Motherboard PS fan connection?

[CyberCowboy]

I have an MSI motherboard and it has a PS fan connection.
What is this fan connection used for? my power supply doesn't have a fan connection.

or can I just plug any fan into this connection?

 

[minendo]

Originally posted by: CyberCowboy
I have an MSI motherboard and it has a PS fan connection.
What is this fan connection used for? my power supply doesn't have a fan connection.

or can I just plug any fan into this connection?

Some PSUs (such as Antec) have Smart Fan. The smart fan is thermally controlled and includes a sensor wire from the PSU that is plugged into the motherboard so readings can be made in the bios. You can use the connector on the motherboard for any fan, but just realize it will register as PSU fan speed.

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: CyberCowboy
I have an MSI motherboard and it has a PS fan connection.
What is this fan connection used for? my power supply doesn't have a fan connection.

or can I just plug any fan into this connection?

Some power supplies do have the connector, just for monitoring the RPM's of the fan in it, like Antec's Truepower 430. Some others simply don't have it.

Yes, you can use this for regular case fans if you choose to. Just be aware that these things have a limit on the amount of power they can put out - too much draw, and it can damage the motherboard. Anything more than a regular 80mm fan should use an adapter to connect to the molex connectors, which are the kind that power the hard drive and CD/DVD drives. The exact current draw allowed varies by manufacturer though.

 

[CyberCowboy]

thanks.
I am thinking of getting one of those antec true power psu's.
until then, i'll just connect my side fan to that connection.