Powering 4-Pin PMW Fans

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Jmurph01

Jmurph01

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raisonjohn

raisonjohn

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If you don't have an available true-PWM 4-pin fan header on your motherboard to plug the PWM fans into, the PWM won't work as intended (i.e. to change speed using PWM signals sent by the mobo). The PWM will still run via Molex or 3-pin fan headers, but, you might have just bought non-PWM instead, since you can't use the PWM function without a PWM signal coming from the 4th pin.

The 4-pin fan can be plugged directly into a 3-pin header (compatible with the 4th pin unattached). This may (or may not) allow changing of speed by your mobo providing variable voltage at the 2nd pin (though, as said, not really how your PWM fans are supposed to function). It will still run them though.

The 4-pin fan can also be plugged into 4-pin Molex (via a 4-pin-to-Molex adapter) cpnnected directly to your PSU. However, fans will constantly run on full speed and you also cant monitor the fans' rpms due to not being connected to your mobo.
 
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Jmurph01

Jmurph01

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This is almost exactly what I need. The only problem is that I only have one Sata power cable and that one is powering my hard drive. I have an abundant supply of Molex cables though. Thank you very much for the reply and for taking time to answer this question.
 
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Jmurph01

Jmurph01

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I don't exactly care how fast they go... because they are not very fast, but could you supply me with a link to power these fans with a molex? I can't power all three with the motherboard.

 
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