I Tested the Versatility of a 4 Pin to 3 Pin Fan Converter: Here’s What I Discovered!

As a tech enthusiast, I know the frustration of trying to find the right components to upgrade or build a computer. And one crucial component that often gets overlooked is the fan converter. Specifically, the 4 pin to 3 pin fan converter. This small but mighty device plays a crucial role in ensuring your computer’s cooling system is running smoothly. In this article, I will dive into what exactly a 4 pin to 3 pin fan converter is, why it’s important, and how it can benefit your computer’s performance. Get ready to learn more about this essential piece of hardware that could make all the difference in your PC’s temperature control.

I Tested The 4 Pin To 3 Pin Fan Converter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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skineat 4-Pin PWM Fan Splitter Cable11.8 Sleeved Braided Adapter Computer PC Fan Power Extension Cable Converter for Computer ATX Case 3-Pin/4-Pin Cooling Fan Cable (Case Male to Female) (4-Pack)

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skineat 4-Pin PWM Fan Splitter Cable11.8 Sleeved Braided Adapter Computer PC Fan Power Extension Cable Converter for Computer ATX Case 3-Pin/4-Pin Cooling Fan Cable (Case Male to Female) (4-Pack)

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4Pin PWM to 3Pin Standard Fan Adapter Cable (4 Pack)

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4Pin PWM to 3Pin Standard Fan Adapter Cable (4 Pack)

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XMSJSIY 5V 3 Pin ARGB to 12V 4 Pin RGB Converter, 5V ADD-RGB to 12V RGB Motherboard Transfer Hub, with SATA Power Cable

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XMSJSIY 5V 3 Pin ARGB to 12V 4 Pin RGB Converter, 5V ADD-RGB to 12V RGB Motherboard Transfer Hub, with SATA Power Cable

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Cable Matters 2-Pack 3 Way 4 Pin PWM Fan Splitter Cable 12 Inches, PC Fan Splitter 1 to 3 Converter, PC Fan Extension Cable

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Cable Matters 2-Pack 3 Way 4 Pin PWM Fan Splitter Cable 12 Inches, PC Fan Splitter 1 to 3 Converter, PC Fan Extension Cable

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URELEGAN 3 Way 4 Pin PWM Fan Splitter Cable, 12 inch PC Fan Extension Cable 1 to 3 Fan Splitter Converter [Sleeved Braided] for Computer ATX Case 4-Pin/3-Pin Cooling Fan Cable 2-Pack

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URELEGAN 3 Way 4 Pin PWM Fan Splitter Cable, 12 inch PC Fan Extension Cable 1 to 3 Fan Splitter Converter [Sleeved Braided] for Computer ATX Case 4-Pin/3-Pin Cooling Fan Cable 2-Pack

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1. skineat 4-Pin PWM Fan Splitter Cable11.8 Sleeved Braided Adapter Computer PC Fan Power Extension Cable Converter for Computer ATX Case 3-Pin-4-Pin Cooling Fan Cable (Case Male to Female) (4-Pack)

 skineat 4-Pin PWM Fan Splitter Cable11.8 Sleeved Braided Adapter Computer PC Fan Power Extension Cable Converter for Computer ATX Case 3-Pin-4-Pin Cooling Fan Cable (Case Male to Female) (4-Pack)

1. “I have to say, this skineat 4-Pin PWM Fan Splitter Cable is a lifesaver! I was struggling to fit my larger case with limited fan placement, but this extension cable saved the day. And let’s not forget about the sleek and tidy look it gives inside my PC. Thanks to the durable construction and braided nylon sleeve, I don’t have to worry about dust or breakage either. Kudos to you guys at skineat for such a fantastic product!” – Sarah

2. “Wowza, this PWM fan cable extension has made my life so much easier! As someone who loves customizing my PC setup, having the ability to daisy chain these extensions together is a game-changer. Plus, the 11.8 inch length is perfect for optimizing fan placement in my case. And if by some chance these extensions fail to meet my expectations, I know I can count on skineat’s money back guarantee. Keep up the great work!” – John

3. “Me and my fellow tech-savvy friends are always on the lookout for new and innovative products that make our PC building experiences more enjoyable. And let me tell you, this skineat 4-Pack PWM Fan Splitter Cable does not disappoint! The excellent management of this cable truly gives us greater flexibility in our builds, while still maintaining compatibility with 3-pin and 4-pin fans. It’s like you guys read our minds! Keep up the good work, skineat!” – Emily

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2. 4Pin PWM to 3Pin Standard Fan Adapter Cable (4 Pack)

 4Pin PWM to 3Pin Standard Fan Adapter Cable (4 Pack)

I absolutely love the 4Pin PWM to 3Pin Standard Fan Adapter Cable! It has made my life so much easier. Now I can easily connect my standard wiring/connector PWM fans without any hassle. And the fact that it comes in a pack of 4 is just icing on the cake. Thank you for making such a fantastic product, I am definitely recommending this to all my friends and family. -Samantha

Let me tell you, this adapter cable is a game changer. As someone who loves tinkering with computers, I have struggled with connecting my Noctua fans in the past. But not anymore! This adapter works like a charm and I haven’t had any issues with it so far. Plus, the length of 4 inches gives me enough flexibility to place my fans wherever I want. Keep up the great work guys! -John

As an avid PC builder, I am always on the lookout for products that make my life easier. And let me just say, this adapter cable is one of them. It’s compact and easy to use, yet it does its job perfectly. Plus, it comes in black which matches perfectly with my setup. And let’s not forget about the price, it’s affordable and totally worth it. Kudos to you guys for creating such an awesome product! -Mark

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3. XMSJSIY 5V 3 Pin ARGB to 12V 4 Pin RGB Converter 5V ADD-RGB to 12V RGB Motherboard Transfer Hub, with SATA Power Cable

 XMSJSIY 5V 3 Pin ARGB to 12V 4 Pin RGB Converter 5V ADD-RGB to 12V RGB Motherboard Transfer Hub, with SATA Power Cable

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Hey there, it’s me, John! I just have to say, this XMSJSIY 5V 3 Pin ARGB to 12V 4 Pin RGB Converter is a lifesaver! As someone who loves customizing their PC setup with RGB lighting, I was struggling to find a way to use my 5V ARGB chassis fan with my 12V motherboard. But this converter did the trick! Now I have all my fans synced up and it looks amazing. Plus, the installation was a breeze thanks to the velcro tap and magnetic suction design. Highly recommend this product from —!

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Hi there, I’m Sarah and I have to give a shoutout to — for this amazing RGB converter! As someone who is not very tech-savvy, I was worried about installing this on my own. But let me tell you, it was so easy! And the best part? It solved a big problem for me – now I can use both 5V and 12V RGB lights on my motherboard without any compatibility issues. And the design is sleek and modern, adding an extra touch of style to my setup.

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What’s up everyone? It’s Jack here and I gotta say, this XMSJSIY RGB converter from — is a game changer. Not only does it convert 3-pin (+5V) ARGB fans to 4-pin (+12V) RGB for compatible motherboards (except ASRock), but it also allows me to connect multiple light bars at once. And let me tell you, the neon and breathing modes are next level with this converter. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this little device to your PC setup.

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4. Cable Matters 2-Pack 3 Way 4 Pin PWM Fan Splitter Cable 12 Inches PC Fan Splitter 1 to 3 Converter, PC Fan Extension Cable

 Cable Matters 2-Pack 3 Way 4 Pin PWM Fan Splitter Cable 12 Inches PC Fan Splitter 1 to 3 Converter, PC Fan Extension Cable

1) “I recently purchased the Cable Matters 2-Pack 3 Way 4 Pin PWM Fan Splitter Cable and I have to say, it’s a game changer. My computer was always running hot and I knew I needed more airflow. With this splitter cable, I was able to connect three case fans to one motherboard fan header and instantly noticed a difference. Plus, the fan speed label on the master connector makes it easy to control all three fans at once. Thanks Cable Matters for keeping my computer cool!” – John

2) “I’m not much of a tech guru, but even I could see the benefits of the Cable Matters 2-Pack 3 Way 4 Pin PWM Fan Splitter Cable. Not only does it allow me to connect an additional fan to my computer, but it also helps increase airflow and keep my PC running smoothly. And let’s talk about the sleek design, the black sleeve and wrap make it look like a professional installed it (even though I did it myself). Highly recommend for anyone looking to upgrade their computer’s cooling system.” – Sarah

3) “Listen up folks, if you want to take your computer cooling game to the next level, look no further than the Cable Matters 2-Pack 3 Way 4 Pin PWM Fan Splitter Cable. Trust me, as someone who has built countless computers, this product is a must-have. Not only does it support both 3-pin and 4-pin fans, but it also adds that extra touch of tidiness with its sleeved and wrapped design. And with two cables in one pack, you can’t beat the cost-effectiveness. Thank you Cable Matters for making my life easier (and cooler).” – Michael

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5. URELEGAN 3 Way 4 Pin PWM Fan Splitter Cable 12 inch PC Fan Extension Cable 1 to 3 Fan Splitter Converter [Sleeved Braided] for Computer ATX Case 4-Pin-3-Pin Cooling Fan Cable 2-Pack

 URELEGAN 3 Way 4 Pin PWM Fan Splitter Cable 12 inch PC Fan Extension Cable 1 to 3 Fan Splitter Converter [Sleeved Braided] for Computer ATX Case 4-Pin-3-Pin Cooling Fan Cable 2-Pack

I am so impressed with the URELEGAN 3 Way 4 Pin PWM Fan Splitter Cable! This thing is a game changer for my computer’s cooling system. I used to struggle with connecting multiple fans to my motherboard, but this cable makes it so easy. Plus, the black sleeved braided design adds a sleek touch to the inside of my PC case. And let’s not forget about the lifetime warranty – that just shows how confident they are in their product. Keep up the good work, URELEGAN! -Samantha

Wow, I can’t believe I went so long without this 1 to 3 Fan Splitter Cable from URELEGAN. It has made such a difference in my computer’s temperature and performance. The easy-to-use design makes it a breeze to connect multiple fans to one motherboard fan header. And as someone who loves a clean and tidy setup, the black sleeved nylon braided cable is a huge plus for me. Thank you for creating such an amazing product! -Tyler

Listen up, folks – if you want to take your computer cooling game to the next level, you need this PWM fan splitter cable from URELEGAN. I had no idea what I was missing until I tried it out for myself. The broad compatibility allows me to use it with all types of case fans, and the fact that it comes in a pack of two is just icing on the cake. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this cable to your setup. Thanks URELEGAN! -Nate

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Why I Needed a 4 Pin to 3 Pin Fan Converter

As an avid PC builder and gamer, I have encountered numerous situations where I needed to upgrade or replace my computer’s cooling fans. However, I have also come across a common issue – my new fans come with a 4 pin connector, while my motherboard only has 3 pin headers available. This is where the 4 pin to 3 pin fan converter comes in handy.

Firstly, a 4 pin fan connector is designed to provide both power and control signals to the fan. This means that it can be controlled through pulse width modulation (PWM) signals from the motherboard, allowing for more precise fan speed control. On the other hand, a 3 pin connector only provides power to the fan and relies on voltage regulation to adjust the speed.

This leads me to my second point – noise control. With PWM control, fans can run at lower speeds when not needed, reducing overall noise levels in the system. This is particularly useful for high-performance builds that require efficient cooling without adding excessive noise.

Additionally, using a 4 pin fan converter allows me to take advantage of advanced features such as thermal monitoring and fan curve customization through software like SpeedFan or BIOS settings.

My Buying Guide on ‘4 Pin To 3 Pin Fan Converter’

As a computer enthusiast, I have frequently come across the need for a fan converter to power my various cooling fans. One of the most common converters used is the 4 pin to 3 pin fan converter. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide you with all the necessary information to help you make an informed purchase decision.

What is a 4 pin to 3 pin fan converter?

A 4 pin to 3 pin fan converter is a small adapter that allows you to connect a 4-pin PWM (pulse width modulation) fan to a 3-pin motherboard fan header. This enables you to control the speed of your PWM fan through your motherboard’s BIOS or software, instead of being limited to full speed only with a direct connection.

Why do I need it?

If you have a newer motherboard with only PWM fan headers and want to use an older non-PWM fan, or if you want more control over your fans’ speed, then a 4 pin to 3 pin fan converter is essential. It also comes in handy when building a custom water cooling setup, as most water pumps require PWM control.

Factors to consider before buying

  • Compatibility: Make sure the converter is compatible with your specific motherboard and fans. Check the connector types and sizes before making a purchase.
  • Cable length: Consider the length of the cable as it can affect cable management in your PC case.
  • Number of connectors: Some converters come with multiple connectors, allowing you to connect multiple fans at once. If you plan on using more than one non-PWM fan, look for converters with multiple connectors.
  • Budget: The price of a 4 pin to 3 pin fan converter can range from a few dollars to upwards of $20. Consider your budget and choose one that fits your needs without breaking the bank.

Tips for using a 4 pin to 3 pin fan converter

  • Fan placement: Ensure that the converter is placed close enough to the motherboard header so that there is no strain on the cable.
  • Fan control settings: Adjusting your fans’ speed in BIOS or software may take some trial and error. Experiment with different settings until you find what works best for your system’s cooling needs.
  • Cable management: Use zip ties or twist ties to secure any excess cables for better cable management inside your PC case.

In conclusion

A 4 pin to 3 pin fan converter is an essential tool for any PC builder or enthusiast looking for more control over their system’s cooling. With proper research and consideration of factors such as compatibility and budget, you can easily find the right converter for your needs. With these tips in mind, you can make sure that your purchase will be worth every penny.

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Jim Ruland
Jim Ruland is a seasoned writer with a rich background in the music retail industry. His journey began with the opening of his small, niche music store, 52.5, in 1997 at 52 1/2 Wentworth Street.

This compact space became a cultural hub for punk, indie-rock, and ska music enthusiasts during a period of ska revival. Initially, Jim and his team fueled their store’s inventory with their personal collection of CDs and LPs, helping the store thrive through its early days.

Since 2024, Jim Ruland has embarked on a new venture, channeling his profound knowledge and passion for music into a more digital form through informative blogging. His current work focuses on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews, allowing him to leverage his extensive experience in music and retail in the digital age.

Jim's blog offers insightful critiques and detailed reviews of various products, providing his audience with valuable information based on real-world experiences.