200mm Fan won't spin up/operate correctly HAF 912 ASUS M5A97 R2.0 Antec VP-450

[roawh]

I just received a Cooler Master Megaflow 200mm fan (Link) for my HAF 912 case to use as an intake. However, I am having trouble getting it to spin up and operate at the proper RPM.

I tried plugging it into a motherboard header via a 3pin extension cable (same setup I was using for my 120mm intake), and the fan didn't start.

I tried various combinations of plugging the fan into different headers, using molex instead, changing the BIOS fan settings, and the best I did was to get the thing going at ~200 RPM and pushing almost no air. Somewhere in there I had a configuration that didn't start the fan, but it would spin up if I manually spun it a bit...still operated at very low RPM.

I purchased the fan used so I can't rule out that it's a fan problem, but it could be an issue with motherboard settings or lack of power delivery to the fan via the header or molex (I would have thought this would have done the trick though).

Here is my complete build

I wanted to purchase another fan so I could use my extra 120mm to push/pull with my CM 212 EVO or be a side door fan to cool the GPU. I wanted a single front fan so I wouldn't have to deal with running out of fan headers / more extension cables.

 

[byza]

I'd say the fan is broken. It seems to be having the same symptoms of a fan that isn't getting enough power but since you plugged it straight into the molex it sounds like it would have to be somewhere in the wiring of the fan itself.

 

[geofelt]

The main reason a fan will not start is because of low voltage, typically <5v.
Presuming you are directly connected to your psu with molex connectors, I would guess that the fan is defective. Check the wiring on the fan. By connecting different leads, a 12v input can be reduced to 7v or 5v by cross connecting them. Perhaps the previous owner has reduced the voltage to 5v.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Also , with the 212 EVO adding a second fan doesn't improve performance , I agree with the above the fan is probably defective.

Nice build geo. 😀

 

[roawh]

Thank you all for the input so far.

I will check the wires of the fan and see if anything seems off. Geofelt- you mean the 3 wires (red/black/white in this case) would have to be rearranged prior to entering the 3 pin connector on the fan to achieve this effect?

SR-71- The second fan in push/pull dropped my CPU/MB temps a few (1-3) degrees, but I will likely mount that 120mm fan on the side panel to cool the graphics card.

 

[geofelt]

This is what a mod might look like:
http://www.overclockers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=372297

The rearrangement could be made anywhere along the line between the power source and the fan motor itself.

I do like a 200mm fan for input. One will provide plenty of airflow without excessive noise.

Fans do not cool(electronics don't sweat). They provide airflot wo tet heat out of the case and replace it with fresh and cooler intake air.
I am not a big proponent of side fans, I think they disrupt the natural in from front/bottom to high/rear exhaust.
When your main 200mm fan is the only intake behind a washable filter, you will keep your case cleaner.
That is called a positive pressure airflow.

 

[roawh]

Thanks for the link, geofelt. I will definitely inspect the fan and wires carefully.

I agree with you there. I was hoping the front intake 200mm fan would provide some additional airflow for my GPU vs. the 120mm. Nothing in my system is overheating, I was just considering the longevity of my GPU.