Building a gaming system from scratch can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to connecting all the wires without making a mistake. One of the most challenging parts of this process is connecting the cooling fan, which requires navigating through various headers such as CPU OPT, CPU FAN, and others.
The CPU OPT and CPU FAN headers are two distinct options for CPU cooling, each with its own set of features and benefits. The CPU FAN header is a standard feature on most motherboards, allowing for a single fan to be connected and providing a basic level of cooling. In contrast, the CPU OPT header is a more advanced feature that enables the connection of multiple fans, providing improved cooling performance and increased flexibility.
CPU OPT is a 4-The CPU OPT header, also known as an optional header, is a secondary connection used for cooling systems in some systems. It's used for large PC heatsinks or AIO cooling pumps and doesn't affect system booting even if empty, but provides a warning for overheating issues.
The CPU FAN is a primary fan header on the motherboard that controls the CPU's temperature, with an inbuilt failsafe to prevent system damage, and will shut down the system if the connection is disturbed or no fan is plugged in.
Here are the main differences between CPU OPT and CPU FAN in one paragraph:
| CPU OPT | CPU FAN |
|---|---|
| CPU OPT is a 4-pin header that is a secondary connection for cooling fans. | CPU FAN is the primary fan connection and has a direct connection to the BIOS. It is responsible for cooling the CPU and is usually connected to a CPU fan header on the motherboard. |
| It does not affect the system boot. | The system will not boot unless a fan is connected to it, directly affecting the system boot. |
| The purpose of CPU OPT is to power other cooling systems associated with the CPU cooler. | Its main purpose is to power the CPU cooler. |
| With CPU OPT, you can use splitters to channel the power to multiple devices, allowing you to power multiple devices at once. | You cannot use a splitter to channel the power somewhere else. |
We've addressed some common questions below regarding CPU OPT vs. CPU FAN, but if you still have unanswered questions, feel free to ask.
Connecting a fan to the CPU OPT header is unnecessary, as the system will function normally even without it, given its optional nature.
You can plug a pump like AIO into CPU OPT, but it's not recommended. CPU OPT is meant for fans, so it's better to use it for fans only. If you do connect an AIO cooler to CPU OPT, make sure the radiator is connected to CPU FAN.
If the CPU OPT header is a 4-The fan header on a motherboard and the CPU OPT header allow for control over fan speed through BIOS and operating system settings. By connecting a case fan to the CPU OPT header, the fan's speed will significantly increase when the CPU temperature rises, providing additional cooling assistance.
Running your CPU fan at full speed can lead to faster fan wear out, but it's safe to do so. It's recommended to let the system manage the fan speed automatically to prevent excessive wear.