Intel SE440BX-3 mobo -- Max amps from CPU fan header?

**RIVERST0NE** · January 8th, 2006, 07:23 PM

Please, can someone confidently tell me, what is the highest amount of Amps that can be safely supplied by the CPU fan header on my motherboard model?

(BTW, I already tried contacting the motherboard manufacturer, but they no longer provide support for my motherboard model.)

Also, exactly what parts could the high current damage and how could one tell the damage is being done (ex. PC would just completely shut down one day)?

The reason I ask is because I need to know if my motherboard can safely power the new high current CPU fan I purchased.

Here are my specs:
old '99 Dell Dimension XPS T500
Intel Pentium III 500Mhz
Motherboard Model: SE440BX-3
Motherboard Version: AA722396-108
BIOS: 4S4EB2X0.10A.0017.P05 04/22/1999
Online mobo manual: ftp://download.intel.com/design/moth...m/72698401.pdf

Alternatives...
-- I looked into plugging the fan into the power supply instead of the motherboard, but one tech that has had experience working on my type of motherboard found that it would *not* be possible to do.
-- Getting another fan with less amps to lower the current may be possible, but it will be quite a hassle (for me). I can't buy another proprietary fan from Dell since the only replacement available from them is this high current fan. So I would be left having to buy a non-Dell fan and *rewire* it to the Dell proprietary connector.

I really don't want to have to go through the hassle of rewiring if my motherboard will be fine with this high current fan. Please help.

Thank you...

**xpuser357** · January 8th, 2006, 08:09 PM

Curious Does this case have fairly large case fan and plastic tube shroud that blows over cpu heat sink? You could just hook fan to power supply using
adapto plugs. You get those at your Friendly repair shops.

The same plugs that you plug harddrive and Cd roms is same place you use these piggy backs to access power from power supply. 5 volt and 12volt

**RIVERST0NE** · January 8th, 2006, 08:26 PM

Thanks for trying to help.

Originally Posted by xpuser357

Curious Does this case have fairly large case fan and plastic tube shroud that blows over cpu heat sink?

lol Sorry, I don't know. I've never opened my computer. Here's a pic of the type of CPU fan I use.

Originally Posted by xpuser357

You could just hook fan to power supply using
adapto plugs. You get those at your Friendly repair shops.

Unfortunetly, someone that has had experience working on my type of machine learned that to do that, all I would need is the one lead for tach running but the motherboard requires that line. It can't be done.

So I've got option A... find out what the highest amount of Amps that can be supplied by the cpu fan header on my motherboard. And option B... get a non-Dell fan and rewire it.

I'm still sticking to option A. Hopefully things will works out.

**xpuser357** · January 8th, 2006, 11:45 PM

You are misinformed I am talking about power supply for all your devices
not YOUR ATX connector for motherboard. That fan you showed is a CASE FAN and you hook TWO wires up for that fan. and NO you do not want to hook that fan up to your mother board.