Questions regarding basic fan installation + advice

[merc141]

Bear with me I usually deal with older computers that have no need for more than 1 fan. I am building a new system (Q6600, 8800GT, nice corsair psu, CoolerMaster 690, ABIT IP35V, and Thermalright Ultima-90). The CM 690 comes with 3 120mm fans, and they have a 3 or 4 pin connector plugged into a molex adaptor. The MOBO has 1 cpu fan plug, 2 auxfan plugs and 1 sysfan plug. I don't know the difference between the aux fan or sys fan, but that isnt a major problem. The CM 690 has 2 intake 120mm fans (i am using them for intake), 1 120mm intake fan at the front, 1 120mm intake at the bottom next to the psu, 1 120mm exhaust by the CPU and there are 2 140mm exhaust at the top. That seems like a lot of fans to me. Is there a way to daisy chain them (for instance the 2 in the side panel and the 2 140mm at the top). I have no knowledge of the benefits that the 3 or 4 pin plug has, i am guessing it is for adjustable speed or something. I was wondering what you guys do? At the moment I only have 3 fans, and was wondering if you guys could help with advice for fans also. I don't want it to sound like a jet engine but on the other hand in the summer it gets very hot (southern california desert) so I have to keep that in mind.

I don't know if its necessary to replace the 3 fans that it comes with, but I need advice for:

2 140 mm fans for the top exhaust
1 120mm cpu fan for the Ultima-90 heat sink
1 120mm fan for the side panel (intake - it already comes with 1)
1 120mm for the bottom intake

This is my first time building a computer with this many fans so all input is welcomed. Thank you.

 

[holli4pirating]

3 pin connectors allow you to connect to the motherboard and usually adjust the fan speed through BIOS or software, hence the label on the mobo header. Any fan can go to any header. Also, many 5.25 or 3.5 bay fan controllers require 3 pin connectors.

4 pin connectors allow you to connect directly to the power supply to run the fans at full speed all the time. Often, fans with 4 pin connectors have two connectors; one to hook the fan up to the power supply and a second to daisy chain another fan on.

In general, the only reasons to replace fans are if they are too loud, don't move as much air as you want, or if you want LED's.

 

[merc141]

Yeah the fans that came with the CM690 have 3 pins, which is easy enough to plug them straight into the headers on the mobo but each one comes with an adaptor that goes from 3pins to a female and male molex. Can I just daisy chain these using the molex connectors?

Also does anyone have advice on some good quality fans? I don't really know what brands are decent fan-wise. I still need a CPU fan for a Thermalright Ultima90 (which takes a 120mm fan) and a couple others, nothing fancy. If anyone likes a certain line of fans please tell me. Thanks in advance.