Large numbers of PWM fans a bad idea?

[kael13]

So I have 8 PWM fans I intend/hope to use in a future build. Googling around it appears that most decent mobos contain two headers that output the PWM signal. It also seems that in most cases, the CPU_OPT header simply mirrors the CPU_FAN signal. I realise that I can use a PWM splitter with PSU power to control multiple PWM fans on one signal.

I have a few questions:

Is it possible to de-sync those two headers so you get two avenues of control over your PWM fans?

If not, can anyone recommend a PWM fan controller that can give two channels of control?
If not, is it even worth worrying about?

My 8 fans are broken down into:
3x120 for exhaust from the top rad. (part of loop)
1x140 for exhaust out back
2x120 for bottom rad intake (part of loop)
2x140 for case front intake.

Should I split these 8 into either:
a) Intake and exhaust, or
b) those on the water-cooling loop and those which are case fans

Thanks for the help!

 

[Mark This Day]

Just get a aquaero mate will control them a lot better

 

[Deleted member 66701]

I've got 8 pwm fans in my case running from two powered Akasa adaptors - 5 rad fans on the CPU_FAN header and 3 on the SYSTEM_FAN_3 header - all work a treat with custom fan profile in Easytune - 600rpm and silent at desktop and no load.

 

[kael13]

I've got 8 pwm fans in my case running from two powered Akasa adaptors - 5 rad fans on the CPU_FAN header and 3 on the SYSTEM_FAN_3 header - all work a treat with custom fan profile in Easytune - 600rpm and silent at desktop and no load.

I came across this thread

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-2106240/pwm-issues-gigabyte-z87x-ud4h-motherboards.html

wherein someone had a chat with a Gigabyte engineer in Cali, who confirmed that on all Gigabyte Z87 boards, the only true PWM signal comes from the CPU_FAN. The rest is standard volt modulation.

 

[kael13]

Just get a aquaero mate will control them a lot better

How does an Aquaero work, does it control with software on the PC or require control directly on the device?

 

[BattFink]

I've had 22 fans running from a single CPU_FAN header (Asus Rampage IV Extreme) before, using a number of these:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CB-079-AK

Worked well enough for me, not sure if it's a good idea or not though

 

[Mark This Day]

How does an Aquaero work, does it control with software on the PC or require control directly on the device?

It is autonomous runs it's self

 

[Deleted member 66701]

I came across this thread

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-2106240/pwm-issues-gigabyte-z87x-ud4h-motherboards.html

wherein someone had a chat with a Gigabyte engineer in Cali, who confirmed that on all Gigabyte Z87 boards, the only true PWM signal comes from the CPU_FAN. The rest is standard volt modulation.

Possibly - but the effect is the same.