Fan Controller - No "real" control?

[KugarWeb]

Hey all,

Okay, I've just re-setup my front fan but this time attached it to my fan speed controller - a CIT 3.5 Bay one, brief specs below.

-Make use of that seldom-used 3.5" Bay with an extremely functional accessory

-Control up to four 3-Pin System Fans from one panel

-Uses only one molex connection to power the panel

-Vary your fan speed according to temperature and need

-Reduce unneccessary noise from your system

-Save on power usage and make your system that extra bit Eco-friendly

However, though there is some control over the speed of it, there doesn't seem to be much room for adjustment. When turned to maximum, the fan will only run at it's normal speed (ie. no faster than it was before when plugged directly into my PSU). Here's the fan in question:

http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=4355

How would I be able to up the speed on the fan or is this not going to be an option? Will I need to grab myself a newer fan which is built for more speed? Or is it a problem with not enough power going through to the fan controller?

The way my main CPU fan is setup is by modifying the connection between the controller and the CPU fan so that there is also a bypass to the motherboard. It doesn't look pretty but it's securely taped and connected together. This may be where the extra power comes from?

Any ideas?

Cheers,

KugarWeb

 

[panyan]

a fan controller controls the fan, that is to say that the controller can make it run at 0-100%

if you were expecting the fan controller to be able to fun the fan beyond 100% (its normal speed), then i dont think that is correct

the fan is designed with a motor to go UP TO a certain speed, and it will be limited so that it cannot go above that speed (e.g. 1200RPM)

if you want more speed, your going to have to get better fans

 

[Tealc]

12v on your PSU is the same as the 12v going into the fan controller. To get more 'power' to the fan you'd need to hook up an external power supply and then hope that the fans can use the extra voltage. Most DC fans will take a few extra volts.

The whole concept behind fan controllers is more aimed toward slowing fans down to reduce noise, but give you the control to put them back up to near max speed of you need to.

If you desire faster fans then buy some faster fans. Faster fans will still use 12v but use it differently in a more powerful motor that uses more current, not more voltage.

 

[KugarWeb]

Ah haaa! Now I understand. That makes sense to me now as the front fan will only reach 2000 RPM (according to spec), while my CPU fan is capable of around 3300RPM max speed. I thought my front fan was going slower than that as it appears so much quieter than my main fan, even at low speed.

Will order up some new fans then .

One last thing, is there any disadvantages to getting LED fans? Does it mean that the LED will draw power that could otherwise be put to better use or is it just so insignificant that it doesn't make a difference either way?

Thanks guys, was having a bit of a stupid moment!

 

[Tealc]

LEDs on fans draw current from the same power source as to what the fan receives. LEDs don't steal any power from the fan itself but will add about a watt (80mA) or so to the current draw of the fan.

If you undervolt the fan using your fan controller the LEDs will get dimmer.

 

[Hotwired]

Ah haaa! Now I understand. That makes sense to me now as the front fan will only reach 2000 RPM (according to spec), while my CPU fan is capable of around 3300RPM max speed. I thought my front fan was going slower than that as it appears so much quieter than my main fan, even at low speed.

Will order up some new fans then .

One last thing, is there any disadvantages to getting LED fans? Does it mean that the LED will draw power that could otherwise be put to better use or is it just so insignificant that it doesn't make a difference either way?

Thanks guys, was having a bit of a stupid moment!

Aside from looking naff (in my opinion) and drawing a little more power there is no difference when LEDs are on the frame of the fan.

Are you really going to get 120mm fans faster than 2000rpm?

The noise!