Replacing Fractal Define XL R2 default fans by Noctua NF-A14 PWM

[jayhem]

Hi,

I would like to replace my Fractal Define XL R2 default case fans by Noctua NF-A14 PWM. The case comes with a switch to change from 5 to 9 to 12v. Theses are 3pins connector and Noctura are 4pins.

Whats the best way to connect them while keeping the switch capability and the PWM?

Thanks!

 

[n0ns3ns3]

you can plug the new fans to the motherboard and use the manufacturer SW to control their speeds. for more advanced options, use SpeedFan app to control the fans plugged to the motherboard.
Or you can buy NF-A14 non PWM with 3 pin. real world difference is that PWM fans can have lower minimum RPM, but a noisier - i hate PWM clicking.

 

[jayhem]

What would be the best option between PWM and the case manual switch for a 4 GPU rendering machine? Thanks!

 

[n0ns3ns3]

IMHO, whatever can be controlled automatically based on GPU temp is better.
for that, connect the fans to the motherboard and setup the fan profile in SpeedFan that will be based on GPU temperature.

 

[jayhem]

Thanks n0ns3ns3, so just to make sure, with my mother board (Manual here http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/LGA2066/ROG_RAMPAGE_VI_EXTREME/E13932_ROG_RAMPAGE_VI_EXTREME_UM_V2_WEB.pdf) I can plug the 4 motherboard 4 pin to the fans? (CHA_FAN1 / CHA_FAN2 /CHA_FAN3 / H_AMP_FAN) and use Speedfan for dealing with PWM?

 

[n0ns3ns3]

correct, you can also use the pump headers. they are the same just with higher current capability.

 

[jayhem]

I learned a lot today, thanks n0ns3ns3

 

[jayhem]

Oh, last question. Using a Y splitter (https://noctua.at/media/catalog/product/cache/2/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/n/o/noctua_na_syc1_1.jpg) from the mobo will remove the 4th pin capability, correct?

 

[n0ns3ns3]

there are 2 types of those Y splitters - 4pin and 3 pin.
some fans have the splitter included, or you can buy separately. in the later case get the 4pin as they work for both 4pin and 3pin fans.

There is a good chance that you will return with "how to setup SpeedFan" question

 

[jayhem]

With that splitter 4 pin starting from the mother board, then splitting into 2x 4 pins, will the PWM still be working?

 

[n0ns3ns3]

yes, it will work.
I have two of those 4pin splitters (from noctua) in my system as I have to connect 4 fans to 2 headers (small MBs have limited number of headers)