I just got new parts for my PC build, including a radiator, but I'm having trouble with the fan connectors. They have different types of plugs that I'm not familiar with, and unfortunately, the box didn't include any instructions—just guidance on how to screw them on. I can see the normal power cables, but there's also a 3-pronged socket (with one space between the pins) that matches a connector on the other end of the cable. I'm looking for some assistance in figuring out how everything connects.
2 Answers
The 4-pin connectors you're referring to are PWM connectors. They control the fan speed and also provide power to them. If your fans have a male and female end, you can daisy chain them to a single header on the motherboard like CPU_FAN or CHA_FAN. Just be cautious not to overload a single header—typically, there's a 1A limit, but check your fans' specifications. The 3-pin connectors are for ARGB and should come with both ends so you can daisy chain them as well. Just remember, 12V RGB is different from 5V ARGB, so don't mix those up! For more detailed setup, looking up your motherboard documentation can really help.
The cables that have a space between the holes are actually ARGB connectors, which allow you to control the fan lighting using software! You will still need to connect the standard power cables to supply energy to the fans.
So do I still need to use the regular power cables? Can the ARGB connectors handle that too? I only have one ARGB header on my motherboard.
Thanks! This clears things up. I’ve never worked with RGB fans before, so I appreciate the help. Can I plug in the fans using the CPU fan header if I daisy chain them? I also have an unused CPU_OPT header—can that work too? This way, I’d make powering the top half of my PC much simpler since all the fan headers are located at the bottom.