Not enough ports on motherboard, which fan controller to get?

lawrence281 · 6 Mar 2019 at 01:36

So, i've got a problem that i've noticed playing overwatch, temps hit way too high, and ive read it could be that not enough airflow in my case and air is trapped. But I only really have the cpu noctua fans working and no other fans to help push it out.

I have one installed but no connector on the motherboard to use to get it working, so I dont want to kill my hardware anymore.

Is there a fan controller worth getting that would connect them all and adjust it self based off temps? Or just one i can install to have multiple ports and I could install few more fans.

Ive looked at the Corsair commander pro but thats pricey, but also the grid+ V3 internal digital 6 fan controller. Any recommendations and why!? Thanks in advance

My case is Fractal R4

james.miller · 6 Mar 2019 at 02:07

You have no case fan headers on the motherboard? What board is it ??

Also what CPU is it and what temperature is it reaching?

lawrence281 · 6 Mar 2019 at 09:19

james.miller said:
You have no case fan headers on the motherboard? What board is it ??

Also what CPU is it and what temperature is it reaching?

Board is Gigabyte z97 gaming, the NOCTUA fans are plugged into the mob, so no other connectors that I can see. I get around 35 on the CPU, which then maxes 58 which is unhealthy I will read(i7 6660k)
And GPU hits max at 81 a lot(1070)

chroniclard · 6 Mar 2019 at 09:28

XSPC PWM 8 port hub, works great and well priced. Connect it all to the CPU fan header, set a custom curve in your bios.

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/xspc-8-way-pwm-splitter-hub-sata-powered-black-v2-fg-009-xs.html

Though, is this your board? Has 3 system fan headers and the CPU header?

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-Z97X-Gaming-5-rev-10#sp

james.miller · 6 Mar 2019 at 09:34

lawrence281 said:
Board is Gigabyte z97 gaming, the NOCTUA fans are plugged into the mob, so no other connectors that I can see. I get around 35 on the CPU, which then maxes 58 which is unhealthy I will read(i7 6660k)
And GPU hits max at 81 a lot(1070)

CPU is fine, forget about it. I wouldnt worry unless it was reaching 70c+

GPU is on the warm side and is probably limiting the boost clocks as a result. More airflow would help with that.

There are a few different Gigabye z97 gaming boards so I would need to know which one it is, but for example the z97x-gaming3 has 3 system fan headers. One in the middle of the boards and two at the bottom. This is in addition to the two CPU fan headers at the top of the board.

do you have the manual for your motherboard? It will tell you where your headers are.

lawrence281 · 6 Mar 2019 at 10:56

chroniclard said:
XSPC PWM 8 port hub, works great and well priced. Connect it all to the CPU fan header, set a custom curve in your bios.

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/xspc-8-way-pwm-splitter-hub-sata-powered-black-v2-fg-009-xs.html

Though, is this your board? Has 3 system fan headers and the CPU header?

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-Z97X-Gaming-5-rev-10#sp

Yeah the 5 version is my board, but that's out of stock sadly

lawrence281 · 6 Mar 2019 at 10:57

james.miller said:
CPU is fine, forget about it. I wouldnt worry unless it was reaching 70c+

GPU is on the warm side and is probably limiting the boost clocks as a result. More airflow would help with that.

There are a few different Gigabye z97 gaming boards so I would need to know which one it is, but for example the z97x-gaming3 has 3 system fan headers. One in the middle of the boards and two at the bottom. This is in addition to the two CPU fan headers at the top of the board.

do you have the manual for your motherboard? It will tell you where your headers are.

It is the gaming5 version, http://tinyimg.io/i/CYCKAf2.jpg
There is a system pan 4 pin near the edge but that's in the way by the GPU, othewiase I can't see others, will try download a manual and see if I'm just blind

Disco_P · 6 Mar 2019 at 11:23

From page 22 of the manual

You will plug extra fans into the SYS_FAN headers, number 4 on the diagram. How you can control them is down to the motherboard.

chroniclard · 6 Mar 2019 at 11:24

Yes, think there are 3 system fan headers on that board. 2 at the bottom, 1 under the giant cpu cooler.

Either way the XSPC controller is decent.

james.miller · 6 Mar 2019 at 11:25

ok, the gaming 5 is the same setup as the gaming 3. One in the middle of the board above the first pcie1x slot and two at the bottom.

unplug the gpu, you'll be able to get to the bottom two. The middle one might be trickier however, it's beneath the CPU heatsink by the looks of it.

lawrence281 · 6 Mar 2019 at 11:30

Thanks for the replies boys, I shall have a play around later on and hopefully it's okay

lawrence281 · 12 Mar 2019 at 16:52

Nvm it all works!

james.miller · 12 Mar 2019 at 20:09

lol not sure what you said initially but glad its working now

doyll · 13 Mar 2019 at 10:46

lawrence281 said:
So, i've got a problem that i've noticed playing overwatch, temps hit way too high, and ive read it could be that not enough airflow in my case and air is trapped. But I only really have the cpu noctua fans working and no other fans to help push it out.

I have one installed but no connector on the motherboard to use to get it working, so I dont want to kill my hardware anymore.

Is there a fan controller worth getting that would connect them all and adjust it self based off temps? Or just one i can install to have multiple ports and I could install few more fans.

Ive looked at the Corsair commander pro but thats pricey, but also the grid+ V3 internal digital 6 fan controller. Any recommendations and why!? Thanks in advance

My case is Fractal R4

What cooler are you using?

If you are using the stock Define R4 case fans that could be our problem. They have very low pressure rating so can't flow much are against front grill and fliter resistance, even at full speed. A couple Phanteks PH-F140MP in front will flow plenty of air. I also suggest removing all PCie back slot covers to increase rear vent area around GPU so there is better front to back airflow and lower air temp into GPU.

2-pack of PH-F140MP are only £16.26.
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/two-...140mm-fan-radiator-performance-bu-003-pt.html