CPU How to add more fans to an old motherboard.

[RobBobbins]

Hello all,

I am currently running an older Z68 board in my Ncase M1. I intend to upgrade the system in the coming months. As I intend to stick with the case, I'm planning that I can fix (hopefully) the main problem with my current build. Which is noise level. So I'm going to get the cooling components I will be using in my future build and use it now first, then transfer it over to the new build.

I have a C14S coming in the mail but I was thinking of deshrouding my current 1060 and placing 2 NF-A12 to cool it.

The problem I am facing now is that my motherboard only has 1 additional 3pin fan port. Is there any adapters or equipment that you would recommend me to get to add 2 more PWM fans?

Thank you.

 

[ParallaxStax]

The nf-a12 (and most other noctua fans) come with y-adaptor cables in the box. If you want to control PWM fans from a 3 pin port, you could use a fan controller such as this. Also, if you are deshrounding your GPU, there are mini-gpu to PWM cables available. Look for one that is compatible for your particular model.

 

[RobBobbins]

thanks for the reply,

For that controller you mentioned, can I run it without connecting the header to the motherboard? As the other end is a Sata for power then a 4 pin fan header.

 

[ParallaxStax]

For that controller you mentioned, can I run it without connecting the header to the motherboard? As the other end is a Sata for power then a 4 pin fan header.

Looking at the specifications on Noctua's website, I don't think so. The sata connector should give it enough power to run at least 3 fans though.

 

[RobBobbins]

Thanks! As I am a little confused as the included cable for connecting to Sata and to the motherboard is a 4pin header and my motherboard only has a 3pin header.

 

[tinyitx]

I suggest a 4-pin pwm fan controller like the one below.

RIITOP PWM Fan rgb Splitter Controller Hub 1 to 10 Ports for CPU Fan, PC Case Chasis Cooling Fan 4pin 3Pin, Powered by SATA 15pin - Newegg.com

Buy RIITOP PWM Fan rgb Splitter Controller Hub 1 to 10 Ports for CPU Fan, PC Case Chasis Cooling Fan 4pin 3Pin, Powered by SATA 15pin with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

There are cheaper ones available in Taobao but I imagine the price difference is so small that it is not worth, especially considering the potential postal delay for COVID-19 (assuming you are in the US).

See the pic for easy understanding. You may connect other fans (3-pin or 4-pin) to this controller as well.

 

[RobBobbins]

Thank you, that's interesting! As Im not from US this might be a better option.

My board only has 1x 4pin CPU header and an extra 3pin fan header beside it.

As I can see, the only drawback of using this is that all the fans will be spinning at the same speed. Do you think this would be a problem?

Sorry for such newbie questions, this is my first endeavor into cooling my system.

 

[SiKiaTriK]

As I can see, the only drawback of using this is that all the fans will be spinning at the same speed. Do you think this would be a problem?

That would not a be a problem at all, since when your cpu starts working typically other components start too (like when gaming, decoding, etc) so all of your system would need more cooling. You'll just have to search for a fan curve that keeps both cpu and your ears safe ?

 

[tinyitx]

Thank you, that's interesting! As Im not from US this might be a better option.

My board only has 1x 4pin CPU header and an extra 3pin fan header beside it.

As I can see, the only drawback of using this is that all the fans will be spinning at the same speed. Do you think this would be a problem?

Sorry for such newbie questions, this is my first endeavor into cooling my system.

Let's say you have a 140mm fan (for CPU) and two 120mm case fans.
They will not spin at the same speed, rpm-wise.
But, they will all spin according to the same fan curve/profile, which you would set up (speed in % vs temp in C) for the CPU fan header. The 140mm fan will spin accordingly, of course. At the same time, the two 120mm fans will spin in same % but different rpm (vs the 140mm fan).
Eg say the fan curve gives 50% speed at CPU 50C. As such, the 140mm fan will spin at 50% (say, 750rpm) while the other two 120mm fans will spin at same 50% (say, 1300rpm).

If you want the two 120mm fans to have its own fan curve/profile according to the GPU temp (vs CPU temp), then you need to find if your display card has a little 4-pin fan header onboard. If so, then after removing the shroud and fans, you can use an adapter cable (eg Gelid shown below) to connect two 4-pin PWM fans (with another Y-split cable).

PWM-LÜFTERADAPTER - Gelid Solutions

Unterstützt 4-polige PWM-Lüfter für den Anschluss an den PWM-Lüfter-Header der GPU.

gelidsolutions.com

 

[RobBobbins]

That would not a be a problem at all, since when your cpu starts working typically other components start too (like when gaming, decoding, etc) so all of your system would need more cooling. You'll just have to search for a fan curve that keeps both cpu and your ears safe ?

I see! That is interesting. What program would you recommend for setting the fan curve when using the CPU fan header? If I'm not wrong, I am just using the Bios auto setting.

Let's say you have a 140mm fan (for CPU) and two 120mm case fans.
They will not spin at the same speed, rpm-wise.
But, they will all spin according to the same fan curve/profile, which you would set up (speed in % vs temp in C) for the CPU fan header. The 140mm fan will spin accordingly, of course. At the same time, the two 120mm fans will spin in same % but different rpm (vs the 140mm fan).
Eg say the fan curve gives 50% speed at CPU 50C. As such, the 140mm fan will spin at 50% (say, 750rpm) while the other two 120mm fans will spin at same 50% (say, 1300rpm).

If you want the two 120mm fans to have its own fan curve/profile according to the GPU temp (vs CPU temp), then you need to find if your display card has a little 4-pin fan header onboard. If so, then after removing the shroud and fans, you can use an adapter cable (eg Gelid shown below) to connect two 4-pin PWM fans (with another Y-split cable).

PWM-LÜFTERADAPTER - Gelid Solutions

Unterstützt 4-polige PWM-Lüfter für den Anschluss an den PWM-Lüfter-Header der GPU.

gelidsolutions.com

Ohh! That is interesting, that would be a solid option as another goal for my new build that I would be getting in the coming months would be less cables (No Sata SSD). So not needing to run a Sata cable from the PSU to power the Fan Controller is awesome.

I might just get either the Noctua or the RIITOP fan controller to use first before rebuilding.

 

[tinyitx]

I see! That is interesting. What program would you recommend for setting the fan curve when using the CPU fan header? If I'm not wrong, I am just using the Bios auto setting.

Usually a mobo manufacturer has some 'fancy' program to go along with their mobos (eg Asus has Fan Xpert and AiSuite...etc). But, for basic fan header control, Bios should provide all the basics.
As you said, there should be basic choices like 'Auto, Powerful, Silent, Balanced' or even allows you set up a fan curve right inside the Bios. Maybe you just start from within the Bios to see if that satisfies your need.

 

[RobBobbins]

Usually a mobo manufacturer has some 'fancy' program to go along with their mobos (eg Asus has Fan Xpert and AiSuite...etc). But, for basic fan header control, Bios should provide all the basics.
As you said, there should be basic choices like 'Auto, Powerful, Silent, Balanced' or even allows you set up a fan curve right inside the Bios. Maybe you just start from within the Bios to see if that satisfies your need.

Awesome, thank you the help!

I think as my motherboard is fairly old, Asrock Z68Mitx, It doesnt have any fan curve I can adjust. But I am able to set it to a selected fixed speed if im not wrong.

I will have to confirm this when I get home later on, I might just get the Noctua NA-FC1 so I can have more control over the fan speed.

 

[ignsvn]

What's the source / root cause of your noise level? Is it GPU fan or CPU fan?

You can always try to undervolt them. In fact, in my case, simply turning off Intel Turbo Boost helps a lot.

 

[RobBobbins]

What's the source / root cause of your noise level? Is it GPU fan or CPU fan?

You can always try to undervolt them. In fact, in my case, simply turning off Intel Turbo Boost helps a lot.

The cause of the noise level now is using stock coolers. Intel's stock cooler + a reference 980ti.

I have already set the power limit on my GPU lower and that has helped but the intel stock cooler is still pretty bad.

 

[ignsvn]

The cause of the noise level now is using stock coolers. Intel's stock cooler + a reference 980ti.

I have already set the power limit on my GPU lower and that has helped but the intel stock cooler is still pretty bad.

Ah.. If I were you, I'd just wait for Noctua C14S to come. It will help a lot.

If, after that, you're still unhappy with your CPU temperature, you can add more fans.

Edit: wait I thought you said you used a 1060?

 

[RobBobbins]

Ah.. If I were you, I'd just wait for Noctua C14S to come. It will help a lot.

If, after that, you're still unhappy with your CPU temperature, you can add more fans.

Thanks! Yea, the C14S is on the way! I cant describe how excited I am for the cooling components to come. Finally having a quiet(er) system has been a goal of mine.

 

[SiKiaTriK]

I have already set the power limit on my GPU lower and that has helped but the intel stock cooler is still pretty bad.

I missed that part where you are using the stock intel cooler... man I can tell you that with the noctua, your sound issues will be like night and day. I have an NH-L12S myself into the HTPC along with 4 x 3.5" HDD and a 1050Ti dual cooler. Seriously, dead silent. You'll be very pleased with the results.

After knowing that, I agree with @ignsvn , just wait until you install it and see for yourself if need any additional spending, since it's not going to be your final setup.

Cheers man!

 

[SiKiaTriK]

PWM-LÜFTERADAPTER - Gelid Solutions

Unterstützt 4-polige PWM-Lüfter für den Anschluss an den PWM-Lüfter-Header der GPU.

gelidsolutions.com

Hey @tinyitx , that adaptor just grabbed my attention since I've been thinking on remove the 2070's shroud and place a couple of 120mm fans instead. Despite being a 3 fan card, whitch I think that would not be a problem, my concerns are about the power draw that 2 x 120mm fans (or 3 x 92mm given the case) could have compared with the fairly tinny 80mm stock ones. Nevertheless that little beasts reach like 3400 RPM, so some power they would draw though... Any thoughts about? Thank you in advance ?

 

[tinyitx]

Hey @tinyitx , that adaptor just grabbed my attention since I've been thinking on remove the 2070's shroud and place a couple of 120mm fans instead. Despite being a 3 fan card, whitch I think that would not be a problem, my concerns are about the power draw that 2 x 120mm fans (or 3 x 92mm given the case) could have compared with the fairly tinny 80mm stock ones. Nevertheless that little beasts reach like 3400 RPM, so some power they would draw though... Any thoughts about? Thank you in advance ?

IIRC, fan header of a display card has an 1A rating.
Then, take NF-A12x25 as an example of 120mm fan. Its spec says it has a max current draw of 0.14A. So, a couple of these should not be a problem.
To be more conservative and perhaps more accurate, treat that 0.14A as 'working' current. However, usually, the 'starting' current is higher (2 or even 3 times higher). So, this becomes 0.28-0.42A at startup. Using two fans means a combined current of 0.56-0.84A. So, I believe it is still pretty safe.

Edit:-
Gelid's engineer introduced this little cable with a demo, showing his using of two Gelid 92mm fans (with 0.18A).
So, good to go.

VGA 細pwm 4pin轉普通 pwm 4pin的線

之前一直有網友問要點樣mod先可以用自己張卡的pwm功能來控制自己另外買的pwm風扇，例如spirtfire or mk-13呢d要另外買風扇的散熱器。但因為市場需求太細，基本 ...

www.hkepc.com

 

[ignsvn]

Yeah just save the money for now.. You may not need additional fans after you install the C14.