Look at this fan header

[Elcs]

As you may be aware by a previous post, I am popping a normal 4 pin PWM header off a PWM fan and attaching a mini 4-pin PWM header to allow me to hook it up to my graphics card giving me temperature controlled airflow.

I need a quick answer to find if this is acceptable.

I have performed the micro-surgery and before I plug it into my HD4870, I want to be sure that its all ok etc.

Anything you need to help you make a decision, name it.

 

[BlueAcolyte]

Just make sure the fan runs at around the same power as the normal fan.

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: BlueAcolyte
Just make sure the fan runs at around the same power as the normal fan.

Well, the old fan is rated for 1A and this one is for 0.07A... should be fine in that respect.

My concern is about the wiring... Between the coloured wires and the white header, that other colour is exposed metal contacts which scares me.

Any thoughts?

 

[Zepper]

Sorry, but it looks like a sad job to me. What did you do, remove the contacts from the original fan shell and try to cram them into the small connector? You should have cut the wires from the stock fan and spliced to the wires of the new fan. Now it looks like you have contacts sticking outside the shell and so close together that they can short. On any connector, the contact pins should fit entirely within the shell, so there's no way they can short. Looks like you messed that shell up good - even if you went back and cut and spliced as you should have from the start, the mini shell may no longer be able to hold the original contacts in place. Connector shells require matching contacts. Tsk, tsk... :roll:

You can get shells and contacts here:
http://www.action-electronics.com/molex.htm#Kk you'll have to call them to see about contacts or if you need the JHS 4-pin shells as they aren't listed on the page. The ones you need are either the JHS or KHS 4-pin female shell (depending on the header's pin spacing (either 2.0 or 2.5mm) and matching contacts - they are well down the page. Not sure of the quantity of either per part no.

.bh.

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: Zepper
Sorry, but it looks like a sad job to me. What did you do, remove the contacts from the original fan shell and try to cram them into the small connector? You should have cut the wires from the stock fan and spliced to the wires of the new fan. Now it looks like you have contacts sticking outside the shell and so close together that they can short. On any connector, the contact pins should fit entirely within the shell, so there's no way they can short. Looks like you messed that shell up good - even if you went back and cut and spliced as you should have from the start, the mini shell may no longer be able to hold the original contacts in place. Connector shells require matching contacts. Tsk, tsk... :roll:

You can get shells and contacts here:
http://www.action-electronics.com/molex.htm#Kk you'll have to call them to see about contacts or if you need the JHS 4-pin shells as they aren't listed on the page. The ones you need are either the JHS or KHS 4-pin female shell (depending on the header's pin spacing (either 2.0 or 2.5mm) and matching contacts - they are well down the page. Not sure of the quantity of either per part no.

.bh.

Well yes, that is what I did. Didnt really work and to start with, that mini-shell was almost impossible to remove.

As stated in the other thread, I am from the UK so that wbesite does not particularly help me... however I do know of what is probably the perfect place to look at.

EDIT: after using my trusty metal ruler, the header is approximately 9mm wide with barely over 1mm distance between each pin. We have a big electronics type store in town and I pass near it every day so I could try and ask there for their stock.

EDIT2: If a picture would help with the ruler for reference, Id be happy to provide one.

 

[Zepper]

Well if it's only a bit over a mm from pin center to pin center, then neither of the ones i mentioned might be right. Take the mini shell with you for comparison at the store.

.bh.

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: Zepper
Well if it's only a bit over a mm from pin center to pin center, then neither of the ones i mentioned might be right. Take the mini shell with you for comparison at the store.

.bh.

Would attempting a pin-splice onto the fan wires and trying the mini shell be hazardous in any way?

If its loose before connection, I wouldnt risk it anyway but if the mini-shell is in a condition whereby it can securely hold new pins inside, would I be ok to use that?

May be able to save myself a small job if that is workable.

 

[Zepper]

If the mini shell can still hold its original pins in place, it should be OK. What you don't want is the contacts to be able to touch each other or push out easily when you put the connector on the header pins. all else fails, I suppose you could hot-glue them in place.

.bh.

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: Zepper
If the mini shell can still hold its original pins in place, it should be OK. What you don't want is the contacts to be able to touch each other or push out easily when you put the connector on the header pins. all else fails, I suppose you could hot-glue them in place.

.bh.

Spliced the wires properly this time, all wired up. Pins arent totally secure.... two of them are slightly loose.I tested the fan and it works when plugged into the graphics card, I am getting it to spin.

With the two pins they way they are, I have disconnected it again. I do not wish to take the risk.

I will take a look to see if I can find replacement pins for it.