Question Can case fans be plugged into any Motherboard headers?

[MrLMF]

My motherboard (as far as I can see) only has 1 fan "header". However, I am looking to add a few more fans to my case, and am wondering if i can power them in any of the other headers (which aren't labelled fan headers).. can i? ALSO, would getting a fan-splitter solve the problem, and do you have any recommendations/advice about going down that route.

My motherboard: Gigabyte H310M H

Thanks

 

[Eximo]

No you can't just plug fans into random connectors.

That board has a CPU header and a Sys_fan header, that is it.

You can safely split each fan header once for a total of 4 fans (one would follow your CPUs speed). If you want more than that, get a separate fan hub or controller.

A controller will be independent of the system and gets power from the power supply.

A hub would let you plug in many fans, and usually, plug into one fan header on the motherboard for control. Power also comes from the power supply, so it is safe to have (usually 7) fans on one.

As for which products, depends on what fans and how fancy you want it to be.

 

[MrLMF]

No you can't just plug fans into random connectors.

That board has a CPU header and a Sys_fan header, that is it.

You can safely split each fan header once for a total of 4 fans (one would follow your CPUs speed). If you want more than that, get a separate fan hub or controller.

A controller will be independent of the system and gets power from the power supply.

A hub would let you plug in many fans, and usually, plug into one fan header on the motherboard for control. Power also comes from the power supply, so it is safe to have (usually 7) fans on one.

As for which products, depends on what fans and how fancy you want it to be.

Thanks for the reply. I have been looking at some of the options you mentioned, (specifically the molex and sata fan splitters). If I were to get one, how many 120mm fans could i safely power by either molex or sata, and also, do I still get to control all the fans in my BIOS.

Also, it would be appreciated if you said what is the "best" option for me to go down, seeing as I need to plug 3 intake and 1 outtake 120mm fans into one sys_fan header. Thanks

 

[CountMike]

Thanks for the reply. I have been looking at some of the options you mentioned, (specifically the molex and sata fan splitters). If I were to get one, how many 120mm fans could i safely power by either molex or sata, and also, do I still get to control all the fans in my BIOS.

Also, it would be appreciated if you said what is the "best" option for me to go down, seeing as I need to plug 3 intake and 1 outtake 120mm fans into one sys_fan header. Thanks

molex and sata fan splitters wouldn't let you adjust fan speeds or monitor them, they would run full speed only.
4 fans may be too much for one Sys_fan header.

 

[Eximo]

I can't say how many you can safely run without complete specs on the power supply, the power draw of the fans, and also the splitter you intend to use.

Again, it depends on what you want to spend and what you want the controller or splitter to be capable of.

There are many types of fan. 4-pin PWM, 3-pin, RGB fans, direct molex fans (which is also an option)

Easily spend $150 on four fans and a controller...

The 'cheap' option:

https://www.amazon.com/SilverStone-...3?keywords=nzxt+fan+hub&qid=1580243833&sr=8-3

 

[MrLMF]

molex and sata fan splitters wouldn't let you adjust fan speeds or monitor them, they would run full speed only.
4 fans may be too much for one Sys_fan header.

No, I mean powering the fans via Sata/Molex - but also connecting a singular wire to the sys_fan header,

I can't say how many you can safely run without complete specs on the power supply, the power draw of the fans, and also the splitter you intend to use.

Again, it depends on what you want to spend and what you want the controller or splitter to be capable of.

There are many types of fan. 4-pin PWM, 3-pin, RGB fans, direct molex fans (which is also an option)

Easily spend $150 on four fans and a controller...

The 'cheap' option:

https://www.amazon.com/SilverStone-...3?keywords=nzxt+fan+hub&qid=1580243833&sr=8-3

Unfortunately I don't seem to find an equivalent in the UK - would something like this work? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Akasa-AK-C...ords=sata+fan+splitter'&qid=1580243978&sr=8-3

 

[CountMike]

No, I mean powering the fans via Sata/Molex - but also connecting a singular wire to the sys_fan header,

No, that could be done only thru some fan controller.

 

[Eximo]

Unwise:
Basically trying to run 4/5 fans off the header alone.

https://www.amazon.com/ThreeBulls-C...?keywords=nzxt+fan+hub&qid=1580243833&sr=8-12

Amazon.com: PWM Fan Hub, PC CPU Cooling 4 PIN/3PIN Fan Power Cable Hub Splitter Adapter 1 to 4 Converter Sleeved PWM Case Fan Splitter for 12V Desktop Computer Cooler Case Fans (2Pack, 15.8 Inch): Computers & Accessories

Buy PWM Fan Hub, PC CPU Cooling 4 PIN/3PIN Fan Power Cable Hub Splitter Adapter 1 to 4 Converter Sleeved PWM Case Fan Splitter for 12V Desktop Computer Cooler Case Fans (2Pack, 15.8 Inch): Case Fans - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Independent operation, you still have speed control, but not tied to the system:

https://www.amazon.com/Phanteks-Uni...?keywords=nzxt+fan+hub&qid=1580243833&sr=8-15

Pricy, with RGB and everything, but you will need to pick iCue compatible fans.

https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Fan-...4?keywords=nzxt+fan+hub&qid=1580243833&sr=8-4

I've seen these mounted in a few chassis, but not sure how effective they are:

Amazon.com: Maxmoral 1-Pack 10 Way 4Pin PWM PC Fan Hub with Cable Computer Cooling Fan Power Cable Extender PCB Adapter SATA 1 to 10 Multi Way Splitter: Home & Kitchen

Buy Maxmoral 1-Pack 10 Way 4Pin PWM PC Fan Hub with Cable Computer Cooling Fan Power Cable Extender PCB Adapter SATA 1 to 10 Multi Way Splitter: Computers & Accessories - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

There is one more type, but they aren't too common anymore. A potentiometer per channel which uses direct resistance to reduce the voltage going to the fan. Usually mounted in 5 1/4 bays, some were analog, some digital.

 

[Eximo]

No, I mean powering the fans via Sata/Molex - but also connecting a singular wire to the sys_fan header,

Unfortunately I don't seem to find an equivalent in the UK - would something like this work? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Akasa-AK-CBFA07-45-Flexa-Splitter-Cable/dp/B008PO4X2E/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=sata+fan+splitter'&qid=1580243978&sr=8-3

I don't really like the look of that. Crimped SATA connectors are notorious for shorting out and catching fire. I only trust the ones that come on power supplies and more expensive pumps and fan hubs.

 

[Eximo]

Try these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thermaltak...5?keywords=fan+hub+pwm&qid=1580244449&sr=8-15

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ILS-Contro...0?keywords=fan+hub+pwm&qid=1580244449&sr=8-10

https://www.amazon.co.uk/DKEY-Speed...6?keywords=fan+hub+pwm&qid=1580244512&sr=8-56

 

[MrLMF]

I can't say how many you can safely run without complete specs on the power supply, the power draw of the fans, and also the splitter you intend to use.

Again, it depends on what you want to spend and what you want the controller or splitter to be capable of.

There are many types of fan. 4-pin PWM, 3-pin, RGB fans, direct molex fans (which is also an option)

Easily spend $150 on four fans and a controller...

The 'cheap' option:

https://www.amazon.com/SilverStone-...3?keywords=nzxt+fan+hub&qid=1580243833&sr=8-3

Oh nevermind haha - I have found two alternatives. Which would you recommend, thanks!

1. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thermaltak...or+PWM+Fans&qid=1580244243&s=computers&sr=1-4

2. https://www.amazon.co.uk/DEEPCOOL-F...or+PWM+Fans&qid=1580244243&s=computers&sr=1-5

 

[Eximo]

Both seem decent enough. Wire size on the SATA connectors is a good indicator for being able to handle substantial power draw.