Help!!! 1st build - Lian Li V351 + GA-P55m-UD2 + H50

OCChew · 25 Jun 2010 at 00:38

Hi Folks,

Could you help a newbie putting together 1st MicroATX build please?

So far I have all the kits/parts ready but have been reading for the last few hours on how to put them together so basically trying to know which cables go where etc ... before I start putting them together.

Also been reading Greywolf system build guide which is very helpful ...

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18046396

Basic specs:

1) Lian Li V351
2) Gigabyte GA-P55M-UD2
3) Corsair H50 cooling.
4) Antec TruePower 550 modular.

My full system spec in detail here:

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18157157&page=2

Question:

1) Where do I get so many fans connections? i.e. one for stock case fan, one for HD fans and one for Corsair H50 radiator fan?

On the mobo there are CPU_FAN and SYS_FAN only so how do you hook up so many fans?

2) Where does the H50 3-pin pump connect to for my set up? I just cannot find any 3-pin connector at all. This H50 pump need to connect to constant power source unlike fan as explained by Corsair H50 on Youtube.

Helllllpppp pleeeeasseee!

Cheers

p/s: I will start with this two questions first.

Redmint · 25 Jun 2010 at 00:43

You can either use fan splitters like this: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CB-031-AK
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CB-013-AK

Or use 3 pin to molex converters like this http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CB-007-GE

The molex converter will be fine for the H50 pump.

OCChew · 25 Jun 2010 at 00:52

Redmint said:
You can either use fan splitters like this: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CB-031-AK
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CB-013-AK

Or use 3 pin to molex converters like this http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CB-007-GE

The molex converter will be fine for the H50 pump.

Thanks for the quick reply. I will buy that molex converter tomorrow

Ok, the 3-pin pump power connector solved. i.e. I assume the molex converter will give full constant power?

So the H50 fan goes to CPU_FAN on mobo as per Corsair's instruction ... so one fan solved now.

But ... now I am only left with SYS_FAN connection on the mobo.

Questions:

1) On Lian Li V351 case there is another case fan so where does that go?

2) On Lian Li V351 case there is a HD fans at the back where does that connect to?

Cheers

cmndr_andi · 25 Jun 2010 at 01:03

Hi OCChew,

The 4 pin SYS_FAN connection actually works fine with 3 pin fan plugs, it will only go in one way. As to which one to use - I suggest plugging in the other main case fan on the Lian Li.

Unfortunately, this means that the HDD fan will be unconnected - but this shouldn't be much of an issue - the F3 is a rather cool HDD. If you are worried about this- you can get a molex adapter or a fan splitter like the ones Redmint suggests. If you go for the molex adapter, I suggest you also get a fan controller - otherwise the fan will always run at full speed (can be very loud).

OCChew · 25 Jun 2010 at 01:31

cmndr_andi said:
Hi OCChew,

The 4 pin SYS_FAN connection actually works fine with 3 pin fan plugs, it will only go in one way. As to which one to use - I suggest plugging in the other main case fan on the Lian Li.

Unfortunately, this means that the HDD fan will be unconnected - but this shouldn't be much of an issue - the F3 is a rather cool HDD. If you are worried about this- you can get a molex adapter or a fan splitter like the ones Redmint suggests. If you go for the molex adapter, I suggest you also get a fan controller - otherwise the fan will always run at full speed (can be very loud).

cmndr_andi,

Glad to hear from you again. Yes, I am building it up now ... step by step & very slooooowwwlyyyy.

I have just double checked & found these:

a) The stock fan has molex male & female converter i.e. the stock fan cables are using 3-pin female head which are joined together by a molex converter. But I also noticed that the molex only has 2-pin male head inserted into the fan 3-pin female head.

a) The H50 pump has a 3-pin head like the fan.

Questions:

1) Could I simple use the molex converter to connect to the PSU molex? Enough power?

Which means ...

H50 3-pin connect directly to PSU molex (constant power per instruction).

H50 fan connect to CPU_FAN (mobo control temp) - this fan actually cool the radiator and replaces the 1st stock fan.

HD fan connect to SYS_FAN.(mobo control temp)

2) 2nd stock fan where to connect?

I try to use all the kits/parts I have now so unless it cannot work I will buy other cables or adapters etc.

Waiting to hear for the above answers.

Cheers

cmndr_andi · 25 Jun 2010 at 01:43

1) Could I simple use the molex converter to connect to the PSU molex? Enough power?

Which means ...

H50 3-pin connect directly to PSU molex (constant power per instruction).

H50 fan connect to CPU_FAN (mobo control temp) - this fan actually cool the radiator and replaces the 1st stock fan.

HD fan connect to SYS_FAN.(mobo control temp)

Yes, that will work fine.

The PSU has more than enough power to power these fans (and the pump) and the voltage the molex delivers is 12V - which is exactly what the fans (and pump) are rated for.

2) 2nd stock fan where to connect?

What remaining connectors do you have for this fan? Does it come with a 3 pin fan connection and a molex adapter like the others? If so, I suggest leaving it unplugged for the moment as it will run at full speed (very loud) if plugged directly into the PSU via a molex adapter. However, if you feel you can withstand the noise - then go right ahead and plug it in to the PSU - it will work fine. As I mentioned, this fan isn't crucial. The HDD bay is segregated from the rest of the case - so it won't aide the cooling of the system much and the F3 HDD and SSD will hardly put out any heat.

However, I would suggest buying a fan controller (linked to above- about £4), it will mean you can hook the fan up to the PSU but manually reduce the speed (and the noise) so living with it is bearable.

OCChew · 25 Jun 2010 at 02:03

cmndr_andi said:
Yes, that will work fine.

The PSU has more than enough power to power these fans (and the pump) and the voltage the molex delivers is 12V - which is exactly what the fans (and pump) are rated for.

Excellent which means I do not have to search for more parts or spend more £££ unnecessary ... for now

What remaining connectors do you have for this fan? Does it come with a 3 pin fan connection and a molex adapter like the others? If so, I suggest leaving it unplugged for the moment as it will run at full speed (very loud) if plugged directly into the PSU via a molex adapter. However, if you feel you can withstand the noise - then go right ahead and plug it in to the PSU - it will work fine. As I mentioned, this fan isn't crucial. The HDD bay is segregated from the rest of the case - so it won't aide the cooling of the system much and the F3 HDD and SSD will hardly put out any heat.

Yes, it's the same as they are stock fans. Lian-li V351 case has twin (two) fans in the front and one small one for the HD at the rear.

I replace one with the Corsair H50 fan as it got all the mounting and screws.

I just thought the rear fan, eventhough it is for the HD and located at the rear, I want to create an air flow i.e. air coming in from the front and out from the rear.

However, I would suggest buying a fan controller (linked to above- about £4), it will mean you can hook the fan up to the PSU but manually reduce the speed (and the noise) so living with it is bearable.

Yes, I think that is good idea but where does the fan controller sit? Inside the case which means inaccessible? Drive bay? Where does it go?

p/s: arrghhh ... just notice the HD fan cannot be connected to SYS_FAN.(mobo control temp) since it has the same 3-pin with molex converter like the two front stock fans.

I just want to get the temperature as low as possible for the casing ...

cmndr_andi · 25 Jun 2010 at 02:16

OCChew said:
I just thought the rear fan, eventhough it is for the HD and located at the rear, I want to create an air flow i.e. air coming in from the front and out from the rear.

That's fair enough, even though it is in a casing I'm sure it will expell some of the rising heat from the main system.

OCChew said:
Yes, I think that is good idea but where does the fan controller sits? Inside the case which means inaccessible? Drive bay? Where does it go?

Just set the speed you want and duct tape it to the inside of the case. It may not sound pretty but it will get the job done. You can get other fan controllers that attach to PCI brackets or 3.5/5.25" drive slots - but they generally cost more and there isn't many occasions when you will want to change the speed of the fan on-the-fly.

OCChew said:
I just thought the rear fan, eventhough it is for the HD and located at the rear, I want to create an air flow i.e. air coming in from the front and out from the rear.

That's fair enough, even though it is in a casing I'm sure it will expell some of the rising heat from the main system.

OCChew said:
p/s: arrghhh ... just notice the HD fan cannot be connected to SYS_FAN.(mobo control temp) since it has the same 3-pin with molex converter like the two front stock fans.

So it has a 3 pin fan connection, and the SYS_FAN is a 4 pin connection? If so, hopefully this image will be of help.

OCChew · 25 Jun 2010 at 03:03

cmndr_andi said:
That's fair enough, even though it is in a casing I'm sure it will expell some of the rising heat from the main system.

Just set the speed you want and duct tape it to the inside of the case. It may not sound pretty but it will get the job done. You can get other fan controllers that attach to PCI brackets or 3.5/5.25" drive slots - but they generally cost more and there isn't many occasions when you will want to change the speed of the fan on-the-fly.

Wow they are not cheap except the Lian Li PT-FN03 PCI Fan Controller which is cheaper but they are out of stock ...

So it has a 3 pin fan connection, and the SYS_FAN is a 4 pin connection? If so, hopefully this image will be of help.

Yes, 3 pin ... just like the rest. I wonder if this is legacy design?

Looks good ... in that case I will connect it to the SYS_FAN.

So the fans connection should look like:

1) Solved! H50 3-pin connect directly to PSU molex (using adapter from the stock fan molex).

2) Solved! H50 fan connect to CPU_FAN (mobo control temp) - this is modern 4-pin connector is compatible.

3) Solved. HD fan connect to SYS_FAN - 3-pin stock fan to 4-pin male SYS_Fan connector.

That leaves the last front case stock fan which is 3-pin joined together with Molex ... hmmm ... :confused:

If only this is 3 pins it would be perfect as the mobo can control it together with the H50 fan.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CB-031-AK

Any idea?

cmndr_andi · 25 Jun 2010 at 03:15

OCChew said:
That leaves the last front case stock fan which is 3-pin joined together with Molex ... hmmm ...

If only this is 3 pins it would be perfect as the mobo can control it together with the H50 fan.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CB-031-AK

Any idea?

Yes, that splitter will work as all those connections are 3 pin fan connections. 3 pin isn't exactly a legacy design- it just means their speed can't be controlled by PWM (pulse width modulation) but have to be controlled by changing the input voltage. This means that 3 pin fans are generally a bit cheaper to make.

Instead of connecting it to the CPU fan header I suggest plugging it into the SYS-Fan connection. The CPU fan speed directly relates to the heat on the CPU, this is exactly what you want for the fan on the H50 radiator - but isn't as appropriate for a case fan.

Finally, the priority should go to the case fan (the one next to the H50) as this one should be connected up first to the SYS_FAN connection. It is a bigger fan than the HDD fan (120mm vs 80mm) and is in a better position to cool the system.

OCChew · 25 Jun 2010 at 03:20

Oh ya could you let me know if this Akasa AK-CB002 PWM Fan Splitter Cable has male connectors as the stock fans are female 3-pin. The information is a bit unclear.

I am thinking of connecting the H50 (4-pin) and the remaining front stock (3-pin) to this splitter then connect to PSU molex and CPU_FAN for power.

Any idea?

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CB-031-AK

cmndr_andi · 25 Jun 2010 at 03:24

I would suggest instead using this cable, much simpler and a bit cheaper - will do exactly the job you need it to.

With this you connect

H50 Pump - Molex adapter to PSU
H50 Fan - CPU_FAN header
fan splitter cable - SYS_FAN header
120mm front case fan - fan splitter cable
80mm rear case fan - fan splitter cable

how does that sound?

OCChew · 25 Jun 2010 at 03:37

Okay revised ... is this correct?

1) H50 pump 3-pin connect directly to PSU molex (using adapter from the stock fan molex). Constant power for the pump which is good.

2) H50 fan connect to CPU_FAN as this 4-pin is compatible with the pin on mobo. (mobo control CPU temp)

3) Remaining front case fan connect to SYS_FAN - 3-pin stock fan into 4-pin male SYS_Fan connector. (mobo control the case temp?)

... the HD bay fan (3-pin & molex) has no way to connect so it could connect directly to PSU molex ... which can be on at full speed all the time ... arrrghhh.

Question about the PWM.

1) if the 3-pin is plugged into the PWM connector so practically it is useless as it cannot control the fan speed?

cmndr_andi · 25 Jun 2010 at 03:42

For the H50 pump and fan, yes you are correct.

However, I don't think you saw what I meant with that splitter cable I linked to. With that cable you connect the male end into the SYS_FAN motherboard header. That means you now have two female 3-pin connectors that are hooked up to the SYS_FAN connection (ie the splitter). Therefore you can simply plug both the front fan and HDD fan into the two 3-pin connections (on the splitter) and both fans will be controlled by the motherboard.

Does this make sense?

OCChew · 25 Jun 2010 at 03:44

cmndr_andi said:
I would suggest instead using this cable, much simpler and a bit cheaper - will do exactly the job you need it to.

With this you connect

H50 Pump - Molex adapter to PSU
H50 Fan - CPU_FAN header
fan splitter cable - SYS_FAN header
120mm front case fan - fan splitter cable
80mm rear case fan - fan splitter cable

how does that sound?

That's sound good. Cheap and cheerful.

But does that mean the two front fans (H50 & case stock fan) will spin at different speed depending on the temp of CPU & the case?

p/s: I was checking the casing and missed your last reply. Yes, sounds good.

cmndr_andi · 25 Jun 2010 at 03:51

OCChew said:
But does that mean the two front fans (H50 & case stock fan) will spin at different speed depending on the temp of CPU & the case?

Yes, most likely they will - however that would happen anyway. The fan on the corsair has a maximum speed of 1600rpm but the front case fan has a maximum speed of 1000rpm.

OCChew · 25 Jun 2010 at 04:03

cmndr_andi said:
Yes, most likely they will - however that would happen anyway. The fan on the corsair has a maximum speed of 1600rpm but the front case fan has a maximum speed of 1000rpm.

Okay ... that's good so I will order the Akasa AK-FY320 3 Pin Fan cable splitter tomorrow.

One last question for this morning.

fan splitter cable - SYS_FAN header
120mm front case fan - fan splitter cable
80mm rear case fan - fan splitter cable

Will the mobo still be able to control the fan speed as the stock fans are all 3 pins?

p/s: arrgghhh ... just read the 1600rpm & 1000rpm ... arrgghhh ... nevermind for now as I guess future upgrade will be that ... to make them consistent.

cmndr_andi · 25 Jun 2010 at 04:16

Will the mobo still be able to control the fan speed as the stock fans are all 3 pins?

Yes, it does this by varying the voltage outputted by the SYS_FAN connection. For example, a 1000rpm (@12V) fan may only run at 600rpm if given 9V. This method is less precise than the PWM method used by more expensive fans, but it gets the job done.

p/s: arrgghhh ... just read the 1600rpm & 1000rpm ... arrgghhh ... nevermind for now as I guess future upgrade will be that ... to make them consistent.

I wouldn't worry about making them consistent - different fans do different jobs. The H50 fan needs to run fast to force air through the radiator and cool your CPU, while the 120mm case fan only needs to push air through a case with littel resistance. Even if these were the exact same fans running at the same speed - the H50 fan would be louder due to its function. Also, in this situation the whole system would be louder due to the higher RPM of the case fan.

OCChew · 25 Jun 2010 at 04:26

cmndr_andi said:
Yes, it does this by varying the voltage outputted by the SYS_FAN connection. For example, a 1000rpm (@12V) fan may only run at 600rpm if given 9V. This method is less precise than the PWM method used by more expensive fans, but it gets the job done.

I wouldn't worry about making them consistent - different fans do different jobs. The H50 fan needs to run fast to force air through the radiator and cool your CPU, while the 120mm case fan only needs to push air through a case with littel resistance. Even if these were the exact same fans running at the same speed - the H50 fan would be louder due to its function. Also, in this situation the whole system would be louder due to the higher RPM of the case fan.

Thank you very much. You are brilliant.

Okay ... time to go.

There will be more question regarding my build tomorrow.

Cheers