Question on fan connections and PWM

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simian software

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May 12, 2014
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Hi again tech gurus, I have a question on how fan connections work. I'm currently about to purchase a pair of be quiet! 120mm fans for my build from ncix.

Link here: http://www.ncixus.com/products/index.php?sku=96125&promoid=1141

They are stated as 3-pin connections and I am wondering if it is possible to control its RPM with my NZXT sentry mix 2 fan controller. I just want to clarify if 3-pin can be controlled or is it only 4-pin connections. Also I was wondering if 3-pin connections can fit into a 4-pin slot or do I a need an adapter.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
 
Solution
terry4536
Three pin fans can be controlled by reducing the normal 12 volt until the fan stalls. That is the controllable range. This can be done with an inline "low noise filter" (7V ?) or "ultra-low noise filter" (5V ?). Or, you can use a control panel like your NZXT.

Four pin fans are a much better solution. The fourth pin provides a feedback allowing the RPM measurement and control.
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terry4536

terry4536

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Mar 28, 2010
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Three pin fans can be controlled by reducing the normal 12 volt until the fan stalls. That is the controllable range. This can be done with an inline "low noise filter" (7V ?) or "ultra-low noise filter" (5V ?). Or, you can use a control panel like your NZXT.

Four pin fans are a much better solution. The fourth pin provides a feedback allowing the RPM measurement and control.
 
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Solution
S

simian software

Reputable
May 12, 2014
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4,510


Well I'm definitely going to look into 4 pin fans now since I want them to be compatible with my control panel. But is there anyway to force 3 pin fans to become PWMs? Is there some adapter that can do that or is it strictly controlled by the mobo and the filters?
 
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terry4536

terry4536

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Mar 28, 2010
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I'm not sure I understand your question. A 3-pin fan connector will fit in a 4-pin header, but it will be at 100%. There are some exceptions to this. The Asus Fan Xpert 2 utility will also control the voltage on the case fan motherboard headers (the CPU headers require 4- pin fans).

As I mentioned above, you can control 3-pin fans by controlling the voltage to the fan. The 4-pin fans are controlled by either voltage or by using a "percent on" method. This method cycles the voltage on and off to control the fan speed.
 
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