Connecting CPU Cooler with twin pwm fans

[signal2noise]

Hello
First time posting on any forums, so here we go!

I have almost finished my build, based on Fatal1ty 990FX Professional motherboard.
I have bought a Prolimatech Megahalems with twin Akasa Apache Black fans from Overclockers and would really like to control both fans by motherboard pwm. Each fan is rated 12V 0.33A.
I know I can definitely control one by pwm and one at full speed but I can buy a Y-Splitter from Akasa where (I think) only one connection links pwm control such that both fans will run at the correct speed. But, can the motherboard cope output-wise or should I look at something like the Akasa AK-CB002 PWM Fan Splitter Cable which, although is aimed at adding pwm to case fans, might be the way to go as power comes from molex but pwm from motherboard.
Any advice appreciated!

[profJim]

Re: Connecting CPU Cooler with twin pwm fans

With each fan drawing a maximum 1/3 amp, you should be OK using a splitter cable where one yellow wire is not connected to one of the fans.
I prefer to use a front panel fan controller where I can set the fan speeds manually.
Fan controllers differ on how low they will lower fan speeds. Read reviews to be sure that a specific controller will undervolt well.

I'm not familiar with the Akasa AK-CB002 unit, but it sounds like a good way to go, but it might not include the yellow RPM sense wire that would connect to a motherboard fan header to report fan speeds.

[signal2noise]

Re: Connecting CPU Cooler with twin pwm fans

Thanks for the reply. The Akasa pwm cable is supposed to have one connection to motherboard which picks up pwm signal only so I think I'll try that.

If you google this subject there's not a lot of info out there....! Just don't want to fry my nice new Fatal1ty 990FX!

[profJim]

Re: Connecting CPU Cooler with twin pwm fans

You're welcome.
With newer Gigabyte motherboards, others have posted that GB tech support says that their fan headers are rated at 1 amp maximum.
With PWM splitter cables, only one fan should have a yellow wire connected to the fan header, where the yellow wire reports fan speed (RPM).
PWM splitter information is hard to find.
Other than the manufacturer's website, you might be able to get detailed information from the specialty websites that deal in cooling products.
FrozenCPU, Sidewinder or similar sites might have more information.
I'm not familiar with UK sites.

Welcome to the forum.

[odiebugs]

Re: Connecting CPU Cooler with twin pwm fans

Just wanted to add, that because only one is on CPU fan support you want to make sure that the other has the same RPM, either through MOBO fan control or software fan control.

Depending on which fan has what RPM, can cause inefficient flow and even throw air out of the loop and not drawing through the cooler.

I would place rear fan on CPU fan header so MOBO see's fan and both cooler fan's on Chassis fan ch, say 2 an 3, so they run simultaneously RPM, or on power w/manual controllers.