fan splitter question

[ronaldy27]

Hi first of all, hi everyone, I'm new to this forum.
I'm also very new to computer building.
I believe my motherboard has only one 4 pins that I can use to plug a fan. Currently my CPU fan is plugged in.

I'm looking for a fan splitter. Now, if I buy a splitter with 4 pins. Is it okay to use fans with 3 pins?

Also I did some research and found splitters called Y splitter, and I have no idea what that is. If you have time and are a computer enthusiast, educate me. Thanks in advance!!!!

 

[Ubrales]

Welcome to Tom's Hardware Forums!

Yes you can use a "Y" splitter for the fans. A Y splitter as the name suggests splits one fan connector into two.

Another way to connect fans is by usinf a Molex cable with multiple Molex connectors.

 

[Ubrales]

Here is a good video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaTpiFh8Ivg

 

[ronaldy27]

Thanks for your reply! As far as molex, since my fan will be connected to the PSU, the speed won't be controlled right? I heard from somewhere that it's not good to buy a splitter with like 5 fan headers because it will put too much stress on the motherboard. Is this true? Is it okay to buy a splitter with 5 headers and put 5 fans

 

[Ubrales]

Thanks for your reply! As far as molex, since my fan will be connected to the PSU, the speed won't be controlled right? I heard from somewhere that it's not good to buy a splitter with like 5 fan headers because it will put too much stress on the motherboard. Is this true? Is it okay to buy a splitter with 5 headers and put 5 fans

The fan headers on the motherboard are designed for one fan per header. If you want multiple fans, then use a cable plugged into the PSU and connect as many fans as you like to this cable. Yes the fans will run at full speed and this will improve the air flow inside the case. (You may have to put up with some noise).

 

[ronaldy27]

okay then which fans should I buy? I need 120 mm case fans. Since it'll be connected to the psu, it will be fully blowing. Should I buy those with high rpms or low?

 

[Ubrales]

okay then which fans should I buy? I need 120 mm case fans. Since it'll be connected to the psu, it will be fully blowing. Should I buy those with high rpms or low?

The objective behind fans is to increase the air flow. Personally, I prefer high flow fans (65 CFM or higher).

Here is a list of 120 mm fans: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007998%20600035590&IsNodeId=1&name=120mm

I prefer Cooler Master fans for price/performance.

 

[ronaldy27]

Okay, i guess I'll do that. My case can have up to 6 fans. I guess I'll buy like 4 and connect all of them directly to the PSU. I think my computer came with some splitters or extentions so hopefully, it won't be a problem connecting the fans. I'm just a bit upset that my motherboard doesn't have several headers. Is it common for motherboards to have only one CPU header?

 

[ronaldy27]

Also I should get some filters for the intake fans?

 

[Ubrales]

Also I should get some filters for the intake fans?

Filters will throttle the air flow. Screens don't do much. Just the protective mesh grill on the case is fine. Once a month take off the side panel and carefully use a can of compressed air to clean out the dust that accumulates inside especially on the heatsink fins. When you use compressed air make sure that the fans are prevented from spinning as a result of the air (the fan speed may exceed the deign RPM and may ruin the bearings).

 

[ronaldy27]

Yeah I wanted to ask you about cleaning the computer. The other day i noticed a lot of dust and and some hair. You suggest me to use compressed air when the computer is running or turned off? Also how far off from the computer should I use the compressed air to prevent the liquid from damaging the computer.

 

[Ubrales]

Compressed air, not liquid, and the computer must be OFF. Open the side cover for access to internal parts. Be careful when you do the air blow off cleaning.