3 pin Y splitter cable question....

[BZeto]

I was looking at some 3 pin Y splitter cables and it seems that one of the ends is a normal 3 pin connector, but the other only has 2 pins... I've seen this on every 3 pin Y splitter I've seen... Why? I can still power two regular 3 pin fans with it, right?

Also, one other question, I've heard it is not good to run higher power fans off of the 3 pin connector on the mobo, but to get a 3-4 pin converter and run it from the power supply. I've heard the high power fan can ruin the mobo, is this true? I have an Asus A7V-133 mobo and I am running a 80mm 5700 rpm (I think it only runs at 5200 rpm though) delta fan off of one of the 3 pin connectors on the mobo... will I be ok? Its been running for like 8 months now.... Btw, I have a 300 Watt power supply....if that helps any...

 

[thesilentpc]

One of the leads on a 3-pin connector is for the RPM signal. The motherboard can only read one signal at a time so for that reason only one RPM signal lead on a 3 pin splitter is connected. You can still power two fans without reading the signal from one (or either).

The motherboard may not be able to supply enough current for multiple high-speed fan. Drawing too much current could cause it to fail. If the fan you have connected has been working fine then don?t worry about it. It might be risky use a splitter and connect two high-speed fans to the motherboard. It depends on how much current your fans draw and how much current your motherboard can supply. Usually a motherboards current delivering ability is not specified so if you start connecting too many fans you are taking your chances.

 

[BZeto]

Okay, thanks for clearing that up! I will keep the current high speed fan on its own connector... I will be running two lower speed fans off the other 3 pin connector, so I think it will be ok...

thanks again