Computer fans are essential components that help prevent your computer from overheating while it is running. They work by reducing the internal temperature of the computer by cooling down the major components. Most computer fans come in different wiring styles, and 3 wire computer fans are common. In this article, we will walk you through the process of wiring a 3 wire computer fan, and we will provide a wiring diagram and FAQ to guide you.
What is a 3 Wire Computer Fan?
A 3 wire computer fan is a type of fan that comes with three wires – one red, one black, and one yellow. The red wire is positive, the black wire is negative, and the yellow wire is known as the tachometer wire. The tachometer wire provides information about the fan’s speed to the computer motherboard, which enables the computer to adjust the fan’s speed accordingly.
If you have a 3 wire computer fan, you don’t have to worry about purchasing a separate controller for adjusting the speed. Instead, you can connect the fan directly to the motherboard or power supply unit (PSU).
How to Connect a 3 Wire Computer Fan?
To connect a 3 wire computer fan, you need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify the wires
Before you start connecting the wires, make sure you identify which wire is positive, negative, and tachometer. The red wire is positive, the black wire is negative, and the yellow wire is the tachometer wire.
Step 2: Connect the wires to the motherboard
You can connect the 3 wire computer fan directly to the motherboard by locating the 3 pin connector labeled as SYS_FAN. Plug the red wire into the pin labeled as +12V, the black wire into the pin labeled as GND, and the yellow wire into the pin labeled as TACH.
Step 3: Connect the wires to the PSU
If you want to connect the 3 wire computer fan to the PSU instead of the motherboard, you can use a Molex to 3 pin adapter. Connect the 4 pin Molex connector of the adapter to the PSU, and plug the red wire into the pin labeled as +12V, the black wire into the pin labeled as GND, and the yellow wire into the pin labeled as TACH.
3 Wire Computer Fan Wiring Diagram
Here is a wiring diagram that shows how to connect a 3 wire computer fan to the motherboard or PSU:
| Wire Color | Function | Motherboard | PSU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | +12V | SYS_FAN Pin (labeled +12V) | Molex Connector (4 pin) (labeled +12V) |
| Black | GND | SYS_FAN Pin (labeled GND) | Molex Connector (4 pin) (labeled GND) |
| Yellow | Tachometer | SYS_FAN Pin (labeled TACH) | Molex Connector (4 pin) (labeled TACH) |
FAQs
What is the purpose of the tachometer wire in a 3 wire computer fan?
The tachometer wire provides the computer with information about the fan’s speed, which helps the computer adjust the fan’s speed accordingly. If the fan’s speed is too low, the computer can increase the speed to prevent overheating, and if the fan’s speed is too high, the computer can decrease the speed to reduce noise.
Can I use a 2 wire computer fan instead of a 3 wire computer fan?
If you don’t have a 3 wire computer fan, you can use a 2 wire computer fan instead. However, you won’t be able to adjust the fan’s speed directly from the computer, and you will need a separate controller to adjust the speed manually.
How do I know if my computer fan is working?
You can check if your computer fan is working by listening to it or checking the RPM (revolutions per minute) using software like HWMonitor. If you notice that the fan is not working or its RPM is too low, it may be malfunctioning or clogged with dust, and you should clean it or replace it.
Can I connect multiple 3 wire computer fans to the same motherboard or PSU?
Yes, you can connect multiple 3 wire computer fans to the same motherboard or PSU, as long as you have enough connectors available. You should also make sure that the total power consumption of all the fans does not exceed the maximum output of the motherboard or PSU.
What should I do if my 3 wire computer fan is making noise?
If your 3 wire computer fan is making noise, it may be due to dust, vibration, or a defect in the fan. You can try cleaning the fan, securing it properly, or replacing it if it is damaged.
Conclusion
Wiring a 3 wire computer fan can be a bit tricky, but it is important to ensure that your computer stays cool and runs smoothly. By following the steps and wiring diagram provided in this article, you can easily connect your 3 wire computer fan to your motherboard or PSU. We hope that this article was helpful, and feel free to leave any comments or questions below.
