When you’re crafting a great build, one of the most fundamentally important parts of the build is the cooling system. The fans should be powerful, easy to clean, and durable, while simultaneously easy to program if you want to optimize your cooling system. The best fan controller available on the market will give you exact control of your cooling system.
Favorite Fan Controllers Comparison
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
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Best Overall | NZXT Sentry 3 5.4-Inch Touch Screen Fan Controller Cooling |
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Best Budget | Electop PC Chassis Fan Hub CPU Cooling HUB |
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Best 10 Port | DEEPCOOL FH-10 Integrated Fan Hub |
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Thermaltake Commander F6 |
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SilverStone Technology Silverstone 8-Port PWM Fan Hub |
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Thermaltake Commander FT Touch Screen 5 Channel Single 5.25" Bay Cooling Fan Controller |
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Noctua NA-FC1, 4-Pin PWM Fan Controller |
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What Makes a Good Fan Controller?
A good fan controller will let you change the speed of each fan individually, so you can really optimize your cooling system’s performance. Your CPU fan control will allow you to truly get the most out of your system without having to worry about thermal meltdown, because the controller allows you to precisely choose how much cooling you need.
PC fan controllers are durable and connect easily to your system, while simultaneously being able to power different aspects of the fans.
What is a Fan Controller?
Typically, your motherboard only comes with a few fans. If you don’t have a big enough cooling system installed into your machine, you can face problems with your thermal regulation. Fan controllers hook up to your top-rated PC fan, which you can use to install even more air movement into your machine. These fan speed controllers can optimize the performance of your additional fans, allowing you to control their intensity and their synchronization with other fans in your build.
Best Fan Controller Reviews
The NZXT Sentry is a phenomenal fan controller that really brings its best to the table when it comes to synchronicity and power, as well as thorough control. If you find yourself regularly not satisfied with the level of control you have with your previous fan controllers, this may be a great addition to your build.
NZXT Sentry 3 5.4-Inch Touch Screen Fan Controller Cooling | Header |
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Connectors | 42.5-inch |
Wattage | Fifteen Watt |
Size | 5.4” |
Three separate protections maintain your device without allowing it to fry, keeping it safe from overcurrents, undercurrents, and circuit inconsistencies. If you want to have high performance fans without risk, this is a great case fan controller to invest in for that purpose.
My only complaint is that the LCD on the screen isn’t incredibly bright. Maybe this had to do with where my setup is placed, or maybe it has to do with how I’ve got it plugged in, but the LCD can be a little difficult to read unless you’re looking directly at it. If you’re a handful of degrees off, it can become very muted.
All things considered, however, if you are looking for consistent performance and don’t care so much about the technicalities of the LCD’s aesthetic, this is a great, powerful, consistent fan controller for you to install. Installation is also pretty easy, which is great news when it comes to assembling the build.
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Conclusion:
Electop PC Chassis Fan Hub CPU Cooling HUB | Header |
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Connectors | Three Pin and Four Pin Fans |
Wattage | Not Available |
Size | 5” |
This Electop PC Chassis Fan Hub is an amazing deal for the price. If you need a great motherboard extension for your fans that also allows you to support up to ten fans at once, this is a great pick for your build.
Power combined with affordability is a hallmark of experimenting with your first build, but the quality of this fan controller also means that you can use it to really solidify your needs in a build for an experienced person as well. Temperature control can be adjusted to maintain your ongoing cooling through your four pin fans, which is great for people who want minimum involvement paired with maximum outcomes.
Another huge plus for this fan controller is the easy assembly because of EVA double-sided adhesive, which you can just stick to the inside of your build. There aren’t necessarily tools required, which means you can install these as you need to.
Since it’s a quality fan controller without many complaints when it actually operates, it’s important to note that syncing was difficult the first and second times. I had to give it a few goes before it kicked onto my system, but that is overarchingly a problem between the two different programs I was using, and wasn’t indicative of any flaw in the fan controller itself.
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Conclusion:
DEEPCOOL FH-10 Integrated Fan Hub | Header |
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Connectors | Three Pin Fans or Four Pin Fans |
Wattage | Not Available |
Size | 4.41” |
If you want to run the DEEPCOOL FH-10 Integrated Fan Hub for maximum cooling power, you’re in luck. This guy can handle up to ten separate fans with ease, with four pin fans allowing for sensing and cooling control within the system. If you want to have a truly interconnected system that works entirely in sync, this would be a great build addition for you.
This hardware is also incredibly safe for your system, because it uses the SATA power input system to control the flow of electricity through your device. It won’t fry, and its ongoing temperature and electricity control means that your build is safe.
Installation is easy because of velcro and sewing mounts that can be easily put into your cases and towers, meaning you can get immediately to the work or play that matters most to you.
There is, however, one problem at hand -- I am a sticker for sounds. Too much fan noise will drive me a little insane, and I will undo my whole build. These fans were not nearly at that level, however, I did notice it with regularity. I could not find a way to dampen or reduce them through the controller.
Pros
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Conclusion:
Editor's Rating: 4.4/5
Features:
RGB LCD screen provides beautiful lights and patterns for the aesthetic of your setup
Six separate temperature sensors ensure that your machine will not overheat
Short circuit protection is also equipped with a warning alarm, so you will be able to make necessary adjustments before your computer realizes there will be a change to the system
Compatible with two LUMI LED strips for beautiful lighting choices
Comes with one year warranty so you can be sure of product quality and make an accurate return if something does not fit your needs
Voltage control knobs allow you to make precise determinations about your cooling capacity
Thermaltake Commander F6 | Header |
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Connectors | Three Pin Fans |
Wattage | Not Available |
Size | 5.25” |
This fan controller provides some gorgeous colors. The Thermaltake Commander F6 has great colors and beautiful RGB patterns through the device, meaning that you can supply some much-needed aesthetic to your setup.
When it comes to short circuiting or other electricity problems within your case, you don’t necessarily need to worry because of the patented protection that allows a warning alarm to sound if there is too much electricity flowing into your fan. You’ll be given adequate time to make changes to your fan speed and cooling system before it causes any damage, which is a great feature.
If you’re very into LED lighting, this RGB setup would be great for you, especially because it’s compatible with up to two strips of LUMI LED strips. Adding tons of color is straightforward. This controller is practical, too, with six separate temperature sensors and six voltage control knobs for you to make precise control decisions.
This build also comes with a one year warranty so you can be assured of quality, and can return it if something is malfunctioning or going wrong. The only critiques that I have for this GPU fan controller are the fact that the lights do go dim over time, and that the instructions for installation aren’t necessarily clear, in my opinion. Installation is easy, but there is a slight learning curve to figuring out ThermalTake directions. Case fan speed control has never been more beautiful or easier.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
Editor's Rating: 4.3/5
Features:
Stable voltage means you don’t need to worry that your system will be fried by your thermal control
Speed detection is enabled for accurately controlling your fans
This fan hub can support up to eight fans as an extension of a motherboard
Consistent performance by the fan controller due to linking the speed to one of the fans
Mixed table of three pin and four pin fans for accurate and consistent control
SilverStone Technology Silverstone 8-Port PWM Fan Hub | Header |
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Connectors | Three Pin and Four Pin Fans |
Wattage | Not Available |
Size | 54 millimeters |
This SilverStone Tech 8-Port Fan Hub is a stable, consistent provider of great energy for your fan system. This stable voltage means that you don’t need to worry about any damage to your systems, because of the ongoing circuit control.
If you are someone who worries about how fast your fan is going within the system, you can refer to the easy speed detection that is enabled for great fan control. Up to eight fans can be controlled by this device, particularly as an extension of a previous motherboard system.
All of the fans will be linked together on one speed, in order to ensure that there is nothing inconsistent or jarring about the currents within your space. Three and four pin fans can work together to ensure this consistency within the build, which provides great output for people who don’t need bells and whistles but are serious about their cooling systems.
When I first bought this product, I did buy it through a non-reputable source, and that did come back to haunt me through technical difficulties. There are knock offs for this controller online because of its reputation. However, when I cut my losses and bought the right fan controller, it really made a huge difference in my cooling system.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
Editor's Rating: 4.2/5
Features:
Ten watts per channel means that you can power multiple fans per each channel with ease and consistency
Comes equipped with all necessary wiring to install five fans with ease
Auto and manual mode use thermal detection or programming to determine at what speed they need to spin to best cool your system
Expansive touch screen is one of the largest ones on the market to date
Has an incredibly polished look, for individuals who want to have a professional looking setup
Thermaltake Commander FT Touch Screen 5 Channel Single 5.25" Bay Cooling Fan Controller | Header |
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Connectors | Three Pin and Four Pin Fans |
Wattage | Ten Watts per channel |
Size | 5.25” |
If you want to really amplify your cooling system, the Thermaltake Commander FT is a great choice. If you want to power multiple fans on every channel for the maximum in cooling technology, you’re more than able to due to the multiple channels that run at ten watts. Auto and manual mode can also be engaged or disengaged at will, allowing you to choose what level of involvement you want in your cooling system.
Great touch screens are a hallmark of a quality display system, and this Thermaltake is no different. This is one of the largest touch screen controllers on the market, which is great. It’s also equipped with all necessary installment features to add up to five fans upon arrival.
With easy installation, low noise levels, and great consistency, this is a great consideration for a longterm fan controller.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
Editor's Rating: 4.2/5
Features:
Compact, to fit in any build, even the smallest cases
Can be a manual speed reducer or it can work in tandem to provide more power for automatic speed control in your motherboard system
Can be run incredibly quietly due to its syncing and the quality of the fan ports
Three-way splitter allows you to control three fans simultaneously off one splitter
Six-year manufacturer’s warranty provides ongoing coverage
No-stop mode prevents your fans from falling beneath the speed of three hundred RPMs
Noctua NA-FC1, 4-Pin PWM Fan Controller | Header |
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Connectors | Four Pin Fans |
Wattage | Not Available |
Size | 1.89” |
If you need a tiny fan controller, the Noctura NA-FC1 is an awesome choice. It’s petite, but simultaneously can run as a manual speed reducer or as an addition to help run automatic speed control on a motherboard system. This device can also help your cooling system run quieter as well, which is great for any compact area.
The included three-way splitter allows you to have three separate fans running from one place, allowing you to precisely enable your system to cool itself. I personally was a huge fan of the no-stop mode, which prevented all of the fans from falling beneath three hundred revolutions per minute.
A six year manufacturer’s warranty really seals the deal that this is a consistent, reliable computer fan controller.
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Conclusion:
Here are the Benefits of a Reliable PC Fan Controller
Great PC fan control will allow you to synchronize your fans and optimize their output. This will reduce your internal temperatures, which allows your systems to stay cool and therefore work at their fullest capacity.
Controllers are typically cheaper than automatic fan hubs, which allows you to really focus on the build the way you want it. You’re also able to really control the fans, which gives you great purposeful airflow without creating competing currents within your build, which can mess with your cooling as well.
Understanding the Differences Between Two, Three, and Four Pin Fan Controllers
The biggest differences in the various fan controllers comes down to how much power the fan needs. The more pins a fan has, the more powerful it is, and therefore it needs a different type of controller. Three and four pin fans have three or four wires, respectively, which often means that the fourth wire on the fan controls the rate of speed for the fan via a directive chip.
Digital or Analog
Long story short, digital controllers give you less control over your precise fan speed than analog controllers do. Controllers modulate the speed of the fans with very precise signals, with digital being done through a machine while analog is done by hand. These differences will make a noticeable change in the longevity of your computer by controlling the heat. Analog tends to be more precise, and therefore better for longevity, but harder to control and use.
The Display
When it comes down to your build, your selections are personal. If you’re someone who wants more access and visibly for multiple components of your computer, a thorough display could make a huge difference for you. Displays can include RPM, temperature, or more. They can also be very visually appealing, which is a great touch for people who want a more intriguing aesthetic. PC fan controller displays can give you tons of information, and range from a computer software to a touch screen device.