Connect a CHA_FAN on your motherboard for optimal cooling.
These days, PC motherboards come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Chipsets, form factors, availability of slots… And offer a a variety of headers (for fans), USB and graphics extensions. We’re talking particularly about th chassis fan today, marked as CHA_FAN.
Your PC setup should include certain considerations for cooling your machine. You run the danger of harming your components if you make a mistake, not to mention the performance hit you’ll experience from thermal throttling.
When it comes to cooling, fans within your case are your greatest buddies. This article examines the definition of a CHA_Fan and the best seven offerings available right now in case your chassis fans needs a replacement.
You must have encountered several different headers on your motherboard when assembling your computer. It’s necessary to mark some of these headers as CHA fans.
What is a CHA_FAN On Your Motherboard?
Well, a lot of people are inquiring about a motherboard fan header marked “CHA FAN.”
The term “CHA FAN” refers to the chassis fan, which powers extra fans in your system via either a 4-pin or 3-pin connector.
Chassis is another title for your “PC Case,” hence the CHA FAN header is mostly used to power and regulate the extra fans in your PC Case.
You may have between one and six CHA FAN headers in addition to CPU FAN and maybe a CPU OPT header, depending on the motherboard you’re running.
The RPM of 3-pin CHA FAN headers cannot be precisely adjusted (rotations per minute). They normally operate at maximum speed, though lowering the voltage can somewhat reduce it.
RPM can be managed by the operating system, specialized software, or the BIOS. The modifications are made based on information about internal temperatures, such as CPU or system average temperatures.
You can see how to manage individual fans in the figure below by changing their fan curve and source temperature sensor.
Depending on where your case fans are hooked in, the “System 1” tab in this MSI BIOS would control the CHA FAN1 Header, “System 2” would control the CHA FAN2 Header, and so forth.
Although some motherboard manufacturers refer to their fans as “SYS FAN” rather than “CHA FAN,” they are fundamentally the same. Pulse width modulation on the fourth wire of 4-pin CHA FAN headers enables direct control of the RPM.
For RPM readout and, in some cases, power, you connect your PC fans to the motherboard using these pins. If you want to add a pop of color to your build, CPU fans are available in a variety of diameters, ranging from 10mm to 200mm, and some even incorporate RGB lighting.
If you use a Molex cable to connect your fans to your PSU, they will operate at their maximum speed without any control over the RPM.
You can connect your fans directly to your PSU using a Molex cable, but you’ll not control the RPM as the fans will automatically run at their highest speed.
How is the CHA FAN connected to the motherboard?
The wiring for this fan is four-holed on one end and attached to the fan on the other. The motherboard of your central processing unit (CPU) or the power supply unit must be attached to the 4-pin side.
The CPU Cabinet system houses the power supply unit (PSU).
Read the following instructions if you want to attach this fan to the motherboard or if you don’t have a power supply:
Take note of where the motherboard is located inside the CPU. These pins will have labels with the names CHA FAN (chassis fans) or SYSFAN placed close to them (systems fan)., four pins are used.
The socket end of your wire must be inserted into one of these pins. Your fan’s wire may still enter the pin, leaving the first end of the pin empty, even if it is three-pinned. It is possible to change the temperature of the motherboard-mounted fans.
How do I attach a CHA_Fan to the power supply?
A PSU can supply power straight to your fans. This should only be done if you want to run your fan at its utmost speed.
You won’t be able to alter the rpm (rotation per minute) number, which determines the cha fan’s speed, once it is attached to this device. A Molex cable is required to connect your fan to the PSU. The PSU should be connected to one end of the Molex connection, and the cha fan to the other.
How is the CPU temperature measured?
HWMonitor is very simple to use and download. Knowing all your device’s information on the temperature will be helpful.
System fans are a crucial part of the computers’ CPU and GPU as they start up. These cannot be overlooked or given less priority.
Top 7 Chassis Fan Replacements for Your Motherboard
This Noctuna fan is a straightforward, inexpensive option that works well. Even though the RPM is only 1300, it will still be sufficient if you put in a few of them. The fan is 120mm in size, thus it ought to fit in the majority of cases.
Darkflash INF8
These will look fantastic on a white-themed construction. You receive a controller, mounting gear, and three addressable RGB fans. The fans have a maximum RPM of 1900, therefore the airflow inside your case should be readily managed.
PCCooler PC-FX120
A three-pack of 120MM cooling fans with hydraulic bearings is included for quieter operation. The three-pack of these fans, which are also RGB and have a maximum RPM of 1200, will be plenty for controlling airflow in your case.
NZXT AER RGB 2
Now, this fan from NZXT is a little more expensive than the other listings, and that’s mainly because the RGB can be customized. You receive a 120mm fan with a maximum RPM of 1200. The fans do, however, have addressable RGB that you may combine and match to coordinate with any other parts of your design. However, you do require an additional controller for it, which is offered separately.
Arctic P12
This is your choice if you don’t want RGB but still need a lot of fans for a low price. You receive five 120mm fans with a maximum RPM of 1800. Additionally pressure-optimized, the fans make employing them in smaller constructions simple.
Cooler Master MasterFan MF120
Because it contains RGB on the fan blades and a halo ring around the fan itself, this three-pack of Cooler Master addressable RGB 120mm fans will add a lot of color to your setup. In addition, you get static pressure optimizations, absorbent pads for liquid radiators, and an 1800 RPM fan with PWM.
Corsair LL120
Another triple pack with many RGB, this fan from Corsair features the Lightning Node PRO controller that lets you adjust fan speed and RGB directly from Corsair’s software. Fan speed can be adjusted from anywhere between 600 and 1500 RPM, which means three of these should be enough for your airflow needs.
