ingeborgdot
Posts: 448 +5
I bought a NXZT fan controller for my computer. Reading the directions it says that if you have a PWM fan you need a converter. What converter and where do you find it?????
PWM fan converter?
- Thread starter ingeborgdot
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cliffordcooley
Posts: 13,141 +6,441
It would probably be easier to replace the PWM CPU fans with standard case fans.
After spending a few minutes looking for an adapter, I realized I would most likely be unsuccessful in finding what you where looking for. I did find an adapter that convert a 4 pin PWM signal to a 3 pin fan connector. But that adapter is the complete opposite of what you are describing you need.
After spending a few minutes looking for an adapter, I realized I would most likely be unsuccessful in finding what you where looking for. I did find an adapter that convert a 4 pin PWM signal to a 3 pin fan connector. But that adapter is the complete opposite of what you are describing you need.
dividebyzero
Posts: 4,840 +1,271
The PWM fans use a 4 wire connrection (12VDC, Ground, Sense and Control)- the fan controller doesn't need the control since the fan controller is using a rheostat to control fan RPM rather than the fan reacting and modulating current.
So it depends on what connections to the fan controller are required -if it's a 4pin (fan) to 3pin controller then one of these is basically what you want. A fairly quick and easy method - although it does add extra cabling. An alternative is to buy a few 3-pin plug connectors, disconnect the four fan wires from their plugs by gently depressing the metal tabs that hold the connectors (they snag into the four thin slots in the plug end- easily seen in the eBay link -tho' there are only three there of course for a 3 pin), slide the connectors out, raise the metal tab on each connector again- it will be lying flat after you depressed it to release the connector, and slide the connectors into the 3-pin block. These pinout diagrams will help. The pin/cable you don't need is the Control (usually blue)- you can either snip off the connector on the end or tape it out of the way and insulated from any circuit. A quick look at the NZXT Sentry shows a 3-pin connection is used.
Bear in mind that controlling fans via a rheostat/contoller means not setting the fan speed to low- at least at fan start. Too low a speed means a low voltage, and it may not be sufficient to start the fan in motion - this will cause fan motor damage.
So it depends on what connections to the fan controller are required -if it's a 4pin (fan) to 3pin controller then one of these is basically what you want. A fairly quick and easy method - although it does add extra cabling. An alternative is to buy a few 3-pin plug connectors, disconnect the four fan wires from their plugs by gently depressing the metal tabs that hold the connectors (they snag into the four thin slots in the plug end- easily seen in the eBay link -tho' there are only three there of course for a 3 pin), slide the connectors out, raise the metal tab on each connector again- it will be lying flat after you depressed it to release the connector, and slide the connectors into the 3-pin block. These pinout diagrams will help. The pin/cable you don't need is the Control (usually blue)- you can either snip off the connector on the end or tape it out of the way and insulated from any circuit. A quick look at the NZXT Sentry shows a 3-pin connection is used.
Bear in mind that controlling fans via a rheostat/contoller means not setting the fan speed to low- at least at fan start. Too low a speed means a low voltage, and it may not be sufficient to start the fan in motion - this will cause fan motor damage.
ingeborgdot
Posts: 448 +5
Yeah, I actually just figured out what they were meaning about converter. It is just two wires coming from the fan controller so only two wires are necessary. The 4 to 3 pin adapter will work. It is just the black and yellow that are needed. All I need to do also is what I did with another fan is to notch out the side of the connector and it will fit in just fine.
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