Will 3pin CPU fan plug work with 4 pins?

[gregrocker]

Will 3pin CPU fan plug work with 4 pins on mobo?

I've pulled the old Fan out. When I google the PN: hi. 10800.028 e
I learn it's Socket 775, 95mm which I confirmed by measuring fan diameter.

Tiger Direct shows this right-priced replacement model which matches every spec except it has a 3 pin plug: VALUE SOCKET T/775 HEATSINK at TigerDirect.com. They don't know if 3 pin plug works when 4 pins are present on mobo and original part has 4 pin plug.

There's also this used one which exactly matches PN: Acer HI.10800.028 Heatsink and Fan Gateway AX3400G X1420G X1920G

And this one for twice the price that matches even the Acer model number: New Acer Aspire X1200 X1300 X1301 X1800 X3200 X3300 X3810 Cpu Fan. But he doesn't wanna spend that much.


We only need the fan.

 

[DavidE]

It should work, but you won't have fan control - always on, full speed.

Desktop Boards — 3-wire and 4-wire fan connectors

 

[gregrocker]

Thanks, David.

Any suggestions for just the fan, with 4 pin? I'm not coming back til May, he can swap in the fan but doesn't want to paste the heat sink.

 

[DavidE]

I haven't found anything yet for just a CPU fan, if I do I'll post back.

In your OP you stated socket 275.
Is that correct, or is it a typo and it is socket 775?

I've rigged up using a small case fan to replace a GPU fan when i couldn't find a replacement fan...
I removed the GPU HSF shield and fan, then screwed the case fan into the GPU Heat Sink fins.
Probably not something your friend would want to do if he doesn't want to install a new Heat Sink...
Been working for a few years like this with no problems.

 

[gregrocker]

Yes socket 775. Sorry, a typo.

Any fan suggestions that would fit and vary speeds as required welcome.

Thanks.

 

[DavidE]

This one is < $15, 92mm, socket 775, 4 pin (pwm).
Newegg.com - Rosewill RCX-Z90-AL 92mm Sleeve CPU Cooler

I don't know if you can just use the fan from this, to replace the fan with the stock Heat Sink.
Maybe you can tell looking at the pics, but it is listed as 92mm.

 

[gregrocker]

Will 92mm fan fit if it's replacing a measured 95mm fan circumference?.

 

[DavidE]

That's the big question.
I don't think you can be sure until you have the new fan in hand with the stock Heat Sink.
Will it be easy to attach that 92mm fan...


I'd plan on a worst case plan B, meaning the new Heat Sink will need to be used, requiring pasting.
Do you think the current fan can last till May, if needed?

 

[gregrocker]

Not sure as it's flaky, but I imaged C to a new unused Toshiba laptop, plugged his monitor, keyboard and mouse into it and he likes using it as his "desktop" now better than the Acer slimline.

So the urgency has greatly diminished to leaving a link on his desktop, probably this one y'think matching the exact P/N? Acer HI.10800.028 Heatsink and Fan Gateway AX3400G X1420G X1920G

 

[DavidE]

Well, he could use that as his primary for the time being.

If you can get to the bearing on the current fan, you can try adding a drop or two of light machine oil, like sewing machine oil.
This can extend the life for a while, but I don't depend on it for a long term solution.

If he likes the laptop better now, the slimline may become a backup machine...

 

[gregrocker]

There were two of these Acer slimlines bought in the house at the same time (around $275 ea) but his had a fan as loud as a vacuum, which quieted down but became intermittent after he cleaned it. It improved after he took it off the heat sink to clean the nicotine (weight?) off the blades' other side. But it now sometimes needs coaxing to run.

His also has a dodgy vertical-mount DVD drive that never opened right and now requires a paper clip to open. I wanted to order him a new $20 SATA DVD drive and fan but he doesn't want to spend the money on it.

The other one runs perfectly except for a periodic white-screen crash I'm troubleshooting.

 

[DavidE]

So the urgency has greatly diminished to leaving a link on his desktop, probably this one y'think matching the exact P/N? Acer HI.10800.028 Heatsink and Fan Gateway AX3400G X1420G X1920G

The issue I see with that one is it's used...
No telling how long it will last - guess it's just a gamble.
I don't like to buy used/refurbished, especially if there are moving parts...

 

[gregrocker]

Good point. I'll keep looking for a 95mm fan with 4 pin plug.

 

[DavidE]

My replies/comments are in blue.

There were two of these Acer slimlines bought in the house at the same time (around $275 ea) but his had a fan as loud as a vacuum, which quieted down but became intermittent after he cleaned it. It improved after he took it off the heat sink to clean the nicotine (weight?) off the blades' other side. But it now sometimes needs coaxing to run.
That's bad and can easily and quickly cause overheating, shutdown, hardware damage...
I had the same issue with the GPU fan i mentioned...

His also has a dodgy vertical-mount DVD drive that never opened right and now requires a paper clip to open. I wanted to order him a new $20 SATA DVD drive and fan but he doesn't want to spend the money on it.

Would he consider an external DVD drive, so more $ are not spent upgrading an old machine?
Then the drive could easily be used on "any" PC.

I understand, at some point it doesn't make sense to spend more money maintaining old technology.
Just have to bite the bullet, buy new, and move on.

The other one runs perfectly except for a periodic white-screen crash I'm troubleshooting.