Can I split 3pin CPU Fan Connector?

[JaredFrost95]

I only have 1 cpu fan connector on my motherboard, and want to add another fan to the other side of my tower style cooler. Could I buy a splitter or would that split the current resulting in both fans running half speed?

 

[clarkjd]

It is possible that using the splitter could cause excessive current draw from the fan header on the MB, exceeding its rated capacity. If it heats up and burns out, you've just lost your MB.

 

[JaredFrost95]

It is possible that using the splitter could cause excessive current draw from the fan header on the MB, exceeding its rated capacity. If it heats up and burns out, you've just lost your MB.

Isn't there typically some kind of mosfet protection for that kind of thing? It is my backup pc with a cheapo foxconn board and the fans are only 80mm, don't know the current draw. The rear exhaust fan is going to the second mobo 3 pin out, might have that go straight to the psu and put the second cpu fan going there.

 

[R4DIO4CT1VE]

yeah you can buy a splitter, or buy a PSU adapter (molex to 3pin or sata to 3 pin). i would lean towards a PSU adapter if you are using fans larger than 80mm because yes it can damage you mobo.

 

[clarkjd]

It is possible that using the splitter could cause excessive current draw from the fan header on the MB, exceeding its rated capacity. If it heats up and burns out, you've just lost your MB.

Isn't there typically some kind of mosfet protection for that kind of thing? It is my backup pc with a cheapo foxconn board and the fans are only 80mm, don't know the current draw. The rear exhaust fan is going to the second mobo 3 pin out, might have that go straight to the psu and put the second cpu fan going there.

I understand about protective circuitry. The keys here are "cheapo Foxconn". Those terms tell me that the protective circuits are questionable at best. I still would not recommend a splitter off the MB.