3‑Pin Fan Extension Cable Alphacool 18686 — 30 cm, Female to Male

Alphacool 18686 is a 3-pin fan extension cable measuring 30 cm that provides a female-to-male connection to extend the reach between chassis fans and motherboard or fan controller headers. The cable preserves the standard 3-pin power and tachometer wiring, enabling reliable power delivery and RPM reporting without modifying the original fan connectors. It is intended for desktop PC cooling setups where flexibility in fan placement or cable routing is required.

Advantages

The extension cable maintains the original fan connector type and signal lines, ensuring compatibility with existing 3-pin fans and headers. Its 30 cm length offers additional reach for more convenient cable routing and fan placement inside the case. The simple female-to-male design makes installation straightforward and reversible, so the original fan assembly remains unchanged.

Suitable for

• Extending chassis fan wiring to reach motherboard headers or fan controllers
• Re-routing cables for cleaner builds and improved airflow management
• Connecting fans in larger cases or positions with limited cable length

Key specifications

• Cable type: 3-pin fan extension, female to male
• Length: 30 cm
• Compatibility: Standard 3-pin DC fans and 3-pin motherboard/fan controller headers
• Functionality: Power and tachometer (RPM) signal pass-through
• Use environment: Internal PC case use

How to use

Locate the fan header on the motherboard or the input on the fan controller and connect the male end of the extension cable to that header. Attach the female end to the 3-pin connector on the fan. Ensure the connector orientation aligns with the header’s pin layout so that power and tachometer lines match. After connection, route the cable inside the case to minimize obstruction to airflow and secure it with cable ties or clips if necessary.

Recommendations

For reliable operation, use the extension for standard 3-pin DC fans only and avoid exposing the cable to sharp bends or high temperatures. When using multiple fan extensions, monitor total current draw on the header or controller and distribute fans across multiple headers or a powered fan hub if required.