Can a CPU Fan Be Connected to a Power Supply?
When installing a CPU (Central Processing Unit) on the motherboard inside your computer, the CPU's fan has a power cable that is ordinarily attached to the motherboard. However, you may have a reason to connect it elsewhere.
Molex cables
The wires inside the computer that come out of the power supply are called Molex cables. The connector contains four large pins that cannot connect to a standard CPU fan.
Cable adapters
A CPU fan cable typically has a "female" end with three small pin receptacles. It attaches to a set of "male" pins. Since you can't attach a three-pin connector to a four-pin connector, you need an adapter cable.
Connecting an adapter
You are looking for a "CPU fan adapter cable." This is a standard cable, so you do not need to search for specific pin types or male or female ends. Sometimes it is known as a "Y" or "splitter" cable because one end has two Molex connectors -- male and female.
Nonstandard CPU fans
Your CPU fan may be quite large and therefore has a standard Molex connector on it. In this case, you can connect it directly to a power supply's Molex cable.
Check your supplies
If you purchased your power supply unity (PSU) or motherboard separately, they may have come with these adapter cables.
Tags: adapter cable, Connected Power, Connected Power Supply, male female, Molex cables