How do I add more fans to my gaming PC?

[jason1297]

I'm building a gaming PC with an ASUS H81m-plus motherboard inside a Corsair spec M2 case.
The MOBO has 1x4 pin chassis fan connector, and the case has 1x3 pin 120mm fan. I understand that the 3 pin fan can go in a 4 pin slot, and I won't be able to control the speed.

The thing is, I want to add 2 more 120mm fans to the chassis. Do I need some kind of splitter, or is my motherboard simply incompatible? If I do need a splitter, will it reduce the speed my fans are running at (one socket supplying power for 3 fans?)

 

[Mr Kagouris]

Using a splitter will result in the fans running at half speed. You should get a fan hub as those handle power and control independently. You can either find an internal one and put that somewhere, or get a 5.25" bay fan controller (easier).

Keep in mind however that additional case fans provide no tangible benefit unless you're running 3-4 graphics cards.

 

[JohnBonhamsGhost]

a nice fan controller:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OEDYHY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_7&smid=AZCEI3EMXUPTH

keeping your case's ambient temperature down by adding extra intake & outtake fans can help dramatically. the air being pulled onto your CPU & GPU will be cooler making it easier to keep them at lower temperatures and the warmer air produced by both will be pulled out & away quicker making the lower ambient temperature easier to maintain.
this can allow for higher overclocks and/or longer lifespan of all components due to the lack of excess heat.

 

[jason1297]

I only have 1 5.25 inch bay, which I'm using for a DVD drive.
Would this do the job?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00D2ZK2VW?keywords=pc%20fan%20hub&qid=1458498626&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1
I don't know how it's powered, though - I really don't know much about fans..

Alternatively, is there a decent motherboard at the £50-60 mark (LGA 1150) with 3 fan sockets?

 

[GhislainG]

I only have 1 5.25 inch bay, which I'm using for a DVD drive.
Would this do the job?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00D2ZK2VW?keywords=pc%20fan%20hub&qid=1458498626&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1
I don't know how it's powered, though - I really don't know much about fans..

Alternatively, is there a decent motherboard at the £50-60 mark (LGA 1150) with 3 fan sockets?

This review explains how it can be powered: http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/5503/nzxt-grid-10-port-fan-hub-review/index.html

 

[jason1297]

I only have 1 5.25 inch bay, which I'm using for a DVD drive.
Would this do the job?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00D2ZK2VW?keywords=pc%20fan%20hub&qid=1458498626&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1
I don't know how it's powered, though - I really don't know much about fans..

Alternatively, is there a decent motherboard at the £50-60 mark (LGA 1150) with 3 fan sockets?

This review explains how it can be powered: http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/5503/nzxt-grid-10-port-fan-hub-review/index.html

So it's powered by a molex connector? Is that the same type of connector a hard drive or internal DVD drive will use?

 

[jason1297]

For a first build, would it just be easier to put up a bit more cash and buy this with 3 chassis fan sockets?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00K7807IK/?tag=pcp0f-21

 

[Mr Kagouris]

keeping your case's ambient temperature down by adding extra intake & outtake fans can help dramatically. the air being pulled onto your CPU & GPU will be cooler making it easier to keep them at lower temperatures and the warmer air produced by both will be pulled out & away quicker making the lower ambient temperature easier to maintain.
this can allow for higher overclocks and/or longer lifespan of all components due to the lack of excess heat.

Yes yes that's all fine and dandy in theory but in practice only 3-4 way SLI/CFX produces enough heat in the case for airflow to make a difference. Real world testing has proven this. Case fans are only good for show under any other circumstances (and assuming normal ambient room temperature).

 

[jason1297]

So the single stock fan in the case will be enough?

 

[Mr Kagouris]

So the single stock fan in the case will be enough?

More than enough yes. Now if you want new fans for the LEDs or for added silence that's a different story, but as far as cooling goes you don't need more.

 

[JohnBonhamsGhost]

So the single stock fan in the case will be enough?

if you are using the system for basic browsing or some light gaming a single outtake fan will suffice. but if doing heavy processing, video editing, or AAA gaming that stresses your CPU and/or GPU you will be better off with an intake with a clear path and a couple outtakes(rear and top are the best placements). real "real world testing" has proven this.