Using multiple fans via one plug
You should NOT plug more than 2-3 fans in one motherboard fan connector. To a power supply molex connector, you can go nuts, those can handle lots of fans.
Most fan connectors are rated for at least 1A but not much more. Fans usually consume about 0.15-0.25A but right when they start for the first time, for a second or so they use much more current, maybe even more than 0.5A (they have to overcome forces like friction inside the hub and inertia and start spinning the fan, once it spins the current drops).
So if you connect two or three fans, right when you start the pc, the 2-3 fans together will probably load the connector with more than 1A of current for a brief moment, and if the motherboard is properly designed, it will tolerate such momentary burst and then will be able to power those 2-3 fans continuously. If it's a cheaper motherboard, one random time, the connector may become damaged and stop working.
The molex connectors are rated for about 8A of current in complete safety. If you ignore the safety recommendations and don't care if wires between the power supply and the molex connector (or the metal contacts in the connector themselves) overheat, they can do even 10-12A. So basically there's a huge amount of fans that could be connected and not go over that 6-8A value even at the boot time when each individual fan will pull more correct for a brief time.
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now