Depending on your system build, you may need a Fan Controller for your build.  Fan Controllers are especially useful in PCs that use high-performance fans such as the F120X or F140X or use single-frame fans such as the F280X or F360X.

Examples of a Fan Controller include the NZXT Control Hub.

What is a Fan Controller?

A fan controller is an independently-powered device that allows you to connect fans to your PC that would normally be too much for the onboard headers.  This can be especially useful if you have a motherboard that only supports 12W per header (12V @ 1A).

What is the difference between a Fan Controller and a Splitter?

Unlike a fan controller which is independently powered, a fan splitter inherits the Power Limit of the header used.  For example, if you connect a 3-fan splitter to a 12W (12V @ 1A) header, you are still limited to the 12W Power Limit of the header.

What happens if I exceed the Power Limit of a splitter?

Exceeding the power limit of the splitter can result in reduced performance or cause the cables to melt, damaging the header and/or the fans.  Because of this, we do not recommend exceeding the Power Limit of the header.