Sys fan vs cpu fan: what’s the difference between them?
Have you ever wondered about the different types of fans inside your computer? Specifically, have you ever questioned the difference between a sys fan and a CPU fan? These two types of fans may seem very similar, but they serve very distinct purposes in keeping your computer running efficiently.
If you’re a computer enthusiast or a regular computer user, you might have heard the terms ‘sys fan’ and ‘CPU fan’ in relation to temperature control. The cooling system of a computer is one of the most important features to keep your hardware running at peak performance. Typically, the two most important fans in your computer are the sys and CPU fans, and they work together to keep your system cool and prevent overheating.
However, it is not always clear what differentiates these two types of fans. In this article, we will delve deeper into the differences between sys and CPU fans, their functions, and how they affect your computer’s performance. Understanding these differences can help you to make better decisions about the type, size, and placement of fans in your system.

Sys fan vs CPU fan
A CPU fan, which is also referred to as a processor fan, is used to cool the central processing unit (CPU) of your computer. As the power output of the CPU increases, so does the heat it produces, making it necessary to employ an efficient cooling system. The modern CPU fans are typically generated by four-pin power connector and PWM (pulse width modulation) signal lines that allow them to be controlled by the motherboard’s fan control logic.
On the other hand, SYS fans are generally used to circulate air within your PC case and help keep components such as GPUs and RAM cool. As with CPU fans, SYS fans can also be connected using either three- or four-pin connectors – known as chassis fan headers – on modern motherboards. Additionally, some cases have built-in fan controllers that allow you to manually regulate the speed at which each SYS fan operates.
What is a motherboard header?
A motherboard header is an important component used to provide power and communication for device connections. These headers come in many different forms, with the most popular being fan and USB headers. Fan headers allow users to connect fans to their motherboard so that they can be controlled and monitored through software. USB headers are used to connect internal or external USB devices, like keyboards, mice, and other peripherals.
Aside from fan and USB headers, motherboards can come with a wide variety of additional header types such as SATA controllers, memory card readers, audio jacks, RGB lighting strips, and more. Since all of these components require power and communication, the appropriate specific header type must be present on the motherboard in order to work properly. Furthermore, understanding which type of header a particular device requires is essential in making sure it has the correct connection with your computer’s hardware setup.
What is a fan header?
A fan header is a crucial component for any computer system, as it allows the user to easily connect a fan in order to properly cool their electronics. It’s often referred to as a chassis fan connector, or simply a fan port. There are two types of connectors commonly used: 3-pin and 4-pin. The 3-pin version can provide power to the fan but won’t allow the user to control its speed and is generally used with older fans, while the 4-pin connector provides additional pins that allow users to control the speed of their fan.
Typically found on motherboards, proper installation of a header requires careful consideration so that it corresponds correctly with existing fans and other elements such as LEDs and lights. Additionally, depending on whether electrical current is provided in AC or DC, different forms of connectors may be more suitable than others. As part of proper cooling management systems, understanding and correctly configuring your fan headers plays an important role in keeping components from overheating and running optimally.
Differences between Sys fan headers vs. CPU Fan headers
The main difference between a CPU fan header and a system fan header is in the fans’ purpose. The first type is designed to cool only the processor of your computer, while the second type can be used for cooling the entire system. In order for a cooling fan to work effectively on your CPU, it needs to be securely mounted on top of the CPU itself. That’s why it’s necessary that a CPU fan header provides tight control over the speed and power consumption of the connected fan.
An SYS fan header, on the other hand, not only provides more flexibility in terms of mounting location but also offers faster speeds compared to those specifically dedicated for CPUs. This means that you can use an SYS fan header to cool your entire system at once, with good ventilation even if you have multiple fans attached to one outlet. Furthermore, some systems come with both types of headers in case your cooling needs require more than just an ordinary cpu fan connection alone; this allows you to have extra control over which components get cooled when extra strains are placed upon them due to performance demands or during overclocking processes.
Sys fan header

The SYS_FAN headers on a computer motherboard are used to connect case fans that help keep the internal components of a system cool and functioning properly. Typically, these fan headers will be either 3-pin or 4-pin connections and draw an amperage of 1A or less. Having multiple Sys fan headers allows users to easily connect all the fans they need in order to safely cool their computers. It’s important to make sure you have enough Sys fan headers on your motherboard to support all the cooling fans in your case.
When connecting any type of fan header you should always ensure it is securely connected and uncorroded before powering up your system so that it runs at peak efficiency. Fan speeds can typically be adjusted within the BIOS, but many more modern motherboards now offer users the ability to adjust the speed with C-States technology through software such as Intel XTU or AMD RBE. By using these programs, users can manually control each individual fan’s speed for optimal cooling performance!
What does a Sys fan look like?
Sys fans are an essential component of any computer. Not only do they help to keep the CPU and other components running at optimum temperatures, but they also protect against overheating and prolong the life of your valuable hardware. A sys fan typically looks like a large flat cooling fan and is usually mounted on either the front or back edges of the computer case. They come in a variety of sizes, with 120mm being the most common. Other sizes include 80mm, 92mm and 140mm fans.
The design of sys fans allows them to move air both inwards and outwards depending on their orientation. This enables them to take cool air from outside the case and expel hot air through vents or grills located at various points on the chassis. To ensure your computer is functioning properly it is important to have enough airflow circulating around it – too little airflow can cause problems such as CPU throttling or system crashes due to increased thermal stress on components. As such, installing multiple fans may be beneficial if you’re dealing with particularly warm conditions or if you need to reduce noise levels while keeping temperatures low. You can even connect additional fans directly to your motherboard for extra cooling power when needed!