Damaging? 2 fans from 1 mobo fan connector?

It'll depend on the fans you want to use and the maximum current rating of the fan header.

You shouldn't have any issues with a couple of 'normal' fans.
 
Looking at my mobo's manual it says:

"The CPU_FAN connector supports the CPU fan of a maximum 1A (12 W) Fan Power"

It doesn't mention the CHA_FAN 's details.

Let's say I have these:

1x
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-042-BX
Current (A): 0.30A±10%

1x
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-036-CM
From the box:
Rated Voltage: 12 VDC
Operating Voltage: 6.0 - 13.2V
Rated Current: 0.10A

1x
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-019-BX&groupid=701&catid=2331&subcat=2335
- Current (A): 0.33A ±10% Speed (RPM): 900 RPM ±10%


Can someone better than me with understanding electronics advise?
 
Well you have:
0.30A±10% so a max of 0.33A
0.10A
0.33A ±10% so a max of 0.363A

Total of 0.793A.... which is less then the max allowed of 1A on the CPU header.
I'd guess the chassis fan header would be similar, but you'd need to check with the manufacture first.


Another option is to run the fans off a molex instead of the fan header
 
Last edited:
Grimley said:
FTR, I run 3 of these in series off the CPU_FAN socket on my motherboard & not noticed a problem.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-027-AR&groupid=701&catid=2331&subcat=819
Click to expand...

I've read all sorts of scare stories about it so ended up kicking myself for Not ordering something like these:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CM-108-BX&groupid=1929&catid=2221&subcat=

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CM-101-BX&groupid=1929&catid=2221&subcat=

So I was wondering if I should order one of these instead.
 
Last edited:
Those Molex to fan converters are 12v or 7v so if you had any form of voltage control going on you'll lose it if you use that.

Typically fans use less than their rated current but do have a momentary spike of higher current when they start up, this only lasts a second or so though.
 
You should be fine. Fwiw, at one point I was running 2x120mm + 1x140mm Alpenfohn fans (built in splitters) off one header and it didn't care in the slightest.

Btw, it's your call, but I wouldn't recommend those Spectre pro PWM fans. I have 3 of them on the case (with grills cut out, which reduces noise and increases airflow) and they're noisy at anything over 800rpm with a distinct whine (shut it doyll ;)) noticeable at 1000rpm or over.
They also performed worse than the stock K2 fans with more noise when I put them on the cooler.

Not bad looking though and do push a decent amount of air at higher speeds if you don't mind the cheap, lightweight plastic and the racket they make.

Oh, and these work well: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CB-000-FS
 
Last edited:
I haven't a clue about fans I'll be honest - this is my first build - I just checked their decibels and it said 27 which is apparently the equivalent of a whisper in a library going by Wikipedia. I appreciate your input though, I just feel overwhelmed and there never seems to be a right answer to these issues.

My mobo supports 4 pin fans but the ones I have are all three pins so they will just run without control regretfully.
 
Last edited:
Yeah, it uses some form of voltage control. Not quite as precise as PWM, but you use the same control method and it works.

Btw, if you're planning to use the auto adjust feature (where you simply plot points for rpm at a given temperature on a graph), be aware that AI suite and pretty much every other bios based temp reading is crap at giving you accurate temps.
I mean 10-20C off actual temps. It'll say 50C whereas real temp or core temp will say 60-70C for example.
This means that you'll probably be better off using fixed rpm profiles for gaming or browsing. Either that, or employ educated guesswork.
 
Uncle Petey said:
Yeah, it uses some form of voltage control. Not quite as precise as PWM, but you use the same control method and it works.

Btw, if you're planning to use the auto adjust feature (where you simply plot points for rpm at a given temperature on a graph), be aware that AI suite and pretty much every other bios based temp reading is crap at giving you accurate temps.
I mean 10-20C off actual temps. It'll say 50C whereas real temp or core temp will say 60-70C for example.
This means that you'll probably be better off using fixed rpm profiles for gaming or browsing. Either that, or employ educated guesswork.
Click to expand...

20 degrees off is awful... Yes thanks for this tip. I take it there is some sort of max optimum operating temperature for my processor which i should be attempting to maintain?
 
Yeah, but unless you're spanking prime95 or IBT you shouldn't really get to that stage in general use/gaming etc. Not with a half decent cooler anyway.

What cpu/cooler are you using btw?
 
You'll be fine mate :) By the the time you're ready to start overclocking, you'll have learnt plenty more about temps and stuff. For now, you don't need to worry.
That cooler should take care of you nicely.
 
Old pic, but you want huge? (this is one of the small big ones lol)

rig1.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom