How do I go about powering 8 fans in my PC?

md99 · 5 Nov 2009 at 10:51

I'm replacing the stock 230mm fans in my HAF932 with 8 of these:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-056-AK

Four on the side, three on top and one on the front. I'm using an asus p5q board and I think it has three available (could be four, can't check now) 3 pin connectors for case fans.

What exactly do I need to get 8 fans up and running?

Thanks

95thrifles · 5 Nov 2009 at 11:13

A fan controller (or two) would probably be best, something like this

magick · 5 Nov 2009 at 11:25

If you have 8 fans and want to control them from a single unit this controller may be better.

Nesteq's FanMax fan controller is an ideal device to control and adjust the speed of your PC's cooling fans. The FanMax uses "Cooling Zones" that allow up to four fans to be turned on/off at the touch of a button. This gives quick and simple control over the airflow / noise balance. The voltage going to each connected fan, depending on your settings and requirements, can be precisely adjusted from 6 to 12 volts. Whether you want high or low fan speed or somewhere in between, the FanMax can control each fan independently for greater flexibility.

- Available with black or silver aluminium front bezel
- Controls up to eight fans simultaneously
- Easy setup with two separate "Cooling Zones"
- Blue LEDs indicate the on/off state of each "Cooling Zone"
- Each "Cooling Zone" can be turned on or off independently
- Precise 6 to 12 volt adjustment range for each connected fan
- Compatible with 3-pin (standard) or 4-pin (PWM) fans

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=BB-000-NQ

Gypo · 5 Nov 2009 at 11:27

Fanbus, you can buy a drive bay version or a standalone version you stick to your case roof or floor.

JRS · 5 Nov 2009 at 11:28

These words are very painful to say here, but....I'm with magick on this one.

*shudder*

That Nesteq unit is compatible with 4pin PWM fans, which the Apaches are. Should be perfect for your needs.

benjo · 5 Nov 2009 at 11:42

You're going to spend £80 on fans?

md99 · 5 Nov 2009 at 19:57

magick said:
If you have 8 fans and want to control them from a single unit this controller may be better.

Fantastic. Thanks a million!

benjo said:
You're going to spend £80 on fans?

Upgrading. Serious business.

benjo · 5 Nov 2009 at 21:20

asoxedri · 5 Nov 2009 at 21:30

what you trying to do, heat the whole house ? lol

i get annoyed with my 5 fans (80cm), thats all of them cpu,gpu,case fans.
8 x 120mm :eek:

magick suggestion seems to be the way to go.

Kotu · 5 Nov 2009 at 21:47

I had 8 fans I wanted to do a similar thing with. So I bought the zalman controller with 6 controls, then used 4 fan header splitters to sort the fans into pairs. Finally I used a SATA->molex converter so the controller could be powered using the same SATA power cable my cd drive uses.

r2d2 · 5 Nov 2009 at 21:50

I was tempted to get some more fans but decided against as my temps are always fine. Air conditioning helped as well.

md99 · 7 Nov 2009 at 01:48

Ahem, it was my cpu fan after all :rolleyes:

I discovered so using the highly sophisticated method of sticking my finger into all the fans in my case to hear how much noise was cut out once each one stopped and restarted.

Bloody sore it was too (especially the top fan as I didn't realise it was spinning anti-clockwise) but I guess its saved me a few quid.

Hooray!

ScottMC7000 · 7 Nov 2009 at 04:36

md99 said:
Ahem, it was my cpu fan after all

I discovered so using the highly sophisticated method of sticking my finger into all the fans in my case to hear how much noise was cut out once each one stopped and restarted.

Bloody sore it was too (especially the top fan as I didn't realise it was spinning anti-clockwise) but I guess its saved me a few quid.

Hooray!

Coff miss read what you said lol , thought you were talking about air flow, though it would be pretty stupid to stick your fingers in to hear the airflow