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Fans connected to mobo

L

Linux2003

Member
I have a PC I'm building using an Antec SLK2600AMB case and 2 80MM Panaflos that came with 3 pin connectors, and a Biostar M7NCG 400 mobo. Just wondering if it's better to run cooling fans for a PC case through the mobo or the molex 4 pin connectors from the PSU.

Plus, what are the advantages/disadvantages of connecting through the mobo and the molex pins from the PSU?
 
Generally it's a better idea to run more powerful fans off of the motherboard. However, if you are running 80mm panaflows you shouldn't have a problem running them off the mobo. You might consider it though if they are the High Output ones (I believe m1a).
 
I agree that you should be fine with those low-draw Panaflos.

The main <U>advantage</U> of using the MB headers is that they usually support fan RPM monitoring, if you are using a 3-wire fan that is set up for this feature. They also, obviously, don't waste a Molex connector off the PSU.

The biggest <U>disadvantage</U> I can think of offhand is that they use some power from the MB. This can be a problem if you're overclocking. (Power fan draw was an issue with certain Epox boards and the "magic" 200FSB. People OCing avoided using the fan headers for this reason, since the fan draw could cause OC settings to fail.)

Plugging a fan that requires a lot of power into a MB header can also damage the header and/or the MB itself.
 
You should be ok with the fans you have posted.

BTW, I'm building an HTPC with the same MB! Nice lil' board, but the worst "manual" I've ever seen!
 
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