A question

[Hames1421]

So I've got a pre-built, and the cpu fan isn't the best nor is it quiet, so I've been wanting to switch it with a Noctua Redux fan (80mm). But I've noticed, that the redux only has 3pin, and will most likely not connect into the cpu fan header. So I've been looking at the Noctua NF-A8 PWM fan, 80mm for 18 dollars, kinda overpriced but I it will do. It has a 4pin so I've been wanting to ask if the 4pin could connect to the cpu fan connector, or does it have an extension for it? Let me know and thanks.

Edit: Is it also possible to connect the cpu fan that I've got right now into a 4pin and use it as a normal pc fan?

[thrasher_565]

9 minutes ago, Hames1421 said:

So I've got a pre-built, and the cpu fan isn't the best nor is it quiet, so I've been wanting to switch it with a Noctua Redux fan (80mm). But I've noticed, that the redux only has 3pin, and will most likely not connect into the cpu fan header. So I've been looking at the Noctua NF-A8 PWM fan, 80mm for 18 dollars, kinda overpriced but I it will do. It has a 4pin so I've been wanting to ask if the 4pin could connect to the cpu fan connector, or does it have an extension for it? Let me know and thanks.

Edit: Is it also possible to connect the cpu fan that I've got right now into a 4pin and use it as a normal pc fan?

all 4pin are the same and you can hook a 3 pin to a 4pin just wont have pwm and will run full speed. in the bios you can switch some headers to dc mode and that might get you some controll but pwm is better as 80mm fans are just loud.

[adm0n]

There is a PWM version of it https://www.amazon.com/Noctua-NF-R8-redux-1800-PWM-Performance/dp/B00KF7MVI2

But I'd recommend the pressure optimized NF-A8 PWM

 

It is $4 more expensive, but has over 50% more head pressure.

 

You can compare them here -> https://noctua.at/en/products/fan https://noctua.at/en/products/fan/redux

 

[Sabber]

It will plug in. Any fan header will plug into any of the fan slots. The CPU fan slot connects the fan directly to the CPU ( temperature monitoring ) so it operates at a load suitable to the thermal load being off-put by the CPU. The reaming fan slots connect it to the motherboard, which allows you through bios to have your other fans operate according to the heat being off-put by a different element in the PC ( for example the PCIe slot temperature, or the CPU temperature, etc ). The 3 pin will also plug into the 4 pin but you just wouldn't be able to control the speed and it will run at full power all the time. The 4th pin is for fan speed control ( how fast it spins ), thats why its PWM. Unless the header of the 3 pin blocks out the 4th pin space then yes it wouldn't plug in. Also you can just get the Arctic  BioniX P120 fan for your CPU cooler, unless you want it very very quiet then get the Noctua.