Case Fans off of USB Header?

[JTD777]

Hey all, I am drooling over some new tech for my build (Specifically the NZXT Kraken G10 and the Corsiar H110), but I am out of fan ports on my ASRock Extreme4 Z77 mobo. I do have extra USB 2.0 headers though, and am wondering if there is enough power on a header to run my case fans (and power the GPU cooler off the board). I would get a fan controller but I'm out of 5.25" bays XD. Last option is to run off of an extra molex connector off of one of my modular cables, but that doesnt look as clean

Thanks a bunch guys

--J.T.

 

[Markkk]

USB is 5V - Most Case fan are 12V and 1/2 of those require more Amp Power that the USB can offer
You MB may has a Spare CPU Fan Connector if you have not used them all
Otherwise the Floppy pwr Connecter as this is never used anymore if you PSU even has one has one

 

[JTD777]

I have exhausted every plug on the mobo haha. How many case fans can a floppy power support? I've already wire one in but could split it off into several if the amps are right.

 

[mickypheonix]

that is an easy fix JTD777,
you can get molex to fan power adaptors cheaply anywhere ,
you can pwer your fans from a molex from your power supply cable easily and you can get them in 12v , 7v or 5v to slow down fan speed and make them quiet

 

[mickypheonix]

here are some examples ,
you can also buy fan header boards ,

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9_866&products_id=23932
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_1344&products_id=19140
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_1344&products_id=19435
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_1344&products_id=19450

there is many options for you out there , just look at powering your fans from either a powerboard or splitters from existing cables or powered from your power leads 4pin molex

you can get braided cables too in most any color

 

[JTD777]

is there a PCI (NOT PCI-e) card that has fan headers?

 

[mickypheonix]

why do you not want to run a lead from a molex and hide it ? would that not be neater and cheaper than a pci card or a splitter from a 3pin fan connector for more fan headers could you not run a fan splitter from one of your h100i fans in the roof of your case and hide it easily ?

 

[Markkk]

Yes there are PCI Fan Controller cards out there but they do require power also
I used to have a Thermal take one it supported 4 fans and had switches monitor each fan + a fan speed control for the CPU

google - pci fan controller card

 

[JTD777]

Mainly because the one molex plug I have isnt in the most convenient location. Its doable, I just need to get a molex to fan converter that will support 3 (4 if possible) 3 pin fans. I dont care too much about the rpms on these case fans too much. All of the fans where RPMs matter will be plugged into the mobo

 

[JTD777]

MickyPhoenix -- totally spaced on the first link on your post. That looks like it would work -- just would need to wrap in in tape after installing bc it will be floating over my GPU

 

[mickypheonix]

the first link is for a Phobya 4Pin Molex to 6x 3Pin Fan Splitter PCB
they have velcro sticky tabs underneath so you could stick it anywhere in your case , i have used these many times , they work well