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Can i connect 5 PMW fans to 1 mobo port with a single splitter?

AFB_MD
By AFB_MD
in Cooling
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Hi guys.

 

I've been thinking on getting these PCCooler Corona RGB fans: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QFX1RV1/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A34UXG42R582TP&psc=1

I understand it comes with both a RGB hub / PMW Fan hub that has all the necessary RGB connectors + 1 PMW connector meant to be used to connect to all the fans, with an included splitter (5 to 1 splitter for this specific kit)

 

However, I'd rather connect the fans to the motherboard than to the included hub, so i can control them with a custom fan curve. I've never done something like that before, so I was wondering if my MSI H270 Gaming M3 motherboard would be ableto power 5 fans through only one of its 4 pin fan connectors. I mean, I literally don't know if those fan connectors have enough power to handle so many fans at once.

 

Now i know there are special fan hubs designed for these tasks, and they can support even more than 5 fans, but those are powered by dedicated sata cables... I could get one of those, but if all it takes is a splitter to do the job, then i'd save a few bucks there.

I like octopuses

 

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On most motherboards the fan headers support a load of 1A 12V meaning it can support 2 0.5A fans or 3 0.3A or 4 0.25A but I'd recommend never going near the 1A unless the fan header is known to support more. You have to know how much current each fan draws and the capability of your fan headers on the board.

In short, you can't connect 5 average fans on a single fan connector of an average board.

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In addition to what is said above - general rule is up to 3 fans on single fan header.

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The remote control has a button at the top right to switch to Fan PWM Input so you can control the fans from the motherboard. 

Did you want to have different fan curves for each fan?

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

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7 hours ago, WoodenMarker said:

The remote control has a button at the top right to switch to Fan PWM Input so you can control the fans from the motherboard. 

Did you want to have different fan curves for each fan?

Really? In the description, I only saw the 3 modes (1000, 1400 and 1800 rpm) available with the remote controller. But if what you say is also an option, then there's no need for anything else. Can you show me in which part you saw that function?

I like octopuses

 

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8 hours ago, 191x7 said:

On most motherboards the fan headers support a load of 1A 12V meaning it can support 2 0.5A fans or 3 0.3A or 4 0.25A but I'd recommend never going near the 1A unless the fan header is known to support more. You have to know how much current each fan draws and the capability of your fan headers on the board.

In short, you can't connect 5 average fans on a single fan connector of an average board.

See? I would have never known that and i'd probably have don something stupid haha. Thank you!

 

Do you happen to know if the same sort of rule applies to the case's fan connectors? I have a phanteks P400S.

I like octopuses

 

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7 hours ago, jj9987 said:

In addition to what is said above - general rule is up to 3 fans on single fan header.

I'll check all the specs and keep that in mind. Even without knowing, 5 fans over a single header just sounded ridiculous. I've always seen 2 way splitters and those 3 way splitters, i've never seen them being used directly on the boards connectors.

I like octopuses

 

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5 hours ago, AFB_MD said:

Really? In the description, I only saw the 3 modes (1000, 1400 and 1800 rpm) available with the remote controller. But if what you say is also an option, then there's no need for anything else. Can you show me in which part you saw that function?

Did you look at the photos? The remote control and its buttons are displayed. 

5 hours ago, AFB_MD said:

Do you happen to know if the same sort of rule applies to the case's fan connectors? I have a phanteks P400S.

Yes, fans all require a certain amount of power. Case fans usually have a sticker label that indicate their specs including power requirements. 

5 hours ago, AFB_MD said:

I'll check all the specs and keep that in mind. Even without knowing, 5 fans over a single header just sounded ridiculous. I've always seen 2 way splitters and those 3 way splitters, i've never seen them being used directly on the boards connectors.

It depends on the fan. Some require more and others less. 

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

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5 hours ago, WoodenMarker said:

Did you look at the photos? The remote control and its buttons are displayed. 

Yes, fans all require a certain amount of power. Case fans usually have a sticker label that indicate their specs including power requirements. 

It depends on the fan. Some require more and others less. 

You rock man. Thank you.

I like octopuses

 

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  • 3 weeks later...
Posted
On 10/11/2019 at 9:16 PM, RainingTacco said:

Get SATA or molex powered splitter. Something like this

https://www.alzashop.com/akasa-sata-na-5x-ventilator-pwm-d520078.htm?layoutAutoChange=1

Are you still able to individually address each fan when they are configured this way? 

First build, nothing to see here...

 

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GRAPHICS: XFX Radeon RX 580 8 GB GTS Black Edition OC+ CASE: Phanteks Eclipse P400S POWER: SeaSonic EVO Edition 620 W Bronze Fully Modular

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3 hours ago, EternalSunKing said:

Are you still able to individually address each fan when they are configured this way? 

No, splitters only read the rpm from one fan and the same signal is sent to all fans on the splitter so they're detected as a single fan from the motherboard. 

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

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Yes that's why it's better to run same fans off a single splitter. Otherwise you will deal with different levels of noise or airflow. I mean if you are buying such splitter you are probably going to put this into some radiator in push/pull config so it makes sense to use same fans. 

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