Trying to figure out what the point in this is ?

Basically yes, it converts the PWM into voltage control for the other fans, modulating their speed.
 
Basically yes, it converts the PWM into voltage control for the other fans, modulating their speed.

If the fans are running in voltage control, then what is the point in having a PWM hub that isn't actually PWM ?

This one https://www.overclockers.co.uk/xspc-8-way-pwm-splitter-hub-sata-powered-black-v2-fg-009-xs.html makes sense, it's a PWM hub that controls the fans in PWM

The Phanteks one though just seems utterly pointless and to be honest misleading by calling itself a PWM hub
 
Because its the PWM from the board that controls the fans connected to the hub, so I guess they can get away with calling it a PWM hub.
 
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/phanteks-pwm-fan-hub-black-ca-009-pt.html

It's a PWM Hub, but it only allows 3 pin connection to the fans

So while the hub is running PWM from the mobo header, it's actually turning the fans into Voltage control which kinda defeats the purpose of having the hub no ?

Or am I missing something ?
No, you are not missing anything here.
Phanteks PWM fan hub is not a PWM fan hub at all.
Phanteks miss-named it.
It is a PWM controlled to variable voltage converter.

Obviously it does not change the fans, it only uses the PWM signal to create variable voltage from 12v power coming from PSU. This variable voltage then goes to 3-pin fans plugged into the hub and varies their speed.

Tealc did a mini-review of Phanteks fan hub, complete with graphs of how voltage change versus fan load:
http://www.overclock.net/forum/23772675-post65.html
 
Oh they work fine with several fans. Problem is we can't belief the advertised name which clearly says 'PWM Fan Hub' when it is clearly not a hub for PWM fans at all. Would you say you are eating a 'beef sandwich' if it was chicken? I would say I was eating a chicken sandwich if it had chicken in it. :D
 
Believe the same one is bundled with my case, works fine. :)

Like @doyll says it's not about it working, it's about it being a PWM hub but not actually doing any PWM on the fans which kind of defeats the purpose one would get a PWM hub for

this allows up to eight 3-pin fans such as PWM fans to be controlled from compatible motherboards

I think it's very misleading to any one who doesn't realise that their PWM fans will work with the hub, but they won't be using PWM
 
So whats the difference?
Several differences, two of which are quite significant;
1/ PWM pulses the power so fan uses less power to maintain low speeds instead of lowering 12v to lower voltages with the by-product being heat.
2/ Pulsed power maintains more power in the motor / motor has more torque power at lower speeds often resulting is lower idle speeds for higher rpm rated fans.
 
Several differences, two of which are quite significant;
1/ PWM pulses the power so fan uses less power to maintain low speeds instead of lowering 12v to lower voltages with the by-product being heat.
2/ Pulsed power maintains more power in the motor / motor has more torque power at lower speeds often resulting is lower idle speeds for higher rpm rated fans.

Doesn't sound like the end effect is much different. Though pwm would be ideal.
 
Doesn't sound like the end effect is much different. Though pwm would be ideal.
To most people having a motor control that gives more power/torque at lower speeds, lower energy consumption, lower rpm and no heat buildup is quite a bit different from a motor not being as powerful at low speeds, not slowing down as much, generating heat at at low speeds and consuming more power at low speeds. ;)
 
To most people having a motor control that gives more power/torque at lower speeds, lower energy consumption, lower rpm and no heat buildup is quite a bit different from a motor not being as powerful at low speeds, not slowing down as much, generating heat at at low speeds and consuming more power at low speeds. ;)

Just trying to ascertain the benefits. :p If its actually going to improve my cooling in anyway I would swap it out for a "proper" pwm fan controller. Doesnt sound like it will though.

Ordered the XSPC hub, see if it makes any difference. :p
 
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Just trying to ascertain the benefits. :p If its actually going to improve my cooling in anyway I would swap it out for a "proper" pwm fan controller. Doesnt sound like it will though.

Ordered the XSPC hub, see if it makes any difference. :p
Depends on if you have PWM fans or variable voltage fans. PWM fan motors and controllers generate less heat at lowers
speeds than variable speed fans and controllers, but the overall heat difference in a system is probably not enough to make any difference.
 
Depends on if you have PWM fans or variable voltage fans. PWM fan motors and controllers generate less heat at lowers
speeds than variable speed fans and controllers, but the overall heat difference in a system is probably not enough to make any difference.

Yeah I have 9 PWM fans.
 
My NZXT 450 has something similar built into the case - fan hub that takes molex & the signal from one PWM fan, and uses it to drive multiple non-pwm fans.

Of course, my motherboard has 8x pwm fanheaders so it's only used for driving the lighting.
 
My NZXT 450 has something similar built into the case - fan hub that takes molex & the signal from one PWM fan, and uses it to drive multiple non-pwm fans.

Of course, my motherboard has 8x pwm fanheaders so it's only used for driving the lighting.
Is your hub just for 3-pin fans or is it the Grid+ V3 hub?
 
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