Motherboad and cooling...

[fbobum 0]

I'm thinking of upgrading my system case. My current case has a single exhaust fan. The case I'm contemplating has one intake and two exhaust fans. My mobo (an MSI K7N2, for now) has a single 3-pin connector for the fan. I'm confused on how this would (could?) work as far as monitoring fan speed/rpm? Does one 3-pin plug into the other and then into the board? Does a board support more than one fan? I'd appreciate some input regarding this. Thanks for your time.

[gosta 0]

Hi Rick,it depends on the case you're getting, but in all likelihood the case fans will connect to the 4-pin power connectors from the power supply, and not the motherboard connector, so you'll probably lose the case fan monitor.Cheers,Gosta.http://www.hifisim.com/images/as2betateam.jpg

[fbobum 0]

Thanks, Gosta.

[Guest sb55mv]

Hi Rick,you might even want to consider water cooling, it's not even complicated now, the kits you can buy are very very good,I made my own variation out of a mixture of industrial air line pipe, and a Black Ice Extreme Radiator thats actually mounted Out-Side below the window ledge,it has a cover over it to stop any rain getting onto the two 120mm fans, and a cover at the front to stop direct sunlight also, but it has got vents on the side which lets the air flow freely through it. and the pipe is all 1/2", so theres a great flow rate through it, the pump, a Hydor 20 is very powerful and cost about

[fbobum 0]

Thanks, guys for your feedback. In looking the prospective case over, I notice the i/o panel on the back does not match up with my motherboard (I have 4 USB ports, the case only offers 2). Is this something I can get from the board's manufacturer? Thanks again.

[gosta 0]

A matching panel should be included with your motherboard. Just take out the one from the case and pop in the new one - that's it :).Cheers,Gosta.http://www.hifisim.com/images/as2betateam.jpg

[fbobum 0]

No, I actually need another I/O panel. Easy to assume, isn't it? ;-) I do not have the panel that came with the board; it was misplaced while moving compenents across town. That is why I asked if the manufacturer would be the place to look?... Thanks.

[gosta 0]

Is your motherboard currently in use?Cheers,Gosta.http://www.hifisim.com/images/as2betateam.jpg

[fbobum 0]

No, it isn't. I'm using the system I upgraded from previously. No matter; I've purchased a new board and am waiting to take delivery. Thanks again...