Fan Wire Question...

[extreme4377]

I bought a Zalman 7700 AlCu to keep my new E6600 cool, however it only has a 3-pin connector and my mobo needs a 4-pin connector in order to take advantage of the CPU smart fan control setting. Is there an adapter that I can buy to solve this problem? Or do I need to splurge on the Zalman 9700 that comes with a 4-pin fan connection?

This is the type of 4-pin connector I am talking about..

Thank you in advance

Anyone interested in buying a slightly-used Zalman 7700? PM me!

 

[Rakinos]

I really wish i knew what was actually accomplished with that other wire that couldn't be done through a pwm signal or variable voltage to the 12v wire

 

[BillParrish]

Is there an adapter that I can buy to solve this problem?

Unfortunately no, the fan itself does not do pwn so an adapter will not help.

However you should be able to plug that connector into the mb, (the 4th pin on the mb will not be used,) and the fan will run at full speed.

Other fan control options may be available in the bios to vary fan speed based on the temp reading of onboard sensors etc., check your manual.

But to use EIST. the intel pwm fan speed control method, yes you have to have a 4 pin pwm connector and the pwm fan.

 

[WintersFury]

I really wish i knew what was actually accomplished with that other wire that couldn't be done through a pwm signal or variable voltage to the 12v wire

PWM has more steps than changing the voltage does. It's also smoother in speed transitions. Or at least that's what it's supposed to be, I've never used a pwm fan myself.

To the OP, your board may have fan control with 3 pin fans, I know mine does. I can set full speed, 127 step (PWM I think) and another. However I don't plug my fans into the mobo so I dunno if any of the speed settings actually work

 

[extreme4377]

The fan is plugged into the 4-pin cpu connector on the mobo and it is running at full speed. I have it hooked up to a Zalman FanMate 2 fan controller right now but its a wirey mess and its only one set speed. Id love for the mobo to adjust the speed of the fan in regards to the stress/temperature on the CPU however its not an option with the Zalman 7700 due to the mere 3-pins.

Ill either have to live with it on full blast, use the Zalman fanmate, or buy the Zalman 9700 which has 4 pins, or heck, I might even switch to the stock HSF. We'll see

I appreciate the help and the input!