3-pin wires

[elsevier]

Can they be chained like the 4-pin? I wanted to buy some fans and didn't know whether to go with the 3- or 4-pin.

Elsevier

 

[PliotronX]

3pins are for the connectors on motherboards so that the RPM can be monitored. If you're going to be using fans that consume more than 2 watts of power, get some 3pin-to-4pin adapter wires or just get the 4wire fans.

Almost forgot, 3pins can't be daisychained

 

[MGMorden]

I've seen a few adaptors that allow you to connect to 3-pins to 1 connector on the mobo, which is pretty much daisy chaining. Probably not a good idea though, with the limited power provided by the motherboard connectors. I personally prefer the 3 wire fans, since none of mine draw to much power, and the 3- connectors seem to not get in the way as much, and hence cause less case clutter. If you will be getting those huge, powerful fans though, get a 4 pin.

 

[SubzeroPC]

It's usually best to stick with 3 pin connectors for smaller fans and 4 pin for larger (92mm +) fans. There are adapters that let you change from 3 to 4 pin and vice versa if needed. Usually, fans used on a CPU heatsink use 3 pin fans while general case cooling fans use 4 pin since they are farther from the motherboard.

If you are going to use 3 pin fans make sure that you motherboard has the required fan headers. If not you will have to get the 3 to 4 pin adapter. Good luck.