Simple case fan molex issue

[TheReporter]

Hello,

 

I've bought the Noctua NF-F12 PWM to replace the stock front intake fan that came with the case.

The stock fan used a two-pin (?) to molex adaptor to connect to the PSU. However the F12 is a 4-pin. I know I can install 4-pin fans with a 3-pin fan connector to molex but I don't have that.

 

I should also mention all of the motherboard fan connections are being used by the cpu and exhaust fan

 

Will I need to buy an adaptor? If so which kind? I don't need any RPM control I just want the fan to spin.

[RileyTheFox]

4 minutes ago, TheReporter said:

Hello,

 

I've bought the Noctua NF-F12 PWM to replace the stock front intake fan that came with the case.

The stock fan used a two-pin (?) to molex adaptor to connect to the PSU. However the F12 is a 4-pin. I know I can install 4-pin fans with a 3-pin fan connector to molex but I don't have that.

 

I should also mention all of the motherboard fan connections are being used by the cpu and exhaust fan

 

Will I need to buy an adaptor? If so which kind? I don't need any RPM control I just want the fan to spin.

 

Buy a splitter

[Ramaddil]

https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-2-Pack-2-Fan-Splitter/dp/B01DV1Z0Z4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486309721&sr=8-1&keywords=4+pin+fan+splitter

 

Use this and combine your two fans into one plug on the motherboard, each fan plug on the mother board can handle two fans with a splitter.

[TheReporter]

6 minutes ago, EvilCat70 said:

Buy a splitter

Can I not just plug it into molex? 

[TheReporter]

2 minutes ago, Ramaddil said:

https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-2-Pack-2-Fan-Splitter/dp/B01DV1Z0Z4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486309721&sr=8-1&keywords=4+pin+fan+splitter

 

Use this and combine your two fans into one plug on the motherboard, each fan plug on the mother board can handle two fans with a splitter.

Thanks for the link. I was looking to plugging it into molex if it's possible?

[RileyTheFox]

1 minute ago, TheReporter said:

Can I not just plug it into molex? 

Molex does work, it's just better to have a splitter.

[TheReporter]

1 minute ago, EvilCat70 said:

Molex does work, it's just better to have a splitter.

Why is that? Sorry I'm still learning

[RileyTheFox]

Just now, TheReporter said:

Why is that? Sorry I'm still learning

I believe splitters are just safer to use than a Molex (not too sure). If you want to go with Molex do it, but I'd prefer a splitter.

[TheReporter]

1 minute ago, EvilCat70 said:

I believe splitters are just safer to use than a Molex (not too sure). If you want to go with Molex do it, but I'd prefer a splitter.

Makes sense. How would I connect through molex though if I were to do it?

[Ramaddil]

If you use molex the fan will spin at the fastest speed.  4 Pin are PWM which are designed to spin only at what is necessary to cool the PC.  So when the PC is at max usage the fans will be.  When the computer is idle the fans will spin slower.  By using a spliter into the motherboard both fans will spin only at the speed needed.

[RileyTheFox]

Just now, TheReporter said:

Makes sense. How would I connect through molex though if I were to do it?

With Molex, there are female and male connectors. You will need a fan header to Molex connector. Then get the fans you are trying to plug in and connect them through the Molex.

[RileyTheFox]

1 minute ago, Ramaddil said:

If you use molex the fan will spin at the fastest speed.  4 Pin are PWM which are designed to spin only at what is necessary to cool the PC.  So when the PC is at max usage the fans will be.  When the computer is idle the fans will spin slower.  By using a spliter into the motherboard both fans will spin only at the speed needed.

 

 

OP said he doesn't care about RPM

[VVoltor]

2 minutes ago, TheReporter said:

Why is that? Sorry I'm still learning

Because your fan will be spinning at 100% all the time, making way more noise then necessary.

 

Or, if you hook them up to the 5V cable, they won't be able to go faster when the system needs cooling.

 

Connect them to your motherboard and your system will regulate the speed (and noise level) as needed

 

 

[Ramaddil]

https://www.amazon.com/Phobya-Adapter-4Pin-Molex-30cm/dp/B004X2XBMA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1486310288&sr=8-2&keywords=molex+to+pwm

 

If you want it at max RPM and use molex this will do the job.

 

or This

 

https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-2-Pack-3-Fan-Splitter/dp/B01DV1Z0WC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1486310427&sr=8-3&keywords=molex+to+pwm.

[TheReporter]

2 minutes ago, Ramaddil said:

https://www.amazon.com/Phobya-Adapter-4Pin-Molex-30cm/dp/B004X2XBMA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1486310288&sr=8-2&keywords=molex+to+pwm

 

If you want it at max RPM and use molex this will do the job.

 

3 minutes ago, VVoltor said:

Because your fan will be spinning at 100% all the time, making way more noise then necessary.

 

Or, if you hook them up to the 5V cable, they won't be able to go faster when the system needs cooling.

 

Connect them to your motherboard and your system will regulate the speed (and noise level) as needed

 

 

 

4 minutes ago, EvilCat70 said:

With Molex, there are female and male connectors. You will need a fan header to Molex connector. Then get the fans you are trying to plug in and connect them through the Molex.

 

4 minutes ago, Ramaddil said:

If you use molex the fan will spin at the fastest speed.  4 Pin are PWM which are designed to spin only at what is necessary to cool the PC.  So when the PC is at max usage the fans will be.  When the computer is idle the fans will spin slower.  By using a spliter into the motherboard both fans will spin only at the speed needed.

Thanks all I'll be considering all the options and making a decision soon