adding additional fans

[ghsrocketman]

I was just wondering how I could supply power to addition 80mm fans. It seems like the pin connectors on the fans are smaller than the standard 4 pin connectors you use for harddrives and cd drives.

Also, what's the difference between 3 and 4 pin fans? Does 4 pin fans allow you to control the speed?

How would I wire up the system if I wanted a basic on/off switch for the fans?

Thanks

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by ghsrocketman I was just wondering how I could supply power to addition 80mm fans. It seems like the pin connectors on the fans are smaller than the standard 4 pin connectors you use for harddrives and cd drives.

If the fans use the 3 pin connector you can get 3 to 4 pin power adapters so you can connect the fans to the power supply.

Originally Posted by ghsrocketman Also, what's the difference between 3 and 4 pin fans? Does 4 pin fans allow you to control the speed?

The difference is the 3 pin (with 3 wires) will give you RPM readings, the 4 pin won't. Any fan can be speed controlled whether it's a 3 pin or 4 pin...the speed is controlled by reducing or increasing the voltage to the fans via a rheostat.

Originally Posted by ghsrocketman How would I wire up the system if I wanted a basic on/off switch for the fans?

You could use a fan bus that has rocker or toggle switches. Do a Google search and I'm sure you'll get lots of hits.

Cricket

[ghsrocketman]

Awesome awesome, thanks dude.

[blue60007]

If you are looking for 3-4 pin adapters, look here:

http://www.svc.com/3pinto4pinad.html

or, if you got a couple fans:
http://www.svc.com/du3to4ad.html