Can I install more fans than my motherboard has inputs.

sainsburyambrose

Commendable
Sep 18, 2017
27
0
1,530
Hi, I have recently bought 2 new fans (3 pin) but my motherboard (https://pcpartpicker.com/product/R8M323/asus-motherboard-z170k) only supports 2 case fans and 1 cpu fan, which I already have. Is there anyway to plug my 2 new fans into other ports or into any other sort of power source?
 
Solution
Fan HUB:
https://www.amazon.com/SilverStone-System-Cables-Black-CPF04/dp/B00VNW556I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1509493074&sr=8-2&keywords=fan+hub&dpID=41yV5kjgjRL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
CPF04 is designed for enthusiasts with need for controlling numerous system fans.It is capable of expanding one motherboard PWM fan header to support up to eight fans. Powered directly by SATA cable from the computer power supply and filtered through a built-in 2200μF capacitor, the CPF04 can provide clean, stable voltage to any fan for optimal performance. Equipped with speed detection sensors for accurately controlling eight PWM fans simultaneously, it is an excellent solution for system fan expansion.
Fan HUB:
https://www.amazon.com/SilverStone-System-Cables-Black-CPF04/dp/B00VNW556I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1509493074&sr=8-2&keywords=fan+hub&dpID=41yV5kjgjRL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
CPF04 is designed for enthusiasts with need for controlling numerous system fans.It is capable of expanding one motherboard PWM fan header to support up to eight fans. Powered directly by SATA cable from the computer power supply and filtered through a built-in 2200μF capacitor, the CPF04 can provide clean, stable voltage to any fan for optimal performance. Equipped with speed detection sensors for accurately controlling eight PWM fans simultaneously, it is an excellent solution for system fan expansion.
 
Solution
The simplest way is a 4 pin molex to 3 pin fan cable but you won't have any speed control.
You can get a "Y" splitter to connect 2 fans to one header as well, best used with matching pairs.

Or get a fan controller, there are many different options including the one linked above and a lot of drive bay fan controllers at all kinds of price points and feature sets.