Safe to run multiple fans off one fan header?

new boy · 11 May 2012 at 09:20

Hi

I ended up buying the P8Z77-V LX last night (don't ask) and I see it has what ASUS call Fan Xpert+.

I think I would like to try this feature out and was wondering if its safe to daisy chain multiple fans using splitters? I will be using Nocuta NF-F12 fans.

The case will be using 5 of these fans so presuming there are 2 system fan headers, will it be ok to chain 3 fans of one header? I'm already a bit concerned about the lack of power phases and heatsinks and don't wanna stress her out too much lol.

Thanks
New Boy

covenantuk · 11 May 2012 at 09:50

Generally motherboard fan headers are only designed with standard loads in mind - the motherboard specs (in the manual) usually say what load you can attach as maximum.

If you chain multiple fans off a header or even a fan that's is too big (like a 300mm fan) you risk blowing that header.

Look in your manual for how many watts the header is designed for.

covenantuk · 11 May 2012 at 10:01

From your motherboard manual it says that the CPU_FAN connector supports 1 amp (12 watts). No info on the others, but if you're playing safe I'd assume that limit for all of them.

new boy · 11 May 2012 at 10:28

OK cool. I've sent an E-mail to Noctua asking about the power draw of their fans (I'm such a geek :rolleyes:

)

ThomasTheTankEngine · 11 May 2012 at 11:17

Power=voltage x current.

Voltage will be 12v. Current is written on the front of the fan in amps.

new boy · 11 May 2012 at 20:39

Noctua got back to me. They said their fans draw 0.6w.

So looks like I'm free to turn my PC into a Fan Xpert+ controlled hovercraft if I want to