A single fan header on a motherboard typically supports 4 AMPS.
A single fan header on a motherboard typically supports 4 AMPS.
I purchased deepcool FT12 slim fans and they indicate 0.7 amps. My motherboard is an Asus Strix X870i mini ITX. I’ve learned that a single fan header can only handle up to 1 amp. So, using two of these 0.7 amp fans on one header seems impossible? Need advice. Thanks.
It depends on your motherboard model. If you checked the manual correctly, your board supports 1A per header. Pushing it too hard could damage components—possibly just the header. Using a fan controller might be safer than risking it. Alternatively, you could switch to different fans; for example, Noctua's slim 120 has a max of 0.13A and only slightly less airflow. There are likely other good options available.
This guidance is extremely poor. It merely draws more than one amp briefly enough to damage the header.
And @OhioYJ I paid little attention while teaching (I should have noticed that) so I might be mistaken but I guess if the fans really had to go beyond their maximum capacity they wouldn’t work properly. I’d definitely consider using two fans on a single header if necessary. Most larger fans are rated at 0.3A. Edited September 22, 2025 by leclod
those melted wires might be traces on your motherboard. This isn't something you want to ignore. It could function temporarily, but eventually a fan becoming overly dusty or something similar could cause trouble. A fan hub would likely address these concerns since they handle much higher current.
You could go ahead if required. DeepCool suggests 0.15A to 0.70A for that fan. https://www.deepcool.com/products/Coolin...8088.shtml Two slim fans on a 1A header make a sensible choice. Updated September 22, 2025 by leclod
Respectfully, I have different views. Yes, you might strain the header temporarily, but it could last a short or long time. Over time, this stress can accumulate and cause lasting harm. @OhioYJ and @Blue4130 are right. You’re allowed to link more than one fan as long as total current stays under 1A. But if you plan that, consider using a powered hub instead of a header. Why? Because you can’t predict when it will hit the limit (usually 1A, though water pump headers sometimes handle more), and the motherboard is rated for 1A for all connections. Since you’re unsure about timing or duration, and you can’t guarantee the board’s durability, replacing the board entirely could be necessary if the header fails. Unknowns include possible ripple effects on other components. If you switch to a powered hub, damage might cost between $5 and $30—not thousands. If you add another fan, look for one that supports up to 0.3A with matching speed. This should help clarify things.
I don't need to worry about you, just let me know if you'd like no further comments. The DeepCool rating for that fan falls between 0.15A and 0.70A, which is lower than the 0.3A standard fan. Documentation seems confusing, but Arctic suggests using multiple fans together. Startup power usage can spike significantly. I'm not sure who originally wrote this info. Updated September 22, 2025 by leclod