Build Advice: Power Connections

[HDPete]

I am in the process of putting together my new PC all sourced from OcUK and your helpful advice here.

I have connected up the PSU to the mobo (Asus P5K) and I have what seems like a really daft question...

The case has various case fans (Coolermaster RC1000). Each of these have a power connector which has an adapter connected to the end of each to provide the standard large wide 4 way connector.

Am I right that these need to be removed and simply connected to the mobo's CHA_FAN 1-4 connectors (obviously looking out for polarity of cables)?

What would the PWR_FAN be for?
(I have the CPU cooler, and the various case fans, but what would the PWR_FAN be for?

Cheers
Pete

 

[davethe11]

I believe that some PSU's have a fan connector that you plug into the PWR_FAN header on the motherboard, I think the advantage is that the system can then monitor the pus's fan speed and change it depending on load, and provide an alert in the event of fan failure (someone please confirm this though).

I think the 4 way connector is usually called a 4-pin molex connector, and you can get a 4-pin molex to 3-pin mobo adaptor. If you are comfortable rewiring the fans connector so it has a 3-pin connector (thus removing the 4-pin) then no worries, but if you are not sure I would recommend asking for advice first

[edit] just reread your post and I'm now not sure what you are considering regarding removing the 4-pin molex plug on the end of the fan - you need a 3-pin mobo plug to replace it so it will plug into your mobo (apologies if I misunderstood you)

 

[HDPete]

Thanks - after walking away from the build for an hour and going back with a clear head, I worked out that the case fans had a 3-pin mobo plug into a 4-pin molex plug (via a converter cable)

Simple solution: Remove the end cable conversion and left with the 3 pin mobo plug.

Simple really, but with a muddy head, even the simplest of things aren't always obvious.

Thanks anyway!
Pete