Question Any risks using 2 out of 3 magnetic fans ?

[Kazaar]

Hi all,

I just got a Thermaltake View 270 TG ARGB case for my new build, and I’m planning to install two Thermaltake CT120 EX ARGB Reverse fans in the 2x120mm front intake slots.

These fans only come in a set of three, and they magnetically connect side-by-side. If I only use two out of the three, one fan will have a side magnetic port exposed and unused (where the third fan would normally attach).

My main concern:
Is it safe to leave that magnetic port open and unused? Or should I cover it to prevent any potential risks such as dust, an accidental contact, or electrical issues?

The case:
https://thermaltakeusa.com/products/view-270-tg-argb-snow-mid-tower-chassis-ca-1y7-00m6wn-00

The fans:
https://thermaltakeusa.com/collecti...cooling-fan-white-3-fan-pack-cl-f194-pl12sw-a

Oh, and one more question:
Is there a way to know if these are intake or exhaust fans before buying ?

Thank you !

 

[BFG-9000]

Even if you used all three, there would still be one exposing the magnet because all of them are the same.

If you are expecting magnetic dust in the form of ferrous shavings inside your case then it has more serious problems to address. And the magnets are recessed.

Fans usually blow toward the side with the hub supports and you can flip them around to make them intake or exhaust fans. These are Reverse so they blow the other way but you can still flip them

 

[Paperdoc]

As BFG-9000 says above, any fan can be mounted to blow in either direction so it can be either intake or exhaust. The "reverse" label is only with regards to the LIGHTS in the fan frame. Those usually are visible best from only one side. So with any LIGHTED fan, when you choose whether to make it intake or exhaust, that determines which side the LIGHTS show on. You buy a "reverse" fan to get one that shows lights on the desired side when you mount it for your desired direction of blow.

 

[BFG-9000]

These fans actually have blades that are lit from inside the hub, so if you don't want to see a dark spot in the middle of the fan from the outside, you would select the Reverse fans for exhaust and the regular not-Reverse ones for intakes. Of course Thermaltake then ruined this by placing a sticker over the hub, but at least you won't see the hub supports if configured this way.

These are a cheaper version of their SWAFAN which come with both sets of fan blades that are swappable.

 

[Pineapple87]

I have the exact same fans but not reverse. I bought them in a pack of three and used only 2 as my case supports only two 120 mm fans on top. No matter how many of those fans you are connecting to each other, there always be one free male connector on one side on the fans "train" and one female on the other side. And then the you have to connect magnetic cables to male connector, so you still will have female exposed.
More example. I have three of the same reverse fans but 140mm on on the bottom and on the rear od PC case. And I can see female magnetic contacts of the fan, It is okay. If it wasn't then. I suppose, Thermaltake would provide some cover for exposed contacts. Take a look at the photo.
And you can tell that a fan is reverse by looking at its blades. If the look unusual then it is reverse.
First picture is reverse blade.