How many fans can I hook up to a controller channel?

[TedShred]

I picked up a fan controller that puts out 1.5a@12V=18W per each of its 4 channels. (Cooler Master Aerogate III.) Can I max that out? For example, would I have any worries about daisy chaining together 3 fans, each spec'd at 6W, to connect 'em to a single channel? (I know I'd have to ditch the rpm monitoring for 2 of the fans edit: actually I guess all 3 of 'em.) Although the math works, something tells me that idea's from the "noob, that's just too good to be true" dept.

edit: not sure it matters, but I'm just talking case fans

[Vatos_locos]

if the all the fans needs less than 1.5a @ 12V and less than 18W then yes you can :) in you exceed those specs then you are risking to damage the controller

[TedShred]

Thanks. So no weird electical law that comes into play to screw up my plans? Good stuff!

I wonder, would it be a good idea to allow a bit of leeway for any discrepancies in manufacturer specs? Eg, maybe something like two 6-watt fans + one 4W to give 2W leeway? Or are power specs pretty tight?

[xMrBunglex]

they're just basing their capacity on the gauge of the wire and the size of the rheostats. you can trust the ratings they list.

[TedShred]

Victory is mine! :cool:

Thanks guys.