Case Fans 3 or 4 Pin Splitter?

[Steve N. Mavronis]

Straighten me out on case fan connections. The ASUS Z170i Pro Gaming motherboard has 1 CPU 4-pin fan header, and 2 case 4-pin fan headers, one next to the CPU fan header at the top rear and one at the bottom next to the PCIe slot. I'm starting a build in the Phanteks Evolv ITX. I might want to remove the stock 200mm intake fan and replace it with dual 140mm fans, plus install a rear 140mm fan for 3 fans total. I'm using the Thermalright Silver Arrow ITX cooler on the CPU fan header. 

 

The stock Phanteks Evolv ITX 200mm intake fan (PH-F200SP) and optional 140mm fans (PH-F140SP - $15 each or $25 for 2-pack) both fan specifications say 'speed sensor' is 3-pin.

 

Phanteks sells 2 Fan Splitter cables (PH-CB-Y3P 3-Pin y-splitter for $3, and PH-CB-Y4P 4-Pin y-splitter for $5) - "The Y-Splitter allows you to connect 2 fans to one fan header. Phanteks Y splitter can also be used with other 3-pin (PH-CB-Y3P) or 4-pin (PH-CB-Y4P) fans as well, maximizing the amount of fans you can have in your build."

 

Phanteks also sells a PWM Fan Hub (PH-PWHUB) for $15 with "6 fan headers allowing for up to 12 fans or 30 watts of consumed power. The package also includes 2 3-pin splitters for a total of 8 connections without needing to purchase additional splitters. Mounting can be done on any Enthoo Series case with the provided screws or any other case using the universal mounting strips. The Phanteks PWM Fan Hub is capable of powering up to *11x fans (3-pin) through PWM modulation, while occupying only 1x 4-pin header of your motherboard per Fan Hub. At the same time this Fan Hub also keeps your chassis interior clean and tidy by centralizing all your fan cables. The PWM hub comes with pre-drilled mounting holes for easy installation to your Enthoo cases and also Velcro strips for use with other chassis. Power LED illuminates the Phanteks Logo when the PWM hub is powered on."

 

I plan on buying the Phanteks Evolv ITX Bundle for $85 today or tomorrow for the included 140mm fan (for the rear exhaust) and drive bracket. If I buy an additional 140mm 2-pack for $25 to replace the stock 200mm intake fan, do you recommend one of the Y-splitters 3 or 4 pin version, or their PWM fan hub with only 3 case fans?

[Leonard]

The choice really is depending on your future upgrade choices. 

 

If you go with the splitter, It is best to get the 4 pin splitter over the 3 pin as it would be able to accommodate 3 & 4 pin fans and the 3 pin splitter will only work with 3 pin fans. 

 

The fan hub might be best as it can accommodate more fans than the splitter and is 4 pin.

[Steve N. Mavronis]

Just now, Leonard said:

The choice really is depending on your future upgrade choices. If you go with the splitter, It is best to get the 4 pin splitter over the 3 pin as it would be able to accommodate 3 & 4 pin fans and the 3 pin splitter will only work with 3 pin fans. The fan hub might be best as it can accommodate more fans than the splitter and is 4 pin.

Thanks I only plan on using up to 2 intake fans and 1 exhaust fan. I wasn't 'exactly sure' if the 4-pin splitter works with two 3 pin fans attached. I know the 4-pin motherboard fan header works with a single 3-pin fan. Thanks for clarifying!

[airdeano]

use a 4-pin, they are universal to use with 3 or 4-pin fans. so later if you replace with PWM, then you are covered.

[Leonard]

3 minutes ago, Steve N. Mavronis said:

Thanks I only plan on using up to 2 intake fans and 1 exhaust fan. I wasn't 'exactly sure' if the 4-pin splitter works with two 3 pin fans attached. I know the 4-pin motherboard fan header works with a single 3-pin fan. Thanks for clarifying!

Any 4 pin splitter/hum will work with a 3 pin fan but what will vary is if you will be able to adjust the 3 pin fan's speed to any random speed. The Splitter will be used through a software, setting fan curves according to temperature and only the 3pin fans that allow speed adjustments will work with the splitter method but the hub does the same but by volts and not by a software. 

 

If you want to control the fans via a software, i do because it is easier than turning dials, you can also use a 4 pin splitter that supports 4 fans and only use the slots you need. PWM fan splitter example 1 & 2 i use both at the same time, 1 splitter per MOBO PWM header. I run 8 fans in my system and they are all PWM.