Can't control System fan 2, will this work?

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Holy Wars

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I'm so sorry to make another one of these posts but, I have been trying to get my system to be much quieter and hopefully a little cooler.

I'm using Speedfan and noticed I can't control my exhaust fan, which is plugged into the "sysfan2" slot which, on the motherboard is a 3 pin and my intake fan plugged into the "sysfan1" slot can be controller since it is a 4 pin (i'm guessing). So could I simply plug this: http://goo.gl/PmrM5X into the 4 pin and plug both fans into the one slot? I mean, I would assume that was the entire purpose, but I get very worried about these things.

Also, even though this is entirely a "bonus" question, I was wondering if anyone would happen to know if these fans are much quieter and maybe better than the Corsair SPEC-02 stock fans: http://goo.gl/lMOeUp
There is literally no information on the stock fans as far as noise level, so I guess I'm wondering if anyone has the case and upgraded the fans.

Thank you, and again, I'm so sorry for these kinds of posts.
 
Solution
G
then just use the splitter and both fans plugged into it will receive the same amount of varying voltage.

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Barty1884

Barty1884

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Generally the fourth pin is for speed control. Without it, it'll generally run at standard speeds (potentially max, depending on the board). To control both, you'd need a 4 pin to 2x4pin splitter, attached to sysfan1. The problem then is you'd not be able to adjust them independently of each other. Setting one to 50% speed for example, would set both to 50% speed.

Stock fans tend to be the budget/entry level fans, so price is the main factor, not noise or even quality. Aftermarket fans, although I have no experience with those fans specifically, tend to be rated for lower noise. They'd be a step up, for sure. Whether those fans specifically are the best use of $10 each is debatable though.
 
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Holy Wars

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Yeah, I know I would only be able to control both and not each one separate, but I can't think of any other alternatives. I tested it a few different ways, and the fan I plug into system fan 1 is whisper quiet so I figured if both were it would be fine.

Like I said, I'm just trying my best to make my pc as quiet as possible...which might not be too important since my GPU fan is pretty loud even on low lol. So I might just get the adapter first and go from there.

Once again, I kind of knew it was a dumb question and I kind of figured it would work, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to at least ask.
But just out of curiosity, are there any alternatives that are just as cheap as buying a 6 dollar cable? I wouldn't think there is since I only have one 4 pin connector on my motherboard.

Thanks for the answer.

 
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GObonzo

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a 4-pin splitter on a 4-pin slot will provide the same amount of voltage to the 2 fans.
but 4-pin(PWM) fans/slots use the 4th pin to rate the voltage. if the splitter works the same way then and your 3-pin fan isn't connected to the 4th pin than it may not work correctly.

you can also buy a fan controller and plug them all into it so you have manual or automatic control(depending on the fan controller). -keep telling myself i'm going to pick this one up some day soon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OEDYHY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_8&smid=AZCEI3EMXUPTH
 
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Holy Wars

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So wait, I'm a little confused...Both my case fans are 3 pin, and the 4 pin plug in works, so does that mean I'm fine and it will work?


 
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GObonzo

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you originally stated, "my intake fan plugged into the "sysfan1" slot can be controller since it is a 4 pin"
insinuating that the fan is a 4-pin(PWM) fan. now you state they are both 3-pin.

3-pin fans will run fine off of 4-pin slots but you cannot regulate the speeds. the motherboard may have options to limit the voltage but it will not be PWM controlled.

the only reason you would be getting different levels of noise from the 2 fans is:
01) if the fans are different types
02) if the voltage is set differently for the 2 different slots.
 
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Holy Wars

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Yes, on the motherboard, system fan 1 slot has 4 pins. System fan 2 slot has 3 pins. Both the fans are 3 pin fans. I can control the intake fan plugged into the 4 pin slot, but cannot control the other fan plugged into the 3 pin slot.
1. The fans are the exact same fans, same model number.
2. If that's so, then wouldn't the adapter work fine?
Sorry for the confusion.

 
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GObonzo

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how are you "controlling" the fan plugged into slot 1? have you actually witnessed the fan speeds changing as you control it?

98% of motherboards do not allow direct control of 3-pin fans no matter which slot. they only allow certain voltage settings to be set in the BIOS. ie: 30%, 50% 100%, not a varying speed vs temperature curve. it has to be a 4-pin PWM fan to allow that type of voltage control.
 
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Holy Wars

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Yes I have. I use Speedfan and I can turn the fan off completely, or turn it all the way up and it varies based on what I choose.

 
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GObonzo

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then just use the splitter and both fans plugged into it will receive the same amount of varying voltage.

 
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Solution
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Holy Wars

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Thanks.

 
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