Computer 4-Pin Case Fan issue

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Khesh

Khesh

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Apr 1, 2013
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Hey, I recently bought all the components for building my first computer. Along with the required components, I bought 5 Case fans (wanted red LED fans to match the backlit keyboard). They are: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811998123

Today most of the components arrived from UPS. So, while I waited for the rest to come, I decided to go ahead and switch out the Stock Case Fans with the ones I bought. The only problem is that the case fans use 3-pin connectors, which in turn connect into the Fan Controller installed in the case.

The fans I bought are 4-pin Molex connectors. Since this is my first build I did not realize that different fans use different connectors.

My question is how to use the fans I bought, and if it is possible to connect them to the Fan Controller.

The fan controller consists of a Molex connector and some 3-pin male connectors: https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSVXjS92eYzoBE6QPekI_7Ja1oWoyUoSx9wOOal78lg7BGkOhUvkw

can I connect the 4-pin fans together in a chain, and connect that into the Molex connector of the Fan Controller to make them work?

...Sorry if that is an upmost ridiculous idea. Again, this is my first build and I'm new to all this.

Thanks so much for all your help!
 
Solution
nukemaster
You can connect all the fans molex together as said above

But if you use adapters <- like in this image to turn 3 pin fan headers into 4 pin molex(without the 5 volt line or speed sensing clearly), you will have to not place too many per channel(if you still want to use the fan controller. In general 2-3 is about the point you want to stop depending on the fans power needs.) on the controller as the controllers have limits.

As Goodeggray says above, you may have dimming of the leds or even some flickering if the fans are run on a controller.

EDIT.
I see your new post.

Fan controllers are just for that. lowering noise. Technically a lower speed fan pulls less dust as well, but most users use them for noise reasons. Take a...
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Khesh

Khesh

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Apr 1, 2013
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So is it not possible to chain the fans together as I mentioned above? How many of the Converters would I need to buy? One for each fan?

Also, since you said it would lower the voltage, do you even recommend using the fan controller...or just plug straight into the PSU? I'm not all that worried about fan noise at all, so it may not be necessary for me to spend the money on the converters.
 
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Khesh

Khesh

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Apr 1, 2013
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Thanks for the quick answer. But, before I just connect everything into the PSU, is there really any true advantage of using the Fan Controller on the case? Obviously if the noise became an issue you could turn it down...but other than that is there a reason for it?

Thanks again.

 
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nukemaster

nukemaster

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Nov 23, 2004
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You can connect all the fans molex together as said above

But if you use adapters <- like in this image to turn 3 pin fan headers into 4 pin molex(without the 5 volt line or speed sensing clearly), you will have to not place too many per channel(if you still want to use the fan controller. In general 2-3 is about the point you want to stop depending on the fans power needs.) on the controller as the controllers have limits.

As Goodeggray says above, you may have dimming of the leds or even some flickering if the fans are run on a controller.

EDIT.
I see your new post.

Fan controllers are just for that. lowering noise. Technically a lower speed fan pulls less dust as well, but most users use them for noise reasons. Take a real powerful fan and make it more quiet then pump it up for games or other stressful situations.
 
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Solution
Khesh

Khesh

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Apr 1, 2013
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Thanks a lot for your help. Might as well just chain the 4-pin connectors together and connect that into the PSU molex connector. Will probably do them as a chain of 3 and a chain of 2...just to make sure everything gets full power.

I appreciate everyone that responded.
 
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JackNaylorPE

JackNaylorPE

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Oct 30, 2004
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I replace the Molex connectors on case fans with 3 pin connectors so I can attach them to MoBo fan headers. Usually when fans use 4 pin molex connectors, they are actually only 3 wire with one of the pins not connected to anything. I buy all the parts and necessary tools from frozencpu.com

http://www.frozencpu.com/cat/l3/g51/c389/s998/list/p1/Connectors-3_Pin_Connectors-3-Pin_Female-Page1.html

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/12299/ele-780/FrozenCPU_ConnectRight_3-Pin_Male_Shielded_Fan_Connector_Pins_-_Set_of_3.html?tl=g51c393s323

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/3836/too-07/FrozenCPU_Dual_Head_ATX_Connector_Removal_Tool_ATX_4-pin_P4_6-pin_PCI-E_8-pin_Xeon_Auxiliary_3-pin_or_4-pin_Fan_Flop.html?tl=g51c469s257

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/3835/too-05/Dual_Ended_Universal_Molex_Removal_Tool.html?tl=g51c469s257

Lumping all the fans together defeats the intended purpose of a fan controller, thta being to individually control each fan.
 
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