My motherboard has 4 pin headers, but my fans have 3 pin connectors?

[Luke Mardinian]

I have a Fractal Design Define R4 paired with an MSI Gaming 5 Z97 motherboard. On the motherboard there are 4 pins for every SYSFAN connection, but the fans that came with the case only have 3 holes in the connector. I'm confused.

 

[almerac]

your motherboard has PWM connectors. you can connect 3 pin fans and it will work just the motherboard wont be able to dynamically adjust their speed.

you need to buy 4 pin fans to use PWM properly.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_fan_control#Fan_connectors

also Google is your friend

 

[ONKI]

its ok, just put it keeping it left where the clip fits

 

[Karadjgne]

The 3-pin connectors are keyed to a slot on the 4-pin header and require no force to attach, so will only connect in 1 way. If you are trying to force the connections then you are doing it wrong. You'll be ok, no worries.

 

[Luke Mardinian]

The 3-pin connectors are keyed to a slot on the 4-pin header and require no force to attach, so will only connect in 1 way. If you are trying to force the connections then you are doing it wrong. You'll be ok, no worries.

So what I understand is that if I have the 3 pin connectors, I can't control fan speed, does that mean the motherboard can't control it or is there no way for me to slow it down myself with like software or something?

 

[Karadjgne]

Just the cpu_fan header. It depends on the board/bios as to whether or not analog control is available for the system fans.