[SOLVED] My CPU cooler has 3 fans but came with only a 2-fan splitter - can I use any after-market fan splitter?

[barkersofgeraldine]

Hey team, i just found an interesting oddity in my cpu cooler

ive used this cooler with no problems. it is a Chinese no-brand fan from Alibaba that I purchased for a project system (intel i3-10105f)

the cpu cooler has 3 fans (yes, 3), but only uses a 2-fan splitter, as 2 of the fans are connected to the same "header", and the other fan on its own (so 2 female connectors in total)

I am looking to replace the fan splitter, so now I am wondering if it is safe to use any after-market fan splitter to replace the ones that it came with

tldr; are after-market fan splitters equal? can i use a 2-fan splitter for a 3-fans (since it only has 2 male connectors?

 

[kanewolf]

Hey team, i just found an interesting oddity in my cpu cooler

ive used this cooler with no problems. it is a Chinese no-brand fan from Alibaba that I purchased for a project system (intel i3-10105f)

the cpu cooler has 3 fans (yes, 3), but only uses a 2-fan splitter, as 2 of the fans are connected to the same "header", and the other fan on its own (so 2 female connectors in total)

I am looking to replace the fan splitter, so now I am wondering if it is safe to use any after-market fan splitter to replace the ones that it came with

tldr; are after-market fan splitters equal? can i use a 2-fan splitter for a 3-fans (since it only has 2 male connectors?

With a "no name" device, you can't use a manufacturer webpage to get technical info. You will have to look at the fans and find an amperage. Then you will have to find the amperage your motherboard supports on a fan header. Compare 3x fan amperage against motherboard support. If less than you can swap. If not, then no.

 

[geofelt]

Many motherboards will have multiple fan headers that can be speed controlled.
Just attach the second fan to one of them.

Of interest, can you post a photo of this cooler?
Do you really need it?
I3-10100 retail comes with a perfectly adequate stock cooler.

 

[LordVile]

Chinese no-brand fan from Alibaba

Oh no...