Problem with a Fan Controller

CYPER · 21 Mar 2011 at 02:41

I got the Zalman ZM-MFC1 Combo which has the first fan channel PWM compatible. The connection is like this:

One end is connected to the controller, one end to the motherboard and the one end to the CPU fan. The idea is that the fan controller can be set to Auto and let the motherboard control the fan via PWM.

When connected to the CPU_Fan header the speed of the fan is not reported correctly in the BIOS. It jumps from 0 to 17 to its exact value.

When I move the 4 pin plug to a different header (PWR_FAN for example) it works just fine (without the PWM of course, because it is a 3 pin header).

Any ideas what's wrong?

thunderflash · 21 Mar 2011 at 07:42

What cpu cooler are you using?

Edit: if it's a Noctua on their website they state:

Can I use Noctua fans on my fan controller?
In general, our fans can be used with any fan controller. There is a known compatibility issue with the Zalman ZM-MFC2 controller though: This product uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) in order to control the fan speed and the unfavourable carrier frequency of the PWM signal can create an oscillation when used with certain fans. This will result in the fan speeding up and down. We therefore recommend not using the Zalman ZM-MFC2 with our fans.

I know yours is a different model but sounds like the same issue, if it's not a Noctua then also sounds like the same issue?

CYPER · 21 Mar 2011 at 15:24

I'm using Prolimatech Armageddon.

joxang · 21 Mar 2011 at 15:53

CYPER said:
I'm using Prolimatech Armageddon.

I think what specific fans you are using is more relevant, but it does sound like the same problem. Not likely to be a fix unfortunately, but maybe someone can come up with something.

CYPER · 21 Mar 2011 at 19:36

I'm returning it and will buy a new one from a different place to see if the problem is indeed in the controller (not being compatible).