Two computers in one case sharing fans


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I've asked this question on another forum as well, but unfortunately didn't receive any replies, so I'll give it a shot here.

 

Is there a way to configure a fan controller with two separate systems?

 

If you'd build two computers into one single case, they would of course share the same air circulation system for cooling. (unless you go for watercooling obviously) So the air intake fans and exhaust fans of the case should be operational if either of the two systems (or both) is running. Normally each system would run their own fans, but in this case they would have to share them. Is this possible?

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Got a couple thoughts here... don't know if any of them are good.

 

You can use a power supply such as this http://www.phanteks.com/Revolt-X.html which will power both systems independently of each other, but a comment on Reddit said "I ended up connecting all of my corsair hd120 fans to corsair commander pro to control them on iCue software. Since revolt x psu sends power to all sata/molex/pci-e no matter which system is turned on, my fans will run even when only my itx system is turned on."

 

So that seems kind of neat.  And easy.  Or maybe something like this http://www.phanteks.com/PH-PWSPR.html

 

If you had 2 power supplies then you might be able to use something like this https://www.amazon.com/Maxmoral-Computer-Cooling-Controller-Splitter/dp/B07N3B9KHB .. I'm thinking that you get an adapter (probably have to customize your own) with two sata/molex connectors on one end, to connect to each of the power supplies, and one sata/molex on the other end to connect to this board, and that way at least one of the power supplies is always powering this splitter.

 

Similarly, you power two splitters -- one from each PSU -- and connect the fans to both sets with extra fan wiring.. More involved there than the other way I think.

 

The question is --- what would happen in either case if this splitter that is made for 12v is now getting power from two PSU's... would it burn up?  Possibly...   also what would the fans do if they normally run at 5v or whatever and now are getting power from two PSU's at the same time...

 

If you knew the ins and outs of electronics you could make your own wires to solve this problem.  An in-line resistor or something that would take all the input power but only output 12v or whatever is expected.

 

More work.

 

Or you make all the fans connect to USB and you power them off a wall plug like charging a cell phone........

 

That's all I'm coming up with for now.. 

 

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8 hours ago, Energen said:

You can use a power supply such as this http://www.phanteks.com/Revolt-X.html which will power both systems independently of each other, but a comment on Reddit said "I ended up connecting all of my corsair hd120 fans to corsair commander pro to control them on iCue software. Since revolt x psu sends power to all sata/molex/pci-e no matter which system is turned on, my fans will run even when only my itx system is turned on."

 

So that seems kind of neat.  And easy.  Or maybe something like this http://www.phanteks.com/PH-PWSPR.html

Thanks a ton Energen! I was quite charmed by the dual-system PSU you mentioned. In fact, I was so taken by it that I forgot to look at the Phanteks power splitter you mentioned until after I already placed a purchase. Thing was, I looked around for other dual-system PSU units, but couldn't find any but this Phanteks Revolt X model. Then I looked at availability and it's sold out in most places and the ones which do have it don't ship to UK. Except for one! WaterCooling UK had the 1200 Watt model in stock. And they currently offer free shipping, so I couldn't resist placing the order, all the more because I didn't want to take the risk of not being able to get one at all. Even if this turns out not to be the solution, I was still going to need a good PSU anyway, and I was already looking at higher capacity models anyway. This one has a 80 Plus Platinum rating and the manufacturer offers 12 years (!!!) warranty, so I feel pretty good about this product.

 

Now I'll still have to figure out how to control the case fans through both or either system of course. It's a good thing that the fans are powered up regardless of which system is running, but I would like to be able to tweak the speed of separate groups of fans individually and also have them automatically adjust their speeds based on temperature. Ideally, it should be possible to do this using software through both the Unraid and the Windows system. If I end up not being able to control it through software, I guess I'd have to settle for setting things up manually through hardware.

 

I had previously been looking at fan controllers such as the NZXT Sentry 3 and the Thermaltake Commander F6.

 

https://www.nzxt.com/products/sentry-3

 

https://uk.thermaltake.com/commander-f6-rgb.html

 

I kinda like the idea of having the display of something like this at the front of my case, since the case will be build from wood and there will be nothing else to indicate that it is in fact a computer, aside from perhaps some USB ports.

 

If I'm not mistaken though, the use of such a controller doesn't allow the fan speed to be set through software, only through the controller itself, but I'm not sure about this. Even if this is the case, I suspect this would be an easy option to implement with the dual-system PSU, since I suppose it'll take power directly from the PSU, so it would be switched on regardless of which computer is running.

 

I do believe however that with a system such as this, I would not be able to adjust case fans based on CPU temperature, but only use external sensors to monitor the air temperature at certain points in the case, and have the fans automatically adjust according to those readings. I'm not even sure about that last part though.

Edited by Stonelesscutter
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5 hours ago, Benson said:

A simple diode could solve, never try direct connect the DC output from different PSU.

 

You can do it as fig. (d) or simple relay circuit also do that automatic.

 

or-gate.jpg

Thanks for your suggestion Benson. Unfortunately, I'm not an electronics specialist, so I think it would be best for me not to go messing around with things like these. I don't want to risk damaging my costly equipment, or setting the house on fire. 😃 So I'm more looking for solutions using parts I can just purchase made by qualified specialists in their fields.

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