Does PWM work independently of Q-fan?

Alfie · 25 Nov 2009 at 16:39

I've got 2 case fans and 2 push pull fans on my heatsink, all connected via one PWM header. Are the fans controlled by system temperature even when Q-fan is disabled in the bios. What does Q-fan actually do?

Thanks.

Alfie · 25 Nov 2009 at 19:04

I've been told that you can run up to 5 fans off a PWM header. Is that not the case then?

Alfie · 25 Nov 2009 at 19:19

Thanks. this one http://www.gelidsolutions.com/products/index.php?lid=2&cid=11&id=31 doesn't have a molex connector bu they still say it does up to 5 fans. I ordered these cus they look so much nicer. Have I made a mistake?

PS, none of the asus software or bios is compatible with Akasa Apaches on 3 pin headers. They have to be at full speed and it's very noisy!

Alfie · 25 Nov 2009 at 19:22

Nah mate, all CHA headers are Q-fan controlled, nothing is plugged into the PWR header as I am aware that cannot be Q-fan controlled. Fact is the apaches wont spin up properly with any Q-fan enabled.

Alfie · 25 Nov 2009 at 19:24

setter said:
Id avoid the gelid connector, running to many fans of one header could be dangerous, the one ive linked above is much safer as power comes direct from the psu. I use it to power pwm fans on my rig, a much safer setup.

What about three fans with the gelid splitter? I've bought them now

If only Akasa would braid their cable!

Alfie · 25 Nov 2009 at 19:25

P6TD Deluxe

Alfie · 25 Nov 2009 at 19:32

I know, I already said

Alfie · 25 Nov 2009 at 19:42

What about a gelid splitter plugged into 1 of the AKASA cables headers? I really need 4 fans off one PWM header. If i'd have known the Apaches would only run at full speed off 3 pin mobo headers I would not have bought them!

Alfie · 25 Nov 2009 at 19:52

I'm going to through a massive spanner in your works here. I need someone that really understands electronics on mobo's to get back to me as arctic cooling like my method without additional molex power. If this is ok then I'll be fine with my Gelids. http://www.arctic-cooling.com/catalog/tips_and_tricks.php?tPath=7&aID=521

Alfie · 25 Nov 2009 at 19:57

So i'm safe to run 4 fans off one PWM header on the P6TD with the Gelid splitters that don't have additional molex power? If so, why does the Akasa have have the additional molex power? Will I be ok with 4 Apaches? Are they daisy chainable do you know?

I'm also interested to know what happens if 1 of the 4 PWM fans in the chain is rated for different RPM?

Stick with me WJA96 - Seems you know your stuff mate.

Alfie · 25 Nov 2009 at 20:05

But do I need the molex power?

Alfie · 25 Nov 2009 at 20:56

twist3d0n3 said:
i've currently got 6 apaches running off the cpu header, via 2 akasa pwm splitters sliced together.

bit of solder to link the pwm line to both splitter cables with a bit of shrink wrap around and you're sorted

i would post a pic but it's a bit messy in my case at the mo, and i'm a tad embarrassed

You must post a picture. no one has posted a pic of apaches installed yet. I will of course when I've finished my rig.

Alfie · 28 Nov 2009 at 11:59

I have set up 4 PWM fans (3x Akasa Apache + 1x Enermax Cluster) on my CPU 4 pin fan header. I can confirm that by daisy chaining witht the Gelid splitters you do not need additional molex power so I don't know what Akasa are up to with their cable.

I have to say I am so glad I went for it in the end, it's a work of art to have a silent computer and then watch all your fans whoosh to full speed when you run prime 95.

I highly reccommend this setup to everyone, PWM is the way forward!

Alfie · 29 Nov 2009 at 10:45

to be honest, it's totally crazy that we've had the 4 pin PWM for so long and it's not the standard. especially as it's backward compatible with 3 pin fans.