6 case fans but only 4 mobo fan headers

[CmdrJeffSinclair]

Hi everyone,

I have 6 case fans but only 4x 4pin fan headers on my mobo.

I know I can plug the other 2 into the PSU, but if I did that then would my mobo still be able to control the fan speeds?

And to be sure, my mobo will automatically monitor fan speeds, right? And if so, will the mobo still monitor fan speeds whether or not fans are plugged into the mobo fan headers and PSU, or will the PSU fans run on max all the time?

I have yet to even boot my computer up. I'm not in any rush to do this all until everything is set and ready. I spent $6k on this and I don't know as much as I should so I'd love loooooooots of great info! I was indeed told that some mobos can control fan speeds, but some of them also require software or simply come with onboard software specifically for fan control.

I'd prefer NOT to use any downloaded software nor do I want a fan controller, but I definitely need more than 4 fans. My specs are below.


Thanks guys!

SPECS:
CPU: Intel Core i7-5960X 8 cores, 16 threads @3GHz
COOLER: Cooler Master Nepton 280L (54~122.5 CFM)
MOBO: Asus Deluxe X99
RAM: 32GB DDR4 G-Skill Ripjaws @3200MHz CL16
GPU: 3x Gigabyte G1 Gaming 4GB Nvidia 980 SLI
SSD: 1TB Samsung 850 PRO as main drive
HDD: 1TB Western Digital VelociRaptor 10k RPM SATAIII as backup drive
HDD#2: 160GB Seagate Momentus SATA III 7200 RPM poo-poo drive
SSHD: Seagate Momentus XT Hybrid Drive SATA III 7200 RPM 8GB NAND and 32MB Buffer as whatever lol
PROJECTOR: Optoma HD141X Full 3D 1080p 3000 Lumen DLP Home Theater Projector
CASE: Corsair Obsidian 750D
PSU: EVGA SuperNOVA G2 1300W

 

[ronintexas]

If you plug them into the PSU - the mobo won't monitor speed or adjust the RPM. If your mobo can't handle all the connections - you might want to consider a fan controller like this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811992004&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-pla-_-Controller+Panels-_-N82E16811992004&gclid=CjwKEAjwkrmhBRD49Mbm_MvruWsSJAAEDt13sMOvxglDSMVzhxIyK2N-oBqA6Ip77NLdPUH_kH0PYBoC3n7w_wcB

There are several that new egg sells....this one supports up to 5 fans - it is great for setting up case fans.

 

[CmdrJeffSinclair]

If you plug them into the PSU - the mobo won't monitor speed or adjust the RPM. If your mobo can't handle all the connections - you might want to consider a fan controller like this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811992004&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-pla-_-Controller+Panels-_-N82E16811992004&gclid=CjwKEAjwkrmhBRD49Mbm_MvruWsSJAAEDt13sMOvxglDSMVzhxIyK2N-oBqA6Ip77NLdPUH_kH0PYBoC3n7w_wcB

There are several that new egg sells....this one supports up to 5 fans - it is great for setting up case fans.

Is there any downside to using a fan controller?

My case is pretty well-packed already to the point where I am wondering if I should have bought the Corsair 900D. The 3 GPU's are great but I know they are gonna mess up the airflow

 

[ronintexas]

The fan controller has temperature probes (you decide what to monitor and when to step up the speeds) - and works great. Plus it puts a little "eye candy" on the front of the case.....You can use 2 or all 5 - your choice.

 

[CmdrJeffSinclair]

The fan controller has temperature probes (you decide what to monitor and when to step up the speeds) - and works great. Plus it puts a little "eye candy" on the front of the case.....You can use 2 or all 5 - your choice.

This controller looks pretty awful and has some really terrible reviews about its general functionality. I can't seem to find a simple fan controller to work with Corsair fans

 

[ronintexas]

That was meant as an example - NewEgg sells quite a few....pick one to your liking. I have installed them before - and if you don't read the directions for an auto-monitoring controller....you won't get good results....that is the lower ratings....you can't please everyone.

 

[legend001523]

Just get a fan splitter, that way you can control speeds too

 

[CmdrJeffSinclair]

That was meant as an example - NewEgg sells quite a few....pick one to your liking. I have installed them before - and if you don't read the directions for an auto-monitoring controller....you won't get good results....that is the lower ratings....you can't please everyone.

oh nice, that's peace of mind then. Care to make a recommendation for a simple controller? I basically just want to control the RPMs and see temps. I'd GREATLY prefer no software but also no screens or anything on the controller itself unless it's realllllllllly small.

When I look at the fancy controllers I'm greatly intimidated by their size. I'd love to just slide one 6 channel controller underneath my Blu ray drive bay and control fan temps on the front of the case. That'd be sweet, but auto-fan controllers are also necessary but with the option to manually change fan temps if need be. However, I'd be just as happy controlling the fans 100% manually. I have a musicians ear and stuff like that comes easily to me

 

[legend001523]

Splittersssss

 

[CmdrJeffSinclair]

Splittersssss

?

 

[legend001523]

Splittersssss

?

get fan plitters, so you can attach more than one fan to a motherboard header

 

[CmdrJeffSinclair]

Splittersssss

?

get fan plitters, so you can attach more than one fan to a motherboard header

Won't that make the fans run at lower RPMs or harm the mobo? I would imagine that4 fan headers on my mobo is the max for a pretty logical reason

 

[g-unit1111]

Is there any downside to using a fan controller?

My case is pretty well-packed already to the point where I am wondering if I should have bought the Corsair 900D. The 3 GPU's are great but I know they are gonna mess up the airflow

You could do that, what I usually do with the excess fans that go beyond what the motherboard has is to use a couple of MOLEX to 3/4 pin connectors and hook them up to the power supply instead of to the motheboard.

 

[legend001523]

Splittersssss

?

get fan plitters, so you can attach more than one fan to a motherboard header

Won't that make the fans run at lower RPMs or harm the mobo? I would imagine that4 fan headers on my mobo is the max for a pretty logical reason

No and no, if you only use a splitter to power 2 fans for one header, it'll be fine

 

[CmdrJeffSinclair]

Splittersssss

?

get fan plitters, so you can attach more than one fan to a motherboard header

Won't that make the fans run at lower RPMs or harm the mobo? I would imagine that4 fan headers on my mobo is the max for a pretty logical reason

No and no, if you only use a splitter to power 2 fans for one header, it'll be fine

This, I think, is the solution I was reallllly looking for. Costs me next to nothing and doesn't add any more equipment. Thank you for your input!

 

[legend001523]

np