can a cpu fan port go bad?

[JCROCCO]

I have an older P4 mobo M922LU, and I have a problem with the system and cpu fans not working.

I thought it was a bad CPU fan port. The CPU fan would just stop, and the computer would overheat and freeze up. I doulbe checked the fan in another machine, the fan was good. i swapped out CPU's and the same thing happened. After numerous tests, I concluded the fan port was bad.

I went to connect it to the system port, but would not reach, so I had to splice the connector to get it to reach. This worked for a few months. Now, I was freezing again, and the cpu fan wasnt working. I replaced the fan with a brand new fan, just to be sure. it still wouldnt work.

I connected the system fan to the cpu fan port, and it started to work. The cpu fan was conected to the system fan port, but was not running. I swapped them again so they were on their correct ports, and the cpu fan now connected to the cpu port started to run, for about 15 seconds, then stopped. I played with the wires to make sure I had the 3 wires connected properly, and I used an older fan that I knew worked. I found a combination that seemed to work, so I connected the fan to my new configuration, and it seemed to work, for 1 day. I checked it every so often throughout the day, and it was always on. then the next day, it stopped again.

What could cause this? I dont have any idea.

 

[Rifter]

i have had mobo fan headers go bad in the past, i would get a 3pin to molex connector and just hook it up that way. Just make sure to check your bios for a CPU fan warning and disable it so that it doesnr freak out and beep at you constantly thinking you dont have a CPU fan installed.

 

[JCROCCO]

I was going to do that, but wasnt sure if the power or voltage was higher that way, than thru the fan ports.

So, I attempted to test it with my other fan. I installed the molex connector with the 3 pin connector on it. I noticed it only had two wires connecting to it. I attempted to find which of the 3 wires needed to connect to the two wires, and when I did I shorted the system. UUGGHHH

Last night when it happened and large spark was made, the computer shut down, and I wasnt able to restart it. I hope I can get rid of the short, and try again, by removing the power connector, the memory, and all the cards and reinstall. That has helped in the past. If not, I guess I could have killed my Mobo.

Just in case it isnt killed, Is the power from the molex to the 3pin ok to use for the fan?

I didnt want to test it out by just plugging in my good fan. I was afraid it may ruin the good fan.