Can the case fans in a Dell Inspiron pre-built be replaced with off the shelve models (Noctua, Cooler Master etc)?

himmatsj

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I'm reading on the Dell forums that the Dell Inspiron 660 has got a custom case fan, meaning off the shelve models like Noctua and Cooler Master will not work with it.

However, I would like confirmation for the good folks here as to whether or not this is really the case.

As far as I can tell, the case fan has got a 3-pin connection. Based on the motherboard layout (linked below), can somebody tell me if this is a standard or custom 3-pin connection please?

Link to motheboard configuration: http://www.manualslib.com/manual/418636/Dell-Inspiron-660.html?page=14#manual

Item number 23 is the 3-pin fan connection.

Also, at the bottom right corner right beside the 4 SATA connections, there is an unused 3-pin connection as well that looks different. What can this be used for?

Thanks!
 
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according to the drawing i would say yes that's a normal 3-pin. The case looks like it'll only take a 90mm fan. As for the other 9-pin connection it's probably a jumper of sorts since 13 is CMOS jumper for resetting motherboard

Memhorder

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according to the drawing i would say yes that's a normal 3-pin. The case looks like it'll only take a 90mm fan. As for the other 9-pin connection it's probably a jumper of sorts since 13 is CMOS jumper for resetting motherboard
 
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himmatsj

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Theoretically, should an off the shelve Noctua work with my PC or not, assuming I get the correct size and power connection?

This could just be a case of the guys on the Dell forums erring on the side of caution, or really if the PC only work with the stock fan model.

I don't know, which makes more sense to you?
 

himmatsj

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Yes, 4 screws.

Another question. The shops near my area sell good quality 4-pin fans. The 3-pin ones are much louder. Is it possible to get a 4-pin to work on a 3-pin connection?
 

Memhorder

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ok based on this picture yeah im certain it'll work

Q6kV7C.jpg


yes 4-pin in 3-pin slot will work :)