For computer users and enthusiasts, fans are an integral part of their system. Fans keep the system cool and prevent it from overheating. A 4 pin fan is one of the most commonly used fans in computers. A 4 pin fan is a type of DC fan that has four wires coming out of it. These wires are used to power the fan and control its speed. Understanding the 4 pin fan wiring diagram is crucial for anyone who wants to install or replace the fan.
What is a 4 Pin Fan?
A 4 pin fan is a type of DC fan that has four wires coming out of it. The four wires are used for power, ground, and control signals. The control signal is sent from the motherboard or a fan controller to adjust the fan’s speed.
When compared to 3 pin fans, 4 pin fans are more advanced and offer better control over the speed of the fan. This feature allows users to balance between noise reduction and cooling performance.
Parts of a 4 Pin Fan
A 4 pin fan consists of four wires and a motor. The wires are color-coded for easy identification. The colors of the wires may vary depending on the manufacturer, but they generally follow a standard color code.
The parts of a 4 pin fan are:
| Wire Color | Function |
|---|---|
| Black | Ground |
| Red | Power |
| Yellow | Speed Control (PWM) |
| Blue | Tachometer Signal (RPM) |
4 Pin Fan Wiring Diagram
The 4 pin fan wiring diagram consists of four wires, which are color-coded for easy identification. The diagram shows how to connect the wires to the motherboard or a fan controller. The color codes of the wires may vary depending on the manufacturer, but they generally follow a standard color code.
The 4 pin fan wiring diagram is as follows:
| Wire Color | Function | Motherboard/Fan Controller Pin |
|---|---|---|
| Black | Ground | 1 |
| Red | Power | 2 |
| Yellow | Speed Control (PWM) | 4 |
| Blue | Tachometer Signal (RPM) | 3 |
In the diagram, the black wire is connected to pin 1, the ground pin. The red wire is connected to pin 2, the power pin. The yellow wire is connected to pin 4, the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control pin. The blue wire is connected to pin 3, which is the tachometer signal (RPM measurement).
FAQs
Q. What is PWM?
A. PWM stands for Pulse Width Modulation. It is a method of controlling the speed of a fan by changing the duty cycle of the power supplied to it.
Q. What is the function of the tachometer signal?
A. The tachometer signal provides feedback to the system about the fan’s speed. This information is used by the system to adjust the fan’s speed and ensure that it is operating within safe limits.
Q. Can I use a 4 pin fan on a 3 pin connector?
A. Yes, a 4 pin fan can be connected to a 3 pin connector. However, the fan will only operate at full speed and cannot be controlled by the system.
Q. Can I use a 3 pin fan on a 4 pin connector?
A. Yes, a 3 pin fan can be connected to a 4 pin connector. However, the fan will not be able to take advantage of the PWM control offered by the 4 pin connector.
Q. How can I control the speed of a 4 pin fan?
A. The speed of a 4 pin fan can be controlled through the system’s BIOS or through a fan controller. The control signal is sent through the yellow wire in the wiring diagram.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the 4 pin fan wiring diagram is crucial for anyone who wants to install or replace the fan. The diagram consists of four wires, which are color-coded for easy identification. The black wire is ground, the red wire is power, the yellow wire is the PWM control signal, and the blue wire is the tachometer signal. With this knowledge, users can take advantage of the advanced control offered by 4 pin fans and balance between noise reduction and cooling performance.
