CPU fan header

allday247

allday247

allday247

Associate
Joined
22 Nov 2004
Posts
551
CPU fan Header and Thermalright U120 Question

Just about to install an aftermarket cooler on my mobo, but the aftermarket fan has a 3pin connector, while the motherboard has a 4 pin socket!

Can i still connect a 3 pin to a 4 pin socket? and if so what ill effects will this have on the operation of the CPU fan?
 
Last edited:
Yip you can fit it. You'll just won't be able to control the fan speed through the BIOS.
 
its still controlled by temps but in a different way, it controls through voltage adjustments instead of direct fan control
 
Oh another quick question: how tight should i screw the thermalright Ultra 120 to the mobo attachment? is the retaining clip supposed to be seated to the mother board or are the legs "floating"?
 
You have an X bracket with the legs... that screws into the back plate that you put behind the motherboard... the screws should go all the way in from memory the thread of the screw is only a certain lenght.. you might find that the heatsink can still turn slighly once its full tightened up... in my experience this has made very little difference to my temps
 
CPU fan Header and Thermalright U120 Question

Thanks, i've got the x-bracket in place but just scared that if i tighten too much i will damage the CPU! Its currently not sitting 100% tight to the mobo but it does feel secure. There is wobble though, if i move it on purpose. is this natural?
This is my first build from scratch thus i'm well nervous!
 
Last edited:
Well easiest way to see if you have it on tight enough is as follows... lay you rig so that the heatsink is virtical.. i.e. all the weight is going down onto the motherboard and its pushing down onto the CPU.. run prime95 for a couple of mins and note the load temps...

Now stand the rig normally and run prime95 note the load temps... if its correctly secured will be none to a small 1/2c change on your core temps my Q6600 core 0/1 run around 1/2c hotter as the weight of the heatsink and fan are pulling it slightly away from the CPU..

If you are getting anymore increase in temp than this then i would tighten it a bit more and repeat...

On another matter its well worth lapping the Ultra 120, you will see some nice improvements in temps and is really not to hard to do
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom