4 x SP120 RGB LED 3 pin fans, 1 3 pin header on the Mobo

[Likeablecrab510]

Dear all,

I have recently started my first PC build and I am getting there but it seems I overlooked how many 3 pin headers were on the Mobo before I bought it.

I am using the ASUS ROG MAXIMUS IX HERO Motherboard
https://www.asus.com/uk/Motherboards/ROG-MAXIMUS-IX-HERO/

The case I have is the Corsair 460x RGB (includes 3 x SP120 RGB LED 3 pin fans and I bought one extra as an exhaust). So I have 4 x 3 pin fans overall.
http://www.corsair.com/en-gb/crystal-series-460x-rgb-compact-atx-mid-tower-case

As a CPU cooler I am using the H100i V2. I believe this is relevant as I can run the two radiator fans off the pump which plugs into the AIO header, thus leaving the CPU fan header clear.
http://www.corsair.com/en-gb/hydro-series-h100i-v2-extreme-performance-liquid-cpu-cooler

I have done some research before writing here and the most useful article I found is linked below and I think this is the best way for me to proceed with my setup. (I am happy for alternate suggestions).
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-3364542/problems-controlling-fans-pwm-fan-hub.html
(see the 3rd paragraph in Paperdoc's best answer section).

That being said I do not understand the part about using a 4pin PWM fan splitter to get the correct signal from the CPU header. Does this also apply to the Motherboard I am using?

Please can someone elaborate on this bit and also send me a link to one of these PWM 4 pin fan splitters.

Alternatively is there a better way for me to run these 4 x 3 pin fans?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Aeacus]

You don't need 3-pin fan header to connect 3-pin fans. You can plug 3-pin fan into 4-pin header just fine and vice-versa too,
image:

As far as fan headers go, your MoBo has total of 8x fan headers:
1 x CPU Fan connector(s)
1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s)
3 x Chassis Fan connector(s)
1 x H_AMP fan connector
1 x W_PUMP+ connector
1 x AIO_PUMP connector

All the locations are marked with #3 at MoBo manual, page 1-2. All the fan headers pinouts are listed on MoBo manual too, page 1-24,
link: http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/LGA1151/MAXIMUS_IX_HERO/E12186_MAXIMUS_IX_HERO_UM_V2_WEB.pdf

So, you have ample of fan connections for your case fans.