[SOLVED] How to add 3 MSI B450M case fans on it's one system fan header?

[timiop2018]

I am currently building a PC which I intend to overclock to around 4GHz using the Ryzen 5 1600AF on the MSI B450M, with a Gammaxx 400 CPU cooler, one integrated cougar mg120-g case fan, and two additional Corsair AF140 case fans. The MSI B450M motherboard has one fan header for the CPU cooler which I've plugged the Gammaxx 400 into, and one system fan header, but I have 3 system fans in total. I'm not comfortable getting a 3 way splitter and running all 3 case fans off the 1 header because the total amperage would be getting very close towards the maximum capability of the header. I also don't want to connect the fans directly to the PSU via molex because then there would be no speed control and I don't want constant fan noise because they are running at full power all the time. Is there any kind of powered splitter or something similar that I can buy to run all 3 case fans off the one system fan mobo header, but with some headroom? The case fans are all 3 pin fans.
I am unfamiliar with fan splitting because I've never had to deal with not having enough headers before. If anyone can kindly suggest what I need to buy, thanks in advance!

 

[Karadjgne]

Depends on the fans themselves. If all 3 are pwm, that's easy enough for a powered hub to split up pwm signals via software. If any of them are 3pin DC fans, that limits options unless all 3 are DC, in which case you can use a DC powered hub but you'd only get low-med-high speeds unless you spring big $ for a DC controller.

8 Ports 3pin TX3 CPU Cooler / Case Cooling Fan Power Cable Hub Splitter Adapter w/ 12V/7V Switch,Power by IDE Molex 4pin - OEM https://www.newegg.com/product/9SIACJF5HR6826?ignorebbr=1&m_ver=1

https://www.ebay.com/itm/303117791845

I'd opt for the Phanteks personally, it offers automatic control, but all fans will respond to the same voltage since it's connected to a single header.

 

[Paperdoc]

I fully agree with Karadjne's recommendation of the Phanteks Universal Fan Controller. It is one of the VERY few units that CAN power and control many 3-pin fans from a single mobo header. Moreover, this unit is the new and much improved version of a previous Phanteks product, the PWM Hub. It was smaller and simpler, really provided only 3-pin Voltage Control Mode outputs, and required a 4-pin mobo header operating in PWM Mode, This new one can use either type of mobo header as host, and provides true 3- and 4-pin outputs.

 

[timiop2018]

Thanks for your advice. I've looked further into my case specs and I've seen the case fan in the Cougar MG120G is rated at 0.16A, which means that it should be fine to run all 3 fans off the single header as the other 2 corsair fans I want to use in the build are rated at 0.3A each. So I will just buy a 3 way y splitter.

 

[Paperdoc]

Yes, that can work, since you have figured out the max current load. One note, in case you have not checked. IF all your fans are of the 4-pin PWM type, then set your mobo header to use that Mode of control. BUT if any of the fans are 3-pin, their speeds can be controlled ONLY if the header uses the older Voltage Control Mode (aka DC Mode). So if they all are 3-pin, OR if you have a mix, set the header to DC Mode. A 4-pin fan's speed still can be controlled that way, even if it is not ideal. For a mixture, "ideal" would be two fan groups on separate headers but you cannot do that. Second-best is that universal Hub that can deal with each fan type in the best way. But your plan with a Splitter (certainly cheaper) WILL work, no matter which type or mix you have, if you set the correct header Mode.