card is operating without active cooling.
Even custom profiles in various software are unable to save users.
In some cases, reports also mention ignored fan profiles in tools like MSI Afterburner or Sapphire Trixx. This means that having a customized setup, even within AMD’s own driver, does not prevent the Zero RPM issue. The quick fix, according to reports, is to restart the PC, as simple as that. While inconvenient, it restores control over the fans. Some users also recommend disabling Zero RPM, although this eliminates one of the features designed to reduce noise when the graphics card is idle.
The most robust solution for now appears to be rolling back to a previous driver version. Several users mention Adrenalin 26.3.1 as a version that does not exhibit this behavior and functions as expected. Others have tried clean installations using DDU, the AMD Cleanup Utility, or offline installation, with mixed results: some find it works, while others experience the bug reappearing.
AMD has already released Adrenalin 26.5.2, but its release notes do not mention a fix for this Zero RPM bug, indicating it was introduced in this latest version of the popular driver. For now, users of Adrenalin 26.5.1 should closely monitor temperatures, RPMs, and fan profiles, especially if they frequently turn off their monitors while the PC is still on, as the full scope of the issue is not yet confirmed. AMD has not yet commented, likely because they are trying to replicate the problem to find a solution. Regardless, it is thankfully easy to avoid by downgrading to an earlier driver version and awaiting a fix from AMD.
