Connecting PWM + 3 Pin Fan with Y-Splitter?

[Belial88]

I would like to connect a 3pin and 4pin PWM fan to the same motherboard connector. I wasn't going to use a Y splitter, I was actually planning on just splicing them together, but I could make a y-splitter.

This motherboard connector can control both 3PIN or 4pin fans, so it would be fine if I could make the PWM fan just a 3pin fan (but I believe the internals and wiring isn't set the same?).

And before anyone says 1 fan to 1 header, the motherboard is rated for over 1A per channel, 2 mid-speed 120mm fans aren't going to be going over that at all.

Thanks.

ps. I am aware of fan controller's, other motherboard headers, etc. I ask this question because, due to my particular circumstances, this is the most preferable option. I already have 10 case fans, I have 2 fan controllers, and already a few things hooked up to the motherboard. I know what my other options would be if I can't do this, but this is what I'd like to do, so please no responses of 'get a fan controller' or 'why not get a pwm fan' or something equally useless. In short, these 2 fans are located somewhere, where wiring would be best and easiest if they were hooked up to the same header, and they are custom fans so using another fan isn't an option. It's not the end of the world if this can't be done, but it'd make things easier and I know what my options are.

 

[dma0991]

I'd rather keep it simple and go with a Y-splitter. The reason is that splicing and connecting 2 fans ain't worth the effort and aesthetics. It would be an entirely different case if it were 3 or 4 radiator fans, especially if they have a negative impact on the neatness of wiring.

 

[Nec_V20]

I have loads of Y-Splitters from the Noctua fans and if you want to PM me your address I have no problem sending you one.

They are nicely sleeved and it should work a treat.

I could also send you one of the 300 mm extension cables if it would help keep your build tidy.

As it is they are just lying around in a box.

 

[Belial88]

I'd rather keep it simple and go with a Y-splitter. The reason is that splicing and connecting 2 fans ain't worth the effort and aesthetics. It would be an entirely different case if it were 3 or 4 radiator fans, especially if they have a negative impact on the neatness of wiring.

The connector is actually hidden, so there would be no aesthetic issue (how is a motherboard header hidden? It is, don't ask).

 

[dma0991]

The connector is actually hidden, so there would be no aesthetic issue (how is a motherboard header hidden? It is, don't ask).

I didn't say that it would cause an aesthetic issue. I said that it isn't worth it(time and trouble) for aesthetics purposes if its only two fan headers.

 

[Belial88]

There isn't much trouble to just stick a xacto knife or pin into the socket pins. I've custom sleeved every case wire, fan, power supply cable, extensions, etc, for multiple builds now, so I'm pretty quick with removing/adding headers. Most of the time I just slice them off and if I have to put it back on later (which isn't often) I just strip, crimp/solder onto pin, put back into plug. Usually I can just stick the connector into another connector (ie I just stick naked wires into molex and secure with tape, it'll be forever behind panel anyways, or like with the splicing of the fans, I just unravel the 3 pin metal header and shove it into the other 3 pin).

I messaged that guy about the y splitter, that'd actually work for me, although I think I would have to pull out the speed control and speed sense pins on the PWM fan, which is exactly what I'm doing anyways (except jamming the other 2 headers 12v/ground into the 3pin).

But yea, to answer my own question, the answer is no you can't unless you turn the PWM fan into a 2 or 3 pin fan effectively (depending on which fan you wanted to have speed monitoring still).