PWM splitter or fan controller.

Ninja_Ferret · 11 May 2013 at 17:02

I was wondering what would offer the best solution to my problem. I will need to be able to control 8 fans - 6 case fans and 2 fans on my heatsink.

No like I stated would I be better off using a fan controller or a PWM splitter due to the relatively large number of fans that will be needed to control.

My thoughts on my options are these:
Buy a fan controller and run all of my fans off this.
Buy a splitter and run all of my fans off that.
Or I could by a fan controller and run all of my case fans off that and then use a splitter for my CPU fans.

If I was to use a fan controller for just case fans then I would really just need two channels with enough power for three fans each (in and out) but i cant seem to find one.

I am tempted to just use a splitter and control them all by software.

MatsyLR · 11 May 2013 at 17:08

I would't run 8 fans from 1 splitter o_o

I would use a 3 way PWM splitter cable for the case fans (like http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CB-031-AK but...PWM...)
and use http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CB-071-AK for the CPU fans.

Would be the cheapest option.
Or get a fan controller with 6 channels for the case fans....

Ninja_Ferret · 11 May 2013 at 17:31

Yeah I think your right, I think I may go for a two way PWM for my noctua and then fan controller the rest. Maybe a four channel one that can have two fans on each channel.
Quite like the look of this
YOUR BASKET
1 x Scythe Kaze-Master 5.25" Fan Controller - Black £34.99
Total : £34.99 (includes shipping : FREE).

doyll · 11 May 2013 at 17:45

Swiftech make an 8 fan PWM splitter with molex power and it's a jewel. Just remember PWM splitters only control PWM fans.. and it is advisable for all fans to be of similar rpm range.. 600-1500rpm and 700-1300rpm work find together.

Saying that I'm running 800-1300rpm TY-140 cases fans with 800-2500rpm TY-143 cooler fans and all is wonderful.

Edit: I have also setup systems with some PWM case fans being controlled by GPU PWM signal which also works well.

Member Tealc here makes custom adapters for running PWM fans and also PWM adapters for controlling 3pin fans using PWM signal and PSU power.

Ninja_Ferret · 11 May 2013 at 17:50

Yeah that was what I was looking at, a box like splitter and I was also considering using TY-147 as case fans as well were they fit.

doyll · 11 May 2013 at 17:55

TY-147 is a great fan. Same as my TY-140 fans just nicer colour. And if you need them 140x140mm square it's not hard to do.. if you have access to a good power miter saw or table saw with a slide table. I've squared up a few.

Ninja_Ferret · 11 May 2013 at 18:03

I bought two of them not that long ago just to mess around with and to see where I could squeeze them in and I can fit one in the front but the second wont fit so I think I may remove the bottom 5.25" bay and most of the HDD rack as it is unneeded and then I should be able to have two of the TY-147 in the front as well.

Tealc · 11 May 2013 at 21:41

Ideally you'd want something that could split and control your PWM fans but also use the same PWM feed to perhaps control your other fans, be they PWM or 3 Pinners.

The problem with fan controllers is that they are separate from the PC and even the auto ones only react to thermistors which often have no real sense of actual die temperatures.

I've been considering putting some DIY circuit together with a PWM splitter, a PWM converter or two and maybe even a PWM channel output of it's own based on a dial or something. I could even integrate a GPU PWM feed. A full system fan controller solution which would look, and smell totally ghetto.

Ninja_Ferret · 11 May 2013 at 22:17

I believe you could make a tidy bit of money from that, as there certainly would be demand. Like you said the temp sensors the fan controllers only measure the air temp next to the component.