Multi-channel fan controller for several PWM/Non-PWM fans Vs a decent MB?

[DumpALump]

So I've been messing around with electronics for a bit, just learning a few things. I had a zalman fanmate 2 sitting around that I had from an old VF900 VGA cooler. Opened it up, cut a larger heatsink for the voltage regulator. Attached 2 molex connectors to the ends. (all stuff just sitting in the electronics drawer). The voltage regulator heats up as you turn down the current (since the schematic sends more current to the mosfet), so the larger heatsink should help with removing the heat. There are better IC's out there that can handle the higher loads (cost like $1 each), but figured I might as well use whats around. I believe you can also use multiple to spread out the heat so you could still utilize smaller heatsinks.

Then I spotted a multifan power adapter. http://www.svc.com/mfpp.html Fry's had one for $10. I could have built one, but I was lazy. Attached my AP-15's to my power adapter and control 6 AP-15's from the potentiometer on the zalman fanmate 2. Simple stuff. I really didn't want one of those bay controllers since 1) Expensive 2) I have all internal WC and pretty much zero room in my P183 so the controller sits in the bottom bay near the radiator.

I am interested in building something that you are looking for as I would like the fans on my radiators to vary with cpu temps. I know there are IC's out there that can change output based on input from a third source. Its just a matter of finding a schematic for using one.

I would look around but I'm currently figuring out how to make a volcano vaporizer for my gf.

Considering that the zalman fanmate 2 can control up to 6watts already technically you could just put the 6 AP-15s or 6 AP-14s on it. I'd still put a larger heatsink on it though. Then again I put heatsinks on everything lol. This setup actually takes up very little room. If I find out some info about controlling an IC's output from the motherboard header, I'll let you know.