How can I connect a case fan with bare leads to a molex or 3-pin connector?

[Tetsuo316]

Is there a way to connect a fan to the motherboard or power supply if the wires are simply bare leads or do I have to order a molex connector or something?

 

[Supradude]

your gonna need a molex connector or 3 pin connector...
a different alternative is to get a fanbus from 2cooltek.com or make one using guides from sites like virtualhideout.net ... these busses will connect to a molex connector from your psu and supply you with a few (usually 4) audio clip type connectors that will use the bare wire leads...

 

[Tetsuo316]

Does Radio Shack sell either molex or 3-pin connectors, and if they do, do I just insert the bare lead, or is soldering involved?

 

[Supradude]

radio shack does have molex connectors, i believe as a part of a Y-splitter and yes, there will be soldering involved,... however, as an alternative you can always get the "crimp-on" conenctors that will work without soldering for a small loss in electrical conductance... radio shack will have both options...

 

[fast_eddie]

Radio Shack does NOT have the correct Molex connectors for PC power supply harnesses. Their 'imitation' of the Molex connector has different 'indexing' for the mating portion of the plastic connector body. As for the '3-pin' fan connectors (KK-type terminals): Radio Shack has none.
Radio Shack does have Y-type and adapter-type mini harnesses at most stores; a person could 'cobble' & solder to make a proper harness for connecting a fan that has bare wire leads.