Fan controllers and accessories are for anyone who wants to adjust case fan speed, make a PC quieter or connect more fans than the motherboard has headers for. Our range has over 25 products, including items from NOCTUA, AKASA, InLine and CORSAIR.
Look here for controllers and small accessories that help balance case cooling against noise.
How to choose a fan controller or accessory
Connector type. Fans come with a 3-pin connector (speed changed by voltage) or a 4-pin PWM connector (speed changed by signal). The controller or adapter must suit your fans' connector, otherwise the speed may not change across the full range.
Control method. A manual controller with a knob or slider is simple and does not depend on the operating system. Software control over USB makes sense when you want profiles, temperature sensors or one app for cooling and lighting.
Channels and load. Check how many fans can be connected and what load each channel allows. Too many fans on one motherboard header or splitter can exceed its limit, so look up the maximum current stated by the manufacturer.
Dimensions and mounting. Controllers are fitted in different ways: in a front bay, inside the case or simply fixed to the chassis. Our range includes items measuring 120 x 120 x 25 mm (the standard 120 mm fan size) as well as parts only a few millimetres thick, so compare the dimensions with the free space in your case before buying.
Brands we carry
- NOCTUA: an Austrian maker known for quiet fans and CPU coolers, with accessories that are generally aimed at reducing noise.
- AKASA: a maker of cooling solutions and PC accessories, offering various fans and case add-ons.
- InLine: a German brand known for cables, adapters and other computer accessories.
- CORSAIR: known for its iCUE ecosystem, where fans and lighting are managed from one application.
- NZXT: has the CAM software for monitoring temperatures and adjusting fans.
- LIAN LI: an aluminium case maker that also offers fans with daisy-chained connectors for tidier cabling.
- ARCTIC: known for fans and coolers at affordable prices.
- ALPHACOOL and BITSPOWER: both specialise in custom liquid cooling.
Also in our range: SilverStone, Kolink and Lamptron.
Frequently asked questions
Does a PC need a fan controller?
No, because most motherboards already control the speed of connected fans through the BIOS. A controller helps when you have many fans, want to change speed by hand or run out of headers on the board.
What is the difference between 3-pin and 4-pin fans?
A 4-pin fan is controlled by a PWM signal, which allows wider and more precise speed control. A 3-pin fan changes speed by voltage, which usually gives a narrower range. The connectors usually fit together, but the control method depends on both the fan and the controller.
Can several fans share one header?
Yes, with a splitter, as long as their combined current stays within what the header allows. You will find that limit in the motherboard manual. With many fans, a controller with separate channels is the safer option.
How can I reduce case fan noise?
Start by lowering fan speed, since noise rises with rotation speed. You can do this in the BIOS, with a controller or with a low-noise adapter fitted between the fan and the header. Then keep an eye on temperatures so the cooling margin does not shrink too far.
