Do you want to know how to attach additional computer system fans to the motherboard? As with any electronic device, it is common practice for computer users to provide their machines with supplemental cooling fans. That’s the case if your system requires extra cooling or if you’re using an air cooler.
There is a wide selection of fans on the market, and many manufacturers provide a wide range of models. If you’re unfamiliar with the idea, I’ll describe how most fans connect to the motherboard via several connections.
There are two different kinds of connections that attach the fans to the motherboard. Connecting the fans to the motherboard’s fan header requires a separate box. Connectors for fans make up the second category. Electrical current is supplied to the fan through its wires.
Tips For Setting Up Computer Fans
There is no computer without a cooling fan. They aid in the dissipation of heat from your motherboard, keeping it cool. Wide varieties of fans exist, each with its unique design and function. For this reason, it is crucial to recognize their distinctions.
In general, there are two types of followers. This is the motherboard’s secondary fan and the fans that cool the CPU. The former is responsible for cooling the CPU, while the latter does the same for the motherboard.
Fans For Computer Processor Cooling
CPU cooling fans are the most ubiquitous kind of fan. Located atop your computer’s central processing unit, this little white fan has a spherical shape. Alternatively, you may call it a heatsink fan. Directing airflow over the chip’s surface helps maintain a consistent temperature. You may find it either within the computer’s casing or out in the open.
Fan Adapters For Motherboards
Another kind of fan is the supplementary motherboard fan. The placement of this supplemental fan close to the power source ensures optimal performance and minimizes overheating throughout the system. The following text is for anyone interested in learning more about this subset of supporters.
Now that the power supply and motherboard are safely installed, you may turn on the cooling fans. Most modern PC cases have two fans built in, one at the front to bring in cool air and the other at the back to vent any excess heat. If you want a PC that runs smoothly and quietly, you may find it helpful to understand how to attach fans to the motherboard. Installing additional fans is simple with many contemporary computer enclosures. Most cases come with enough space for fans, so users never have to worry about their PC overheating.
Read More: Best CPU Cooler For Ryzen 5 5600x
Instructions For Hooking Up Additional Fans To The Motherboard
However, fans can only push air in one direction. That’s why it’s crucial to position them properly so air can move freely within the casing. The airflow direction is indicated via arrows embedded in specific fan blades. If nothing is done, air will rush out the side where the spokes are. Refer to the manual for the fan if you are unsure.
After figuring out where to put the other fans, you’ll need to secure them with screws. You should not overtighten the screws since you will need to remove the fans in the future to clean them. More exhaust fans, rather than intake fans, may enhance airflow since they force air out of the case, increasing the amount of air drawn in by the intake fan.
After the fans have been installed, they must be wired to the motherboard. Most of the fans will have either a three- or four-pin plug. Inspect the motherboard for the proper headers. You may find a schematic of their locations in the motherboard’s documentation; nevertheless, the labels of SYS FAN, PWR FAN, and CHA FAN are the most important things to look for.
A fan extension card is something to think about investing in if you find yourself with more fans than headers on your motherboard can handle. For this to work, however, the EXT FAN header must be on the motherboard. No matter which fan is wired to which location, there will be no problems. Connecting it to the closest accessible header is usually the only issue. Make sure that no fan connectors are connected to the CPU-FAN header.
Where On The Motherboard Do I Connect The Case Fan?
Connect the case fans to the closest fan header on the motherboard to get rid of dangling wires. Use cable ties to keep the fan cords organized, if necessary. A power fan header on the motherboard is also possible. It would help if you didn’t utilize it since its primary purpose is to monitor the power supply fans. Although changing the fan’s speed isn’t possible when using the power fan for your case fan, it is done in a pinch.
If you connect the case fan directly to the power supply unit (PSU), you won’t be able to adjust the fan’s speed. It’s also been pointed out that the fan is permanently set to full throttle. If the motherboard doesn’t have enough fan headers, you may need to connect the fan directly to the power supply unit (PSU).
Can Any Fan Be Used With Any Motherboard?
New 3-pin and 4-pin PWM fans are now available. Modern motherboards include several 4-pin headers with either 3-pin or 4-pin fans; therefore, they should work with any motherboard. To that end, there is no current motherboard that a modern fan won’t work with.
The Motherboard Connection Process For RGB Fans.
Before beginning the connecting process, there are several things to think about. A specific installation method may also be required, depending on the circumstances. You should follow the offered advice to reduce hazards and guarantee safe structuring:
Ensure you keep the RGB fans and anything else provided out of harm’s way. Always keep them far away from any source of direct heat. It is recommended that the RGB fans not be placed too close to the impeller.
When installing your new RGB fans, use the included mounting brackets to secure them to the motherboard. After you’ve connected the RGB fans to your motherboard, you may start using them on your computer. The RGB fans and mounting brackets are kept from any liquid.
The motherboard may work with a variety of RGB fan kinds. They all plug into the motherboard in their unique ways. Connector types typically include three or four pins for connecting to the motherboard.
To use a 3-pin RGB fan, your connection must have space for three wires. A 3-cable connection won’t work with a 4-pin RGB fan. Follow the instructions in the user handbook. But if you follow the right steps, connecting 4-pin RGB fans to your motherboard is simple. Connect the fan’s cable to the motherboard’s header. No further fitting or tool securing is required. Making sure your RGB fans spin at full speed is as simple as plugging their twin 4-pin connection into the motherboard’s header.
Read More: Best CPU Cooler For Ryzen 9 3900x
Conclusion
The computer’s fans play a vital role in the machine’s efficiency. Their job is to prevent the system from overheating. This will ensure that the PC operates at its highest possible level of performance. Because of this, you should familiarize yourself with connecting fans to the motherboard. Improperly installed or connected extra fans might reduce the effectiveness of the system’s overall cooling technique.