3 pin PWM case fans on a board w only 4 pin headers.

[gofrwrd]

Just bought a new case for a very good price. Antec Three Hundred Two. It comes with 2 case fans intalled w hi/low speed controlls for each ouside the case(nifty feature). The new board inside is a Gigabyte fm2-a88xm-ds3h ( i believe) with 2 fan headers that are 4 pin. (GRRR) I cant seem to find any simple adapters like 3pin to 4pin, that will allow these to run both speeds. They will only run on high. Do i really need to get a fan controller for this? Im not a gamer just a hobbiest builder/tinkerer.

 

[jdcranke07]

If your board doesn't have PWM control built in then yes you need a controller. If you bought the rig premade then it should work off the line idealy. You don't need a 3 to 4 pin converter unless by 4 pin you mean the molex plug coming from your PSU.

 

[faalin]

Your motherboard has 4 pin fan headers where your fans are only 3 pin so the fans can not be controlled. You ether need to get a fan controller or buy new fans with 4 pins on them that fit the fan headers on the motherboard.

 

[alexoiu]

"It comes with 2 case fans intalled w hi/low speed controlls for each ouside the case(nifty feature"

Then connect the fans to the power supply and use the case controllers.

 

[gofrwrd]

Alexoiu,

That sounds simple enough. I just need the 3 pin to molex adapters then i guess?

 

[alexoiu]

Do the controllers have molex cables?

 

[jdcranke07]

Depends on model and brand. Should tell you when you look them up.

 

[gofrwrd]

No molex on case fans just the small 3pin on each.

 

[alexoiu]

Then try with adapters 3 pin to molex. They are not expensive.
Buy one and if working, buy the second also..