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4-pin 120mm Fan Volt Mod Question

A

amdnVuser

Senior member
So is this what I'd need to slow down my loud 120mm fan (a 4-pin to 3-pin adapter, the ZM-MC1, and then give it 5V instead of 12V)? I have a Lian-Li PC-V1000, and the included 120mm fans are permanently attached. The rear is a 3-pin fan whereas the front is a 4-pin.

4-pin to 3-pin adapter

Zalman ZM-MC1
 
Actually if you have a fan using a 4 pin molex connector right now, you can find some guides on SilentPCReview.com on how to switch the molex connectors to get 5V - that'd be cheapest. The Zalman MFC-1 could also be used with the 120mm fan if you do get that 4-3 pin adapter - it'd give you the most control over the speed (and noise) of your fan.
 
Originally posted by: ariafrost
Actually if you have a fan using a 4 pin molex connector right now, you can find some guides on SilentPCReview.com on how to switch the molex connectors to get 5V - that'd be cheapest. The Zalman MFC-1 could also be used with the 120mm fan if you do get that 4-3 pin adapter - it'd give you the most control over the speed (and noise) of your fan.
Click to expand...

Yes, I found this article on their site. However, since my 4-pin fan is permanently attached, I'd prefer not to have to disconnect the Molex connector, cut the cables, etc. If it were detachable, no problem if I f*ck up...just buy another. In addition, I didn't want to spend ~$30 on the MFC-1. Thus, will the following do the trick?

4-pin to 3-pin adapter

Zalman ZM-MC1
 
Yeah, the setup will work. I use both Zalman ZM-MC1 and Zalman FanMate 2. MC1 gives you only 5V and 12V If you want to change speed, you have to change a plug. For a buck more, FanMate 2 gives you continuous adjustment between 5-11V
 
I guess the FanMate 2 is an option. I didn't even realize they sold those separately. I've already tried connecting the rear fan to the ZM-MC1 that came with my VF700-AlCu, and I like the noise/cfm ratio I get at 5V. Do you think I really need a lot of air blowing over my 36.7GB Raptor in the front (bare in mind I have the Lian-Li PC-V1000, with drilled ventilation holes all over the front, bottom, and rear of the case).
 
Only you can answer your own question.

In air-cooled setup, there is always a trade-off between temperature and noise. I switched sides from loud-but-cool to quiet-but-warm, because the noise drove me nuts. I am perfectly willing to let my 2200XP-M fry at 47C, and my HD cook at 43C all night long, as long as I bearly hear any noise. Both temps may be too high for some, but they are within the manufacturer's operating range. You have to decide what noise/temp trade-off is acceptable to you.
 
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