CPU air coolers require a power source to operate their fans, and the power interface type is an important consideration when choosing a cooler. There are several common power interface types used in CPU air coolers.

One of the most basic power interface types is the 3 - pin or 4 - pin motherboard fan headers. The 3 - pin interface is a legacy type that provides power to the fan and also allows for basic speed control through pulse - width modulation (PWM). The fourth pin in the 4 - pin interface is dedicated to more precise PWM control. This allows the motherboard to adjust the fan speed more accurately based on the CPU temperature. Most modern motherboards have multiple 3 - pin and 4 - pin fan headers, making it convenient to connect CPU air coolers.

Another power interface type is the SATA power connector. Some larger or high - performance CPU air coolers may use a SATA power connector. This type of connector can provide more power compared to the motherboard fan headers, which is useful for power - hungry fans or coolers with additional features such as RGB lighting. The SATA power connector is a standard in the computer industry, and it is easy to find power supplies with multiple SATA power outputs.

Some CPU air coolers also come with a proprietary power interface. These are often used in high - end or specialized coolers. The proprietary interface may be designed to provide unique features such as advanced fan control algorithms or compatibility with a specific brand's software. However, the drawback of a proprietary interface is that it may require additional adapters or cables, and it may not be as widely compatible as the standard 3 - pin, 4 - pin, or SATA power interfaces.

In addition to these main power interface types, there are also some coolers that can be powered via a USB connection. This is more common in some small - form - factor or portable cooling solutions. The USB power interface can be convenient as it can draw power from the computer's USB ports, but it may not provide as much power as the other interface types. Overall, the power interface type of a CPU air cooler can impact its compatibility, power delivery, and control capabilities.