Can You Accidentally Plug Fans in Incorrectly?

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Requesterofhelp

Requesterofhelp

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Jun 24, 2015
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I'm getting ready to build a pc and I want to solve some problems that I might encounter before I start the build.People always say its's very easy to build a pc and that they "fool proof" many connectors,but is this the case with fan connectors?. I am buying these fans and also using the one that comes with this case and using this motherboard.Just incase you might ask I am aware that the motherboard only has two headers but I probably will just use a splitter like this one to use multiple fans on one header.Anyway I was wondering if you could possibly plug these in backwards accidentally doing something to your motherboard or ruining it.Or are there things that would prevent you from doing that.I know what i'm asking is probably really stupid to you but I am new to this and would really appreciate any help you give me.Thanks!
 
Solution
CountMike
There's usually a tab on the MB side base for fan plugs with corresponding cut in the fan's plug. In 4 pin plugs, that tab is offset by one pin so you can plug a 3pin fan correctly. Do not plug any fans in a place that doesn't have locating tab.
Only precautions are reading the manual(s) and looking carefully at what you are doing.
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CountMike

CountMike

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Oct 31, 2015
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There's usually a tab on the MB side base for fan plugs with corresponding cut in the fan's plug. In 4 pin plugs, that tab is offset by one pin so you can plug a 3pin fan correctly. Do not plug any fans in a place that doesn't have locating tab.
Only precautions are reading the manual(s) and looking carefully at what you are doing.
 
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Paperdoc

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Yes, this can work as CountMike has said. The connectors are designed to work only the right way.

You are proposing to use a mix of a 3-pin fan (included with the case) and some 4-pin fans from Corsair. In your case this CAN work OK because both the SYS_FAN headers of your mobo use only Voltage Control Mode. That is OK for 4-pin fans, and necessary for 3-pin fans. The only restriction is that the total current draw for all fans connected to one header via that splitter cannot exceed 1.0 amps. Now, the SP120 PWM fans are spec'd at 0.18 amps each, so you would have no trouble with up to 4 of those (maybe 5?) on one header. You have two headers, of course, to use.
 
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