When and where to use a fan splitter

ccRicers · Oct 17, 2013

My mini ITX motherboard only has two fan header connectors, and they're currently being used by the rear case PWM fan and CPU fan. I'm planning to buy some splitters so I can control both fans with one connector and free up the other one for a third fan.

If the fans would be controlled by software, the output to both fans will be the same, right? I'm fine if they get the same amount of throttle, since they'd be sitting very close to each other anyway.

By the same token it would probably not be wise to hook up an LED light bar to a header that is shared by a fan. Is that the point where splitters won't suffice and I should use a fan controller?

dougb62 · Oct 18, 2013

Let me get this straight. You want to end up with three fans + a light bar? If you have a spare molex connector, there are molex to fan adapters. I'd go that route for the light bar, and save the fan headers for fans. just my

doyll · Oct 18, 2013

You can use a PWM splitter with PSU power GeLID and Swiftech are the best. I do not like the braided Akasa because the braid & heatshrink make a stiff section before wire goes into socket causing wire to stress fatigue and break.
Gelid 4x PWM splitter with molex, Swiftech 8-way PWM splitter hub with Sata, & Akasa 3x PWM splitter with molex

Using a splitter like above with PSU power you can run many fans all controlled by CPU fan header.. slow and quiet when surfing watch videos and speed up to supply needed air to cooler when gaming. I've ran 10 fans with no problem but 11 started having problems with PWM signal strength.

ccRicers · Oct 18, 2013

Thanks for the help. The molex-to-fan adapter seems like the simplest solution to go, then I can leave the LED bar in its own connection and make it possible to add a switch later so I can turn it on or off if I choose.

The Swiftech splitter hub also looks nice, and I think I prefer this for the fans because it looks tidier. I can easily stick this to a wall. It's an interesting choice why they chose SATA for power instead of 4-pin molex. Like this article says, I'd like to find out why.

doyll · Oct 18, 2013

Keep in mind that PWM splitters only comtrol PWM fans. 3pin fans will run at 100% speed on the 12v power from Molex / Sata.

ccRicers · Oct 19, 2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by doyll

Keep in mind that PWM splitters only comtrol PWM fans. 3pin fans will run at 100% speed on the 12v power from Molex / Sata.

Yep, my CPU fan is PWM and so is the rear case fan. So all is good now

When and where to use a fan splitter

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