Installing a Apache Black Fan, confused

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25 Feb 2011
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Hi,

So I recently bought a computer (2nd hand) and I'll admit I'm no computer tech.

My problem is I have a front intake fan that wasn't connected and I can't find anywhere to plug this fan in. The model is an Akasa Apache Black (model number: DFS122512L), it has some sort of 4 pin connecter and I've got no clue where it connects to the motherboard.

Other info:
Motherboard: MSI 790GX-G65
Case: Antec 300 case
PSU: OCZ Modxstream 700W
CPU: AMD X4 PII 810, stock cooling fan

Would be a shame to leave it unconnected any help would be appreciated!
 
Don't those fans have a 4 pin PWM connector like this:

d_3686.jpg


You can connect it to a 3 pin header on your motherboard:

imageview.php


You just leave the 4th wire (orange in the image above) unconnected.
 
Don't those fans have a 4 pin PWM connector like this:

Thanks for the pictures.
Yes, thats that same connection

You can connect it to a 3 pin header on your motherboard:

You just leave the 4th wire (orange in the image above) unconnected.

I have two of those white 3 pin connectors free, called sysfan1 and sysfan2.
How come the orange wire isn't important?

Unfortunately the cable doesn't actually reach that far. Is there any converter for it so it can plug into a sata or molex plug? Would this be worth it or just ditch the fan?
 
Actually I've just found a third sysfan3 near to bottom right of the motherboard so the fan can be connected.

Any reason why the orange wire isn't needed?

The fan has no speed control like the rear and top fan in the Antec 300 case. Is it going to run at full speed all the time?
 
The 4 wires are Voltage, ground, RPM and PWM. The first 2 are all that is needed. The 3rd gives a readout of what RPM the fan is running at, the 4th is for PWM control of the fan itself, its a particular type of control that sends pulses to the fan instead of varying the voltage. Its not needed at all for your application.
 
Ok, great thanks!

Will hook it up and give it a whirl.
Its going to run at full speed all the time is it?

Only the CPU fan will be controlled by the motherboard?
 
Next problem, just double checked the connector and the wires are:
black, yellow, green, blue. (in that order).

Still safe to connect, will I be leaving the blue wire off?
 
The fourth wire is the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) wire used to control the fan speed.

It's usually used for the cooling fans on CPU's.

If you look where your CPU cooler's fan is plugged in that may be a 4 pin connector.

There's no harm in the Apache running at full speed all the time but if you want to slow it down you may find an option in the BIOS to control the speed of fans connected to sysfan1 etc.
 
Next problem, just double checked the connector and the wires are:
black, yellow, green, blue. (in that order).

Still safe to connect, will I be leaving the blue wire off?

It doesn't matter about the colour just connect the 3 pins which fit.

It will be like this:

0750_MED.jpg


The blue wire is left unconnected.
 
Last edited:
Didn't realise you're forced to use a certain three.

Its all up and running. Works perfectly, thanks!

Have checked the bios since its a little noisy, but theres no option to change sysfan3 only cpufan, sysfan1 and sysfan2. Guess I'll cope :)
 
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