Connecting Lots of Fans

[spudmurf2k]

Can anyone tell me how to connect 5 3-pin case fans to my power supply?

[juppy]

There are several ways. For one, you can buy a flow-through adapter for each fan and daisy chain them together on one power lead off of the PS. These adapters change the 3 pin style plug to a 4 pin molex (like is on the PS) and each one has a male and female combination plug, so they just plug into each other. Depending on how much current each fan draws you may have to hook them up to two different power leads on the PS (I'm not sure what the limit is for each power lead). Another way is to install a fan bus. It's a small box with a bunch of quick clips (kinda like the ones you hook the wires from stereo speakers in on the back of a large stereo unit). You just cut the plug off of the case fan and plug the wires into the fan bus for power. One power lead off of the PS goes over to the bus to supply it. hth

[spudmurf2k]

I don't really get this whole fan connector business. Say I wanted to connect one case fan on it's own, how would i connect it (with it's little 3 pin plug) to a molex connector?

[juppy]

That's where the adaptor comes in. The adaptor has a 3 pin style plug on one end and a 4 pin molex style on the other end. So it turns a 3 pin into a 4 pin that will plug in to the power supply. When you get the flow-through type, it is the same thing except on the molex end it has another female connector on the back side of the male connector. In that, you can plug another fan in, and another into that one and so on, hence, the "daisy chain".

[spudmurf2k]

Right, now I understand. Where do you buy these adaptors or what do i search for on a retailers site? just a 3pin to 4pin adaptor?

[juppy]

Pretty much. Over here (USA) I usually check out Newegg or Mwave but I see you're in Ireland and they don't ship internationally. There are some places over there that have stuff like that but I can't remember the name of 'em right now. Maybe someone else will see this and be able to help you out on where to find them.

[juppy]

Here's a link to a 3 to 4 pin flow through adapter, just so you know what they look like. The small 3 pin plug on the bottom right goes plugged to your fan plug, and the large plug goes plugged in to one of the power supply leads. On the other side of that plug are the male plug leads that you can hook another fan to if you need it. Here's the link:
http://www.directron.com/3to4adapter.html

[glc]

Can I ask what you need that many fans for?

[morriswindgate]

Is this one of those new Hovercases? If it isn't the most you need is a single exhaust and intake fan. This will provide all the cooling you need.