Yes, you can connect a PC fan directly to the motherboard.
Yes, you can connect a PC fan directly to the motherboard.
You're wondering if you can connect the new fans to your motherboard. Since your PC is prebuilt with two fans already connected to the PSU, you'll need to check if your motherboard supports additional fan ports. Look at the image you provided and see if there are any designated areas for expansion or if the existing layout allows for more fans. If not, you may need to consider a different setup or consult the motherboard manual for compatibility details.
Are there any options to connect below the GPU? The fan is positioned at the front, making it simpler to connect under the GPU...if that isn't possible, I'll connect at the top.
MSI B250M Gaming Pro What you mean with CPU fan not connected? It's spinning though. Btw is there another place to plug at below the GPU?
The CPU and case fan header are similar, but your system will treat them as separate. It will verify if a cooler is linked to the CPU fan header, which isn't present now. You'll see a warning in BIOS unless it's disabled. It's better to use the CPU fan header for CPU fans. The CPU fan header is usually purple, while case fan headers are red. You can connect the CPU fan header to the CPU_FAN header, link it to SYS_FAN2, then connect SYS_FAN1 and the new fan to SYS_FAN2. The cable should be long enough for this setup. Make sure the new fan's cable goes behind the motherboard.
You have three locations to connect a fan. Two headers at the top (CPU_FAN and SYS_FAN2) and one in the lower left of the CPU socket labeled SYS_FAN1. @minibois notes the fan isn't connected to the CPU_FAN header but instead to SYS_FAN2. The CPU_FAN header is on the left. This information comes from the motherboard manual.
Do you know a reliable budget fan? I'm setting one in front to direct airflow toward the GPU and CPU.
It’s not a big issue if your CPU fan is connected to SYS_FAN, but make sure it’s set correctly. Double-check the fan settings in your BIOS or motherboard manual to avoid conflicts.