PC case & radiator fans screw size
M3 · 10 to 30 mm long
PC case & radiator fans takes M3 metric screws in lengths from 10 to 30 mm.
Where it is used: some cases and AIO radiators use M3 into threaded fan corners (most fans are 6-32 self-tapping).
This entry is marked confirmed and comes from sunbeamtech.com.
M3 means a 3 mm nominal diameter with a 0.5 mm thread pitch. Imperial look-alike: #5-40 (3.18 mm) or #4-40 — neither interchanges with M3.
PC case & radiator fans screw specifications
One row per fitment record. Head, drive are shown only where the source states them; pitch is the ISO coarse pitch for the thread.
| Thread | Length | Pitch | Head | Drive | Where it goes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3 | 10–30 mm | 0.5 mm | not stated | not stated | some cases and AIO radiators use M3 into threaded fan corners (most fans are 6-32 self-tapping)self-tapping / thread-forming | Confirmed |
Fitment records and sources
some cases and AIO radiators use M3 into threaded fan corners (most fans are 6-32 self-tapping)
pitch 0.5 mm · tap 2.5 mm · clearance 3.4 mm · PH1 / Torx T10
How to check the screw before you buy
- A screw that is even 1 mm too long in a laptop base can push into the keyboard, battery or a board trace, so match the length position by position.
- Diameter: across the threads an M3 screw measures about 3 mm with calipers (usually a hair under). If yours measures noticeably more or less, it is a different thread.
- Pitch: 0.5 mm from one thread crest to the next (20 crests per centimetre). A thread pitch gauge or the pitch-gauge tool settles it in seconds.
- Length: measure from under the head to the tip for pan, button, wafer and cap heads; countersunk (flat) heads are measured overall.
- The records span 10–30 mm, which means different positions take different lengths — match each hole to its own screw.
- Driver: the source does not name the drive. Standard M3 heads take PH1 for Phillips and T10 for Torx, and a 2.5 mm hex key for socket heads; a bit that fits loosely will cam out and strip the head.
- Tightening: no device-specific torque is published in these records. The site's general figure for M3 is about 80-130 N·cm into metal threads and 35-60 N·cm into plastic bosses; snug it up and stop.
Common mix-ups with M3
- PC cases mix M3 (fans, optical and 2.5in drives) with imperial 6-32 (3.5in drives, motherboard standoffs) - don't force one into the other.
- Eurorack cases mix M3 (most common) and M2.5 rails — check the case brand before buying in bulk.
Buy these screws at TechSpare Warehouse
In stock and shipped from South Carolina. Our black screws are Phillips wafer head (low profile); match the head style and length to the original before you order.
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M3 x 10mm Phillips Wafer Head Screw for Sim Racing Wheel Paddle Shifter - Single Replacement Black
$0.10 each · min. 50
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M3 x 10mm Phillips Wafer Head Screw for RC Car/Truck Chassis Mount - Single Replacement Black
$0.10 each · min. 50
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M3 x 12mm Phillips Wafer Head Screw for Camera Cage & Battery Slide Mount - Pack of 50 Black
$6.49 -
M3 x 12mm Phillips Wafer Head Screw for Electric Scooter LCD Dashboard - Single Replacement Black
$0.10 each · min. 50
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M3 x 14mm Phillips Wafer Head Screw for Camera Cage & Battery Slide Mount - Pack of 50 Black
$6.99 -
M3 x 14mm Phillips Wafer Head Screw for 3D Printer Extruder Stepper Motor - Single Replacement Black
$0.10 each · min. 50
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M3 x 10mm Phillips Wafer Head Screw for 3D Printer Frame Assembly - Single Replacement Black
$0.10 each · min. 50
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M3 x 12mm Phillips Wafer Head Screw for RC Car/Truck Chassis Mount - Single Replacement Black
$0.10 each · min. 50
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Devices whose records share a thread with PC case & radiator fans, closest length match first.
- PC case fan mounting screws (aftermarket kits) also M3 × 25–30 mm
- PC case and radiator fan mounting also M3 × 25–30 mm
- ISO 14581 hexalobular (Torx) countersunk screw also M3 × 10–20 mm
- Mechanical keyboard PCB standoffs also M3 × 10 mm
- AMD AM4 CPU cooler mounting kit (be quiet!) also M3 × 15 mm
- GPU support brackets / vertical mount kits also M3 × 10–12 mm
- HP EliteBook 8730w also M3 × 10 mm
- PC case fan mounting (120/140mm) also M3 × 20–30 mm
Questions about PC case & radiator fans screws
- What size screw does PC case & radiator fans use?
- M3 × 10–30 mm for some cases and AIO radiators use M3 into threaded fan corners (most fans are 6-32 self-tapping).
- How long are the screws in PC case & radiator fans?
- The records range from 10 to 30 mm depending on the position, so match each screw to its own hole.
- What is the thread pitch of an M3 screw?
- 0.5 mm (coarse), which is the standard pitch for M3 machine screws; a 0.35 mm fine pitch exists but is uncommon. The tap drill is 2.5 mm and the normal clearance hole is 3.4 mm.
- What screwdriver do I need for PC case & radiator fans?
- The sources do not name the drive. For M3, Phillips heads normally take PH1 and Torx heads T10; socket heads take a 2.5 mm hex key.
- Can I use an imperial screw instead of M3?
- No. Imperial look-alike: #5-40 (3.18 mm) or #4-40 — neither interchanges with M3. Use a true M3 screw so it does not cross-thread or strip the hole.
- Where can I buy replacement screws for PC case & radiator fans?
- TechSpareWarehouse (our own store) lists M3 x 10mm, M3 x 12mm and M3 x 14mm, which match lengths in the records above.