Best way to split fans.

billblog · 17 Dec 2012 at 15:44

I want to get 6 radiator fans down to a single 3pin connection so its all on one control in my new case. I found a 1 to 6 connector but it has direct molex power and I assume that will override the voltage reduction of the fan controller.
Will the single fan controller connection be able to run 6 sp120 fans without the molex. If so Am i better to get the one with a molex connection and just not use it or daisy chain 5 none molex splitters together?

Uncle Petey · 17 Dec 2012 at 15:47

How many fans are you running in total?
Would you be able to split 3-4 per channel?

billblog · 17 Dec 2012 at 15:54

In total throughout the case? would be 9, on the rad 6, 3 on top 3 on the bot. I wouldn't mind having a 3x2 setup.

Uncle Petey · 17 Dec 2012 at 16:10

So one 360 rad with push/pull and 3 case fans?

Use non-pwm*, 3pin 3-way splitters (can't find any decent ones here at the mo) with a fan controller with at least 20w p/ch. I'd go with 30w or more to be on the safe side even if it may be slight overkill.
I'm currently using a Lamptron FC6 (20W) with 2 fans per channel no probs fwiw. The FC5v2 or FC2 would work well unless you had something else in mind.

*Don't get PWM splitters just in case you were looking at them

The mobo connector only carries PWM/RPM and the fans will just run at full speed from the molex with 3pin fans and no speed if just connected to the fan controller.

billblog · 17 Dec 2012 at 16:18

Could you recommend a Fan controller for the job, I have an NZXT S2 and that only supports 10W per channel

Uncle Petey · 17 Dec 2012 at 16:21

This looks about perfect.

YOUR BASKET
1 x Akasa FC.TRIO 3 Channel Fan Controller - AK-FC-07BK £29.99
Total : £29.99 (includes shipping : FREE).

Or either of these if you plan to add another rad later on. There are a few more options if they don't do it for you.

YOUR BASKET
1 x Lamptron FC5 V2 5.25" Bay Fan Controller - Black £34.99
1 x Lamptron FC2 5.25" Bay Fan Controller - Black £24.98
Total : £59.98 (includes shipping : FREE).

billblog · 17 Dec 2012 at 16:33

Brilliant will get the FC2 I think.

Uncle Petey · 17 Dec 2012 at 16:42

Cool, don't forget the pics when you've got it all set up

billblog · 17 Dec 2012 at 19:24

Might be a while yet, but I shall return

thanks for the advice.

Uncle Petey · 17 Dec 2012 at 19:40

No probs. Hope all goes to plan.

Twirlywoos · 17 Dec 2012 at 23:49

billblog said:
I want to get 6 radiator fans down to a single 3pin connection so its all on one control in my new case. I found a 1 to 6 connector but it has direct molex power and I assume that will override the voltage reduction of the fan controller.
Will the single fan controller connection be able to run 6 sp120 fans without the molex. If so Am i better to get the one with a molex connection and just not use it or daisy chain 5 none molex splitters together?

I run 6 Scythe Ap15's on one channel on my lamptron FC5V2 fan controller.

The cable I bought doesn't have a molex (even though the item description lists it which is odd but it carried the rpm wire so I could monitor rpm and my controller has enough power to control it).

If you Google "60cm 3Pin Molex to 6x 3Pin Molex Y-Cable" then the first link is what I've got. You can get it in white or black braid.