Instructions on how to connect 4-wire radiator fan wires most accurately

Computer cooling fans are currently considered an indispensable component for computer systems. They help reduce the amount of heat generated when used from heat-dissipating components such as CPU, RAM, VGA, etc. Let's learn how to connect 4-wire and 3-wire cooling fans correctly through the following article.

How to wire a 4-wire radiator fan (PWM)

Intel introduced the first 4-wire cooling fan product line on the market in 2003, replacing the previous 3-wire product lines.

Instructions on how to connect 4-wire radiator fan wires most accurately Picture 1

With enhanced features and benefits, it reduces heat and noise quite well when the machine operates at high intensity. Although converting the heat sink from 3 wires to 4 wires may be slow at first due to not having time to adapt. However, currently, converting to 4-wire heat sink fans has become quite popular and is chosen to be used more because of its superior features.

The 4-wire radiator fan includes: 1 ground wire, 1 12V wire, 1 Sensor wire and 1 speed control wire (the wire is capable of carrying the PWM signal from the motherboard to the fan).

This PWM signal wire is directly connected to control and fine-tune the 4-pin connector. Unlike the 3-wire radiator fan, the speed control and adjustment is done by increasing or decreasing the voltage. Meanwhile, the 4-wire fan is always managed and operated with the same voltage even when the rotation speed changes.

The PWM signal is used to set the start time and required for the current to reach the cooling fan motor. The current with a distribution voltage of 5V, the signal will take effect. If the voltage does not change, the fan will run at maximum speed, to reduce the speed of the cooling fan, the motherboard will send a PWM signal, alternating on and off continuously to the power supply for the motor, causing the speed to decrease.

Instructions on how to connect 4-wire radiator fan wires most accurately Picture 2

At this time the fan speed is determined by the duration of the power supply on and off signal. 

The advantage of using PWM signal to control the cooling fan is better noise reduction and more stable rotation speed management.

How to connect 3 wire radiator fan

3-wire cooling fan is a type of fan used to cool the case with a traditional connection to a 3-pin connector. Includes 3 wires: ground wire, power wire and control wire.

3-wire cooling fans for computer systems usually have a voltage of 12V, the fan will rotate at a standard specified speed. To reduce the rotation speed of the cooling fan, it is necessary to adjust the voltage supplied to the fan through the motherboard or some form of external controller.

Instructions on how to connect 4-wire radiator fan wires most accurately Picture 3

When the voltage goes to 0, the fan will stop running.

Above we can see the operating principle of 4-wire radiator fans and 3-wire radiator fans and simple but effective ways to connect 4-wire radiator fans .

Basically, the rotation speed of a 4-wire or 3-wire cooling fan depends on many different factors. Currently, on the market, 4-wire cooling fans are preferred and used quite popularly thanks to the standard PWM signal used on most motherboards. 4-wire cooling fans can reach slower speeds without stopping like 3-wire cooling fans.

TipsMake is the official distributor of cooling fan products on the market today, providing users with products that suit the needs, prices and preferences of each customer. Contact TipsMake today to receive the best advice and support on cooling fan products today.

5 ★ | 1 Vote

May be interested

  • How to Wire a Double SwitchHow to Wire a Double Switch
    a double-switch allows you to operate two lights or appliances from the same location. double switches, sometimes called 'double pole,' allow you to separately control the power being sent to multiple places from the same switch. for...
  • How to Crimp a WireHow to Crimp a Wire
    electrical connectors are necessary to join electric circuits together. but to use an electrical connector, you need to attach it to a wire via crimping. whether you're joining 2 pieces of wire or a wire directly to an electrical terminal,...
  • Distinguish common network cablesDistinguish common network cables
    electromagnetic shielding / screening is made of a sheet of metal / polyester or metal wire, surrounded by individual pairs of wires or all wires. this article will help you differentiate some types of ethernet cables.
  • How to Wire a DoorbellHow to Wire a Doorbell
    most new homes come equipped with doorbells and there can be 1 for the front and 1 for the back door. the sounds they make can also vary from buzzers, chimes or melodies. at some point, you may want to change your doorbell system, add a...
  • How to Make an RJ‐45 CableHow to Make an RJ‐45 Cable
    the rj-45 connector is most commonly known for its use in ethernet networking. it's similar to a telephone jack, but it is wider. most connectors are described through their prongs that attach to port; this is what differentiates the...
  • 3 steps of fast, standard network wiring3 steps of fast, standard network wiring
    pressing the standard network cable to connect the computer, modem will be presented in this very detailed and precise 3-step network wiring step.
  • Why does a laptop fan with a cooling fan and tablet not?Why does a laptop fan with a cooling fan and tablet not?
    if there is no heat sink, the laptop gets hot after you use it for about an hour and the tablet does not. what is the reason?
  • How to Connect to WiFi at HomeHow to Connect to WiFi at Home
    many modern home electronics such as smartphones, televisions, computers and video game consoles can connect to the internet. when you have a high-speed internet transmitter such as a broadband cable, you can connect your electronics to the network without wires, allowing the device to connect to the internet from any room. you can learn how to connect to wi-fi at home by hooking a wireless router to your network modem.
  • Wire climbing robot repairs high voltage linesWire climbing robot repairs high voltage lines
    the video recorded a scene of a robot climbing high-voltage wires at a height of tens of meters using smart hands to repair power transmission lines in china made many people surprised.
  • 5 Casio watches cheap metal wire for men and women easy to use5 Casio watches cheap metal wire for men and women easy to use
    the top 5 casio watches for men and women are appreciated by the beautiful design and the relatively cheap price.