How to connect fans

Criller · 30 Nov 2011 at 08:33

Best fan config and connections

Hello,

I'm about to start a new build after many years of buying off the shelf and I'm a bit rusty. In the past I've just plugged fans in without thinking so want to make sure I get things spot on this time.

I have the H80 cpu cooler and three additional 120mm 3-pin fans going in to a CM690 II. Mobo is GB Z68XP-UD3P.

If I connect the fans to the headers on the mobo will I be able to control them or can you only do this with 4-pin fans?

Is it best to connect the fans to the PSU and have them running @100% all the time?

My fan config will be -

120mm Front (srandard case fan) IN
120mm Bottom IN
120mm Side IN
H80 x 2 120mm IN
120mm Top OUT

Is this a good config or is there a better one?

Thanks in advance.

Criller · 1 Dec 2011 at 08:18

Could a mod possibly change the main title for this post as I think it's a litlle ambiguous which is maybe why I'm getting no replies. Thanks

Tealc · 1 Dec 2011 at 08:26

I'd probably turn around the fans on the H80 so they exhaust.

Fans will probably run at 100% all the time when plugged in so you have to make sure you are happy with the noise they create. If you want them quieter then the ideal solution is a fan controller for your case fans.

I'm not sure of the H80 ability to control fan speeds so won't comment on how you can tame those super noisy 2500rpm fans.

Criller · 1 Dec 2011 at 12:59

Thanks Tealc,

The H80 has three speed settings so I'll experiment with those.

I'll see how much noise is generated and maybe consider a fan controller. Can you recommend one or are they all much the same?