Windows 10: Front case 4 1/2" fan replacement

Hi I have this question today, I want to replace the 4 1/2" fan in front of my case, the original one is making a bit of noise at startup.

The original fan is a Coolermaster 12v 0.16 amps and it's connected through molex power directly, it has no control but it's a very quiet fan.

The replacement fan I have here is a Coolermaster also, 12v but that one is .37 amps, and when I connect it through Molex, it like a airplane propeller, it's very noisy and way too strong for nothing.

This is it here:




So I was told these fans can be connected into the mother directly to control their speed and.. in hope of getting much lower RPM just like my 0.16 amps.. to get a quiet computer. But the wire itself is simply too short to reach any of the CPU_Fan connectors.. and it's not even the same type of connector. Those on the motherboard are 4 pins and my coolermaster fan is a 3 pins connector.

My CPU is connected on #2 CPU_fan (Left) and logically the front case fan would go on #2 (right).. or #2 Fan 1 bellow the CPU. Do you use some kind of converter, it needs an extension cord too. What should I do to have a success with this.

Thanks




:)

 

Replacement Chassis Fans

Time to replace my Corsair AF140 case fans and looking for you input guys

My current fan setup is as follows: (1 or 2 current fans beginning to fail)

• Front: 2 x Corsair AF140 White LED fans (Intake)
• Top (Rad): 2 x NZXT 140mm Aer P radiator-optimized fan (Push Exhaust)
• Back: 1 x Corsair AF140 fan (Exhaust)
• Bottom: 1 x Corsair SP120 Fan (Intake)

My proposed fan setup: (Budget constraints)

• Front: 2 x NF-A14 PWM chromax.black.swap (Intake)
• Top (Rad): 2 x NZXT 140mm Aer P radiator-optimized fan (Push Exhaust)
• Back: 1 x NF-A14 PWM chromax.black.swap (Exhaust)
• Bottom: 1 x Corsair SP120 Fan (Intake)

Recommended by Noctua:

Email support recommendation after asking them for advice:

Dear Andrew.

first of all many thanks for your interest and your inquiry at Noctua.

The best possible Airflow for your case looks as follows:

• Front: 2x NF-A14 PWM chromax.black.swap
• Top (Rad): 2x NF-A14 PWM chromax.black.swap
• Back: 1x NF-A14 PWM chromax.black.swap
• Bottom: 2x NF-S12A PWM chromax.black swap.

This configuration would give you the best possible airflow, but it's neither cost-effective nor quiet.

Here's my recommended configuration.

• Front: 2x NF-S12A PWM chromax.black.swap
• Top (Rad): 2x NF-A14 PWM chromax.black.swap in push mode.
• Rear: None
• Bottom: 1x NF-S12A PWM chromax.black.swap

I'll briefly explain why this config is the best in terms of airflow/noise ration and price.

The NF-A14 doesn't like it when there isn't enough space on the suction side and will emit an annoying suction noise if placed in the front of your case. Our NF-S12A PWM has a very neutral and pleasant sound to it, while still moving a lot of air.

Having 2x NF-S12A PWM in the front and 1x NF-S12A PWM chromax.black.swap on the bottom instead of 2x NF-A14 PWM will give you higher airflow while also being quieter. This solution is a bit expensive but definitively worth it.

It's not necessary to mount fans on the back of your case, since your 3x NF-S12A chromax.black.swap and 2x NF-A14 PWM chromax.black.swap (mounted on the radiator) will provide sufficient airflow.

 

case fan connectors

If the fan has a 4 pin Molex and a 3 pin plug then the molex plugs into a power supply plug and the 3 pin plug feeds rotation info to the motherboard. You may need to replace the fan with a 4 pin connector like this
Cooler Master: PWM Fan 120mm

 

case fan position

upon further review my suggestions to solve all you overheating issues are:

1 remove the second rear fan opening cover grill and install another exhaust fan

2 replace the Ultra 120 with an Arctic Cooler 7 to direct air to back of case

3 replace the psu with one that has the 120mm or 140mm bottom fan

4 drill out the small holes in the back and front of case with a 3/16" drill bit

5 cut out the bottom of the case floor leaving 1 1/2" all the way around then install hex mesh grill

if that is done you will no longer have heat issues