Fan controller: maximum watts per chanels Q

[Kosmic71]

Hi guys,

I just want to confirm that my old Vantec Nexus fan controller can handle 3x Panaflo FBA12G12U on a single channel (Phobya G-Changer 360 rad). As per MartinM 120mm fans review, at 12v the wattage of a single FBA12G12U is 5.64w. Reviews on the Vantec Nexus fan controller calls for 15-18w (up to 18w per channels). Am I good to go with 3x fans in parallel?

Thx for your help.

Kosmic

[bds71]

at 12v the wattage of a single FBA12G12U is 5.64w.

is that operating voltage? if so be aware that most fans have a ramp speed when first turned on that can exceed that rating (avg close to double)

[ino]

Personally I wouldn't do all 3 on a single channel, 2 at the most. I too have an old Vantec Nexus, used it with a similar to your Panaflos Delta fan for many years. The reason being you're going to be cutting it awfully close _if_ you're in luck and it can do 18W which is the upper range that each channel is rated at.

[Kosmic71]

Yeah, it's the amperage draw at start-up that concern me. What if I turn it down to 5 volts (minimum) the Panaflo channel before firing up the system?

Operating voltage between 5v (min) to 12v (max).

[Martinm210]

I've not really found current limits to really be the bottleneck on a controller yet. It seems like heat dissipation operating at low volts is what's the stressing operation.

Does that controller even have heatsinks at all?

In general, I wouldn't put more than about 1/3rd of the rated watts for practical use and just watch the heatsink temps. I've killed my fair share of controllers and don't have much confidence in most ratings at all. I haven't really found one yet that's been capable of running the full load at low volts without beefing up the cooling.

[Kosmic71]

No heatsinks on that controller, it's old (bought it in 2005).

Ok, I'll use one Panaflo per channel and use directly psu molex (12v) for all my Yate Loon's (120mm high & 140mm medium) they are quiet for me at max rpm anyway.

Thx guys.

[bds71]

side note: you could always build your own, or mod your current controller with a larger amplifier/transistor (change the 3A device out for a 5A device from radio shack for example)...or buy a transistor heat sink.....if your mechanically inclined.

[Kosmic71]

Yeah, I'm a diy kinda guy. I changed the blue leds for red ones on the controller. I'll look into it. For now, I just want that computer to start lol! Thanks.