Question Problem with preinstalled case fans and VDG ?

[Sandi98]

Hello guys, one question, im first time building a pc, some things are used (gpu, cpu and motherboard (rx 6700 xt-I5 8600K-Z370) psu is a EVGA Super 850w, m.2 1tb ssd and the case is ARCHON 2 mesh rgb I cannot get case fans to work, they are preinstaled 3 rgb fans, i connected them to sata cable for power I guess and the vdg cable to the motherboard but neither do they light up and neither do they spin, does anybody have an idea? Thanks for anything i have no ideas and searched probably the whole web, i know that vdg is for my motherboard since I cant plug the 4 pin (1empty) connector anywhere and the sata cable does work. I guess pcs arent for me haha

 

[Ralston18]

Why are the fans being connected to a SATA cable? SATA from which SATA port?

Look in the motherboard's User Guide/Manual.

There should be some instruction or guidance there regarding how to connect the case fans.

Also look in the case's User Guide/Manual.

Two things: 1) that the 3 fan configuration is supported by the motherboard and, 2) that you made the proper connections.

Another thought: are you sure that the SATA cables are correct and work?

 

[Misgar]

There's a warning here about NOT connecting the VDG cable to a normal mobo fan header. By the sounds of it, this action will destroy the RGB controller. Take care.
https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/where-do-i-plug-the-vdg-cable-on-this-motherboard.3693149/

 

[Sandi98]

Why are the fans being connected to a SATA cable? SATA from which SATA port?

Look in the motherboard's User Guide/Manual.

There should be some instruction or guidance there regarding how to connect the case fans.

Also look in the case's User Guide/Manual.

Two things: 1) that the 3 fan configuration is supported by the motherboard and, 2) that you made the proper connections.

Another thought: are you sure that the SATA cables are correct and work?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/886693.pdfThe fans come with the sata male connector that plugs into sata power connector on the psu shown on the manual, and the vdg i also connected to the mobo like shown in the manual why would i burn the controller?

 

[Ralston18]

First Mode or Second Mode?

I believe that you are using Second Mode - is that correct?

This Motherboard?

https://download.gigabyte.com/FileList/Manual/mb_manual_z370-aorus-gaming-7_1003_181029_e.pdf

(You mentioned vdg and per the case manual that implies a Gigabyte Motherboard and Second Mode.)

If that is not the motherboard then post the applicable make, model, and version of the motherboard.

As for the fans and lights not working then one possible cause is indeed some misconnection.

And misconnections can cause damage per @Misgar 's post.

Two issues:

1) What is the exact cable connection path necessary to make the fans both run and light up?

2) Are the correct connectors and cables being used to make those connections?

Late thought - PSU?

This PSU?

PSU (Amazon link)

Modular PSU - did you use only the SATA cables that came with the PSU?

Hopefully problem is simply some error of omission or commission.

My recommendation is to reread all the applicable User Guides/Manuals and double check what you have done.

Including all connectors and cables and pinouts.

Sketch it out in detail.

 

[Misgar]

One of the pins on a standard mobo fan header sits at +12V with the ability to supply several Amps to power a normal cooling fan.

If you connect this +12V low impedance supply rail to the logic circuits of an RGB controller or LEDs, "magic smoke" may appear.

It only takes an instant to burn out a controller chip or LEDs if you abuse them by connecting to a supply rail with a significantly higher voltage and current capability than they're expecting.

If you've already connected the RGB controller or LEDs to the wrong header, you may have destroyed the circuits.

Logic gate inputs should be connected to logic gate outputs. LEDs should be connected to controller outputs, not directly to +12V DC supply rails. It's basic electronics.

I do wish motherboard designers would take more care and make their connections fool proof by fitting completely different (incompatible) headers, so mistakes cannot be made by the unwary.

 

[Sandi98]

First Mode or Second Mode?

I believe that you are using Second Mode - is that correct?

This Motherboard?

https://download.gigabyte.com/FileList/Manual/mb_manual_z370-aorus-gaming-7_1003_181029_e.pdf

(You mentioned vdg and per the case manual that implies a Gigabyte Motherboard and Second Mode.)

If that is not the motherboard then post the applicable make, model, and version of the motherboard.

As for the fans and lights not working then one possible cause is indeed some misconnection.

And misconnections can cause damage per @Misgar 's post.

Two issues:

1) What is the exact cable connection path necessary to make the fans both run and light up?

2) Are the correct connectors and cables being used to make those connections?

Late thought - PSU?

This PSU?

PSU (Amazon link)

Modular PSU - did you use only the SATA cables that came with the PSU?

Hopefully problem is simply some error of omission or commission.

My recommendation is to reread all the applicable User Guides/Manuals and double check what you have done.

Including all connectors and cables and pinouts.

Sketch it out in detail.

Yes the 2nd scheeme, i dont know, maybe it is the vdg’s fault, or maybe its me, but in the end I had the pc checked by my gf who is a computer technic (at first I wanted to ba a strong independent man, but didnt work out😂) i will try to get some new fans and that is it, if I get new fans I normally just plug them on sys fan and that is it?

 

[Ralston18]

Reference:

" i will try to get some new fans and that is it, if I get new fans I normally just plug them on sys fan and that is it?"

At one time or another we could generally do such things just as a matter of of course.

Not any more - quite a bit has changed and there is much to be said for reading the User Guides/Manuals etc..

Especially the fine print along with the caveats and warnings that so often appear. And sometimes include going on line for more "up-to-date" information.

Will concede that I am overly cautious. But seeing sparks and smoke generally does not end well.

 

[Misgar]

If you use bog standard fans without any fancy lighting effects, with 3-way or 4-way connections, then it should be safe to connect them to the motherboard Case Fan headers.

Anything else and you're liable to blow things up if you make the wrong connections.

Do as Titan says. Read carefully, research on the internet, ask a second opinion from a local expert, think very carefully and only then plug things in.

If you have already destroyed some of the components on your motherboard, you may be doomed to failure even with new fans.

What is more important? A computer that stays cool and works normally, or one that glows in the dark and costs loads of money in replacement parts if you get things wrong? Buy some Christmas tree fairy lights and drape them round the case.