Noctua IPPC Fans With PWM Controller / Molex PWM Controller?

[Looby]

Hello All,

 

I am upgrading my home servers built in Supermicro SC836 chassis and changing out the 80mm Noctua fans I installed a few years back with some 120mm IPPC fans.  My problem is I bought a fan controller but didnt make the connection that it requires SATA power.  These cases dont have SATA power available and I feel real shaky about molex to sata adapter in a warm environment thats on 24/7.  Sadly PSU/PDU change is not possible with these chassis as far as I am aware and would probably be cost prohibitive.

 

Option 1: Run with Molex to SATA adapter... I really dont like this idea due to the horror stories Ive seen about these adapters and the environment these would be in.

 

Option 2: Get an unpowered PWM controller - Would 3 IPPC 120mm fans draw too much current and burn up the controller or my board?  I cant seem to find specs on how much power these controllers can handle.

 

Option 3: Get a Molex PWM Fan Controller - I cant find any molex powered PWM controllers other than some that look a bit sketchy as they are just exposed circuit board style.  Not sure if this is an issue or just me judging based on the plastic encased one I have.

 

 

If im missing an option please let me know.

 

 

Fans:

https://noctua.at/en/nf-f12-industrialppc-3000-pwm

 

Existing Controller:

https://www.thermaltake.com/commander-fp-10-port-hub-for-pwm-fans.html

 

Sketchy Looking Controller:

https://www.amazon.com/Electop-Chassis-Cooling-Molex-Controller/dp/B071KNT7FW/ref=sr_1_6?crid=30RBIVXSYUMGV&keywords=molex+pwm&qid=1660766462&s=electronics&sprefix=molex+pwm%2Celectronics%2C82&sr=1-6

[Electronics Wizardy]

3 minutes ago, Looby said:

I feel real shaky about molex to sata adapter in a warm environment thats on 24/7.

These will work fine, just get the crimped not molded ones.

 

4 minutes ago, Looby said:

Option 2: Get an unpowered PWM controller - Would 3 IPPC 120mm fans draw too much current and burn up the controller or my board?  I cant seem to find specs on how much power these controllers can handle.

 

That will work fine, those fans pull only about .3 a, so 3 are about .9 amps, under the 1a limit on most boards for a single port. This seems like the simple solution.

 

 

[Looby]

Ok awesome.  Like I said Ive checked several controllers but havent seen anything indicating maximum amperage.  Ill try this deepcool and see how it shakes out.

https://www.deepcool.com/products/Accessories/accessories/2021/11375.shtml

 

 

I've honestly never had any issues with molex to sata but tight confines and warmer than average temps just make me want to skip the risk.

[freeagent]

For me running more than 3 or 4 iPPC fans on an external Molex powered hub and I start to lose top speed, not much just 100-200rpm or so, but they are pretty well behaved in the first half of their rev range. Pretty rowdy at the top end