Power Fan Headers for EP45-U3DP

[TranceFat]

I recently built my first system from scratch and everything seems to be running smoothly (except it won't wake properly from S3, but that's in a separate post).

In thinking about how I connected the fan headers, I wanted to double check with you guys:

1. My Xigmatek CPU fan has a 4-pin header. This one was the no-brainer one. I connected this to the 4-pin CPU_FAN header on the mobo.

2. My case front has two 120mm intake fans. Both of these are 3-pin. I have one of them hooked up to SYS_FAN2 (4-pin) and the other to PWR_FAN (3-pin). Is this how you guys would connect these intake fans?

3. My case back has one 120mm exhaust fan (3-pin). This is hooked up to to SYS_FAN1 (3-pin).

I guess what I'm trying to figure out is how to hook up these three fans (excluding the CPU fan, of course) in the best way possible to ensure good cooling, but also dynamic control due to temp or voltage sensing. Also, what mobo BIOS settings should I use to ensure this?

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Power Fan Headers for EP45-U3DP

They are still trying to get the S3 issues squared away for the UDx model boards.

Your fan connections plans sound good to me. The Sys_Fan2 Header is often slower than the rest, but with you having two intakes that should be fine

BIOS settings, all up to you and how you feel about sound really. You could test with PWM Set, or Voltage set and see which cools better or is quieter for you.

[153stars]

Re: Power Fan Headers for EP45-U3DP

Bios-I had to use PC heath/smart fan-enable next fan mode/ voltage. My fan wouldn't use PWM setting then I set up in ET-6- smart fan -
28% @ 30C 100% @54c my fan is nearly silent at idle and I have a mesh side plate. By the way it's in the MB book P.60 a so so description.

I recently built my first system from scratch and everything seems to be running smoothly (except it won't wake properly from S3, but that's in a separate post).

In thinking about how I connected the fan headers, I wanted to double check with you guys:

1. My Xigmatek CPU fan has a 4-pin header. This one was the no-brainer one. I connected this to the 4-pin CPU_FAN header on the mobo.

2. My case front has two 120mm intake fans. Both of these are 3-pin. I have one of them hooked up to SYS_FAN2 (4-pin) and the other to PWR_FAN (3-pin). Is this how you guys would connect these intake fans?

3. My case back has one 120mm exhaust fan (3-pin). This is hooked up to to SYS_FAN1 (3-pin).

I guess what I'm trying to figure out is how to hook up these three fans (excluding the CPU fan, of course) in the best way possible to ensure good cooling, but also dynamic control due to temp or voltage sensing. Also, what mobo BIOS settings should I use to ensure this?

[Psycho101]

Re: Power Fan Headers for EP45-U3DP

Lsdmeasap's information is 100% correct.

Unfortunately for some reason Gigabyte have decided to set the SYS_FAN_2 header to only output a maximum of 5v. This has forced me to use a molex to 2 pin adapter for one of my four 120mm fans.

I'd have prefered them all to be 12v and software controlable, the cost to do so wouldn't have been much more. I'd quite gladly have given up the relatively useless phase LED's for 12v fan headers all round.

[TranceFat]

Re: Power Fan Headers for EP45-U3DP

Luckily all my case fans have the regular power connectors and molex together. I guess I can just hook up the fan to this, but lose speed control...

[Psycho101]

Re: Power Fan Headers for EP45-U3DP

Yes, unfoprtunately you will loose speed control, but if you're up for some modifying you can run the fan at different voltages.

• Connecting Positive wire (red) to 12v and Ground (black) to ground = 12v supplied to the fan.
• Connecting Positive (red) to 12v and the Ground (black) to 5v = 7v supplied to the fan.
• Connecting Positive (red) to 5v and ground (black) to ground = 5v supplied to the fan.

I'm tempted to get myself a fan controller though. Lian Li do a nice retro looking one, with chunky brushed chrome control knobs, and the finish that matches my case. Sweet!

[TranceFat]

Re: Power Fan Headers for EP45-U3DP

I actually have an Lian Li case myself... K7B... I love it!

I'd love to find one that matches it... It's so unassuming but slick at the same time...

[TranceFat]

Re: Power Fan Headers for EP45-U3DP

Can you please clarify this? I'm confused. Do I have to "enable" or "install" something in order for the mobo to automatically monitor and regulate fan speeds based on temps?

I'm new to this process!

Bios-I had to use PC heath/smart fan-enable next fan mode/ voltage. My fan wouldn't use PWM setting then I set up in ET-6- smart fan -
28% @ 30C 100% @54c my fan is nearly silent at idle and I have a mesh side plate. By the way it's in the MB book P.60 a so so description.

[Psycho101]

Re: Power Fan Headers for EP45-U3DP

You can use Easy Tune 6 to control fans if you wish. The utility comes with the motherboard, and you can get the latest version from the Gigabyte website. I would personally recommend Speedfan though. I'm not a fan of its temp monitoring options, but it's more than capable of controlling the UD3P fans, and will allow you to set percentages of fan speed based on temperature if you wish.

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: Power Fan Headers for EP45-U3DP

Can you please clarify this? I'm confused. Do I have to "enable" or "install" something in order for the mobo to automatically monitor and regulate fan speeds based on temps?

I'm new to this process!

The motherboard adjusts the fans by itself. If you want manual control then you can use the EasyTune utility. The only thing you may want to check is the fan control mode (PWM/Voltage) in your BIOS. PWM is for 4-pin fans, 3-pin fans should use Voltage otherwise they will be spinning at 100% all the time.

[TranceFat]

Re: Power Fan Headers for EP45-U3DP

Thank you everyone once again! I'm learning a great deal already!