When I replace a case fan, does it have to be the same amps rating?

[bookysocks]

I have a computer that is several years old. The case fan went T. U. so I want to replace it but I can't find a fan that is rated at 0.30A. Do I need the same amps or can I go lower? Does the new fan have to have 3 wires also or can it have two? What is the net effect?

THX

[Panama Red]

A fan with lower amperage should be no problem at all. One with higher amp draw may be a concern due to the mobo circuit's ability to support higher current without burning something up. Even that is highly unlikely tho. A 3 wire connection is for fan speed monitoring. One wire is the 12v +, one the 12v -, and the third is the speed detection. Running without speed detection is not a problem. Check in your bios for the fans that are monitored. If the case fan is listed you may need to Disable the monitoring to prevent a naggin pop up or beep code.

[bookysocks]

Thx