Question: Using a speed controller on case fans or Panaflow fans

[saber800]

Hi, I just built my pc and it came with 3 Superred 80X25 fans. I want to use a zalman speed controller (or any type of low cost speed controller) but the power connectors are the 4-pin molex connector. So I'm wondering if I can use the speed controller since there is no third wire for speed control?

I don't really want to do the 7v mod. Should I just replace the fans? I was thinking if I can't get the fans I have to work; getting 2 panaflow L1A fans but I can't find a good site that has them in stock. Newegg.com doesn't carry them and SVC.com is out of stock. Anyone know of a reputable site that sells the L1As?

Thanks for your help.

 

[mechBgon]

I believe kdcomputers.com has the L1A 80mm's in stock for $5 each. They have a three-pin connector, but only two wires (most Panaflo fans don't send an RPM signal, so the wire would be useless).

 

[saber800]

So will I be able to use the Zalman Fan Mate to control the speed of the Panaflow?

 

[keyeye]

Yes, you can use panaflo's with the zalman speed controller. The third wire is a RPM signal from the fan so the motherboard can monitor the fan. It doesn't actually affect the fan speed. It works well with the L1A. You can really make the fan silent (of course it moves less air).
You could also consider a 4-> 3 pin adaptor, at svc for your superred to hook up to a zalman if you don't want to get the panaflo's.
You could also consider a 4 channel controller such as the sunbeam instead of the zalman, which seems highly rated around here. It's almost the same cost as 4 zalman speed controllers, but you can control it without opening your case ... plus the LEDs if you are into that.

 

[saber800]

Cool, but I guess I would need a 3-pin to 4-pin adapter also to hook up to power supply, right?

Superred --> 4-pin to 3-pin adapter -> Zalman Fan Mate -> 3-pin to 4-pin -> PS (4-pin Molex)

Or can I split the Mobo 3-pin connector with an adapter? (my mobo has a 3pin cpu and 3pin system)

 

[carmat4]

Just remember to set a shutdown temp, if you are connection the HSF to the controller.
The first nexus I bought went bad after and hour.

I heard a pop and then smelled something, like something in there had burned. It was the second cotroller from the left. Good thing it was the rear exhaust fan that was connected to it.

I went back to Frys and exchanged it for a new one. This time I made sure to set a shutdown temp in Bios.

 

[0roo0roo]

i use vantec nexus nxp201's. i have 3 they come with a decent variety of converter/splitter cables, i'm sure you'll have what you need. and yes, the rpm monitoring cable is not required, doesn't affect speed. and if you eventually run out of cable converters, you can just cut the ends off and crimp em together. its not hard. there are these crimp tube things that you stick bare cable ends into and u crush it together with pliars or a cable crimper. thats how i do mine

then again u probably know this seeing that panaflows don't have connectors ussually. speed control is just sweet

 

[keyeye]

Originally posted by: saber800
Cool, but I guess I would need a 3-pin to 4-pin adapter also to hook up to power supply, right? Superred --> 4-pin to 3-pin adapter -> Zalman Fan Mate -> 3-pin to 4-pin -> PS (4-pin Molex) Or can I split the Mobo 3-pin connector with an adapter? (my mobo has a 3pin cpu and 3pin system)

Yes. You would need the final adaptor to hook it directly to the PS.
As far as splitting the 3-pin connector, I'd only do it if you have very low wattage fans (< 2 watts each, though some MB headers are able to provide more juice). Since you don't have RPM monitoring , it would be safer just to run it from the PS.
You could use a Y adapter if you still want to use one zalman to control two fans at the same time (assuming the fans are < 4 watts- I think) powering it off the PS.

 

[nep017]

on the topic of fan rheobuses i was wondering if there was anyway i could wire one of the knobs to control the brightness of the blue case light on my antec sonata. when sleeping the light is slightly distracting. i know the older version of vantecs rheobus only turns down to ~7 volts, where as sunbeams has the option of turning the voltage completly off. any thoughts on this matter would be greatly appericated!

 

[saber800]

Originally posted by: keyeye

Originally posted by: saber800
Cool, but I guess I would need a 3-pin to 4-pin adapter also to hook up to power supply, right? Superred --> 4-pin to 3-pin adapter -> Zalman Fan Mate -> 3-pin to 4-pin -> PS (4-pin Molex) Or can I split the Mobo 3-pin connector with an adapter? (my mobo has a 3pin cpu and 3pin system)

Yes. You would need the final adaptor to hook it directly to the PS.
As far as splitting the 3-pin connector, I'd only do it if you have very low wattage fans (< 2 watts each, though some MB headers are able to provide more juice). Since you don't have RPM monitoring , it would be safer just to run it from the PS.
You could use a <a class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.svcompucycle.com/4pinpowsupmo.html" target=blank>Y adapter</A> if you still want to use one zalman to control two fans at the same time (assuming the fans are < 4 watts- I think) powering it off the PS.

Yeah, I was thinking of running 2 fans off the Zalman Fan Mate or just buying 2 Fan Mates since they are so cheap.