Basic Fan Connection question

embalse · 5 May 2008 at 15:11

My MB has a CPU Fan, PWR Fan and 4 3Pin CHA Fan connections.

I want to connect 5 Fans + the CPU and PWR

The Fans have the 3 pin and 4 P Molex connections

Can I connect 2 fans with the 4 P Molex creating a chain and plug them into one MB fan connector?
Or is this completely wrong.

Cob · 5 May 2008 at 15:16

I doubt you'll be able to connect the two molex plugs together, unless they've got pass-through molex plugs.

PhillyDee · 5 May 2008 at 15:18

The motherboard headers are not really meant to power more than one fan. They have a limited current and could burn out the header. Why do you want to do this?

Brizzles · 5 May 2008 at 15:21

Not really a good idea.

I avoid this to give the mobo maximum power draw when overclocking.

I have always tried to not use mobo fan connectors , unless absolutely neccessary.

I prefer to power fans from the PSU/Molex.

Mark

embalse · 5 May 2008 at 15:49

Thanks for the replies.

This is my first build so I am learning as I go.

Basically I have more fans than mobo fan connectors.

I should really have asked, "what is the best way to connect the fans"?

I am guessing from the last post I should link them all directly to the PSU

Brizzles · 5 May 2008 at 15:54

embalse said:
Thanks for the replies.

This is my first build so I am learning as I go.

Basically I have more fans than mobo fan connectors.

I should really have asked, "what is the best way to connect the fans"?

I am guessing from the last post I should link them all directly to the PSU

You've got an Enermax Galaxy 1000W !

You could power a small village from that

Mark

PhillyDee · 5 May 2008 at 15:55

Always plug the CPU fan into the CPU socket. This is so the mobo can control the rpm (If its set to do this) or warn you by beeping if the fan has failed. Apart from that, theres no real rules. every fan (Bar CPU) on mine is plugged into the molex, makes it easier to tidt the cables. Your sig is too large . . . Click.

embalse · 5 May 2008 at 16:10

PhillyDee said:
Always plug the CPU fan into the CPU socket. This is so the mobo can control the rpm (If its set to do this) or warn you by beeping if the fan has failed. Apart from that, theres no real rules. every fan (Bar CPU) on mine is plugged into the molex, makes it easier to tidt the cables. Your sig is too large . . . Click.

The CPU fan is plugged in the CPU socket. The PWR_Fan socket is connected to the PSU.

It is the rest of the fans that now I am confused about.

As I understand it now I link all the Fan Molex connectors together and connect them to the PSU.

On the Enermax Galaxy 1000W the correct Molex connection would be?

Cob · 5 May 2008 at 16:14

Fill up your motherboard headers and then plug whatever's left into PSU molexs.

embalse · 5 May 2008 at 16:30

Ok.
These kind of questions I know will be easy with my next build, but being my first I'm pulling my hair out.

Would you recommend 1 PSU Molex socket for 1 molex Fan socket, or 2 or more Fan molex sockets to 1 PSU Molex socket.

Cob · 5 May 2008 at 16:34

If you can fit two fans on one PSU molex then go for it.

But it really doesn't matter.

[KH]Shadow · 5 May 2008 at 19:41

i have an Antec 900 case and i plug two fans into each molex, as they are pass-through molex connectors and have a male and female molex on the fan connector side.