Question 1

What does it take to plug this in to your power supply? Is it just one 4-pin MOLEX connector?

Accepted Answer

Yes! It's as simple as one 4-pin MOLEX connector and a power supply with enough wattage. 
This connecter is a "Y" connector so that it doesn't hog your MOLEX, once you plug your fan controller in, something else can essentially be plugged into the same 4-pin.

Question 2

Does 36 Watts per channel mean each knob can control 3 12 V fans? For a total of 18 fans? And if I get 5 of these does that mean I can control 90 fans for my PC case?

Accepted Answer

36W per channel means that each knob can handle any combination of Volts*Current (P=V*I) that equals 36. So if you need to drive 3 12V fans per knob, make sure each fan requires no more than 3 Amps.

Question 3

I have inherited an old case.  It's great, has all the space in the world, but has outdated ports and such that cause annoyances.

Also annoying, the case fans.  They use Molex connectors, not the new, smaller 3 pin.
I have cables adapters, but they only have two wires from the 3 pin connection.  Basically, if it's plugged in, it's on, 100%.

Due to how this unit works, will it give me control over these anyway?

Accepted Answer

This fan controller uses the third wire (black is ground -V / red is power +V / yellow is the RPM sensor) to confirm there is a fan connected. I tested this with my fan controller and it will NOT operate a fan without at least three wires. I cannot speak on PWM fans as I do not use them due to the persistent clicking noise when turned down.

Question 4

The fans I have only have the 3-pin connector, no molex, so would I be able to unplug the included cables and plug in my own and would it still let me control the fan speed?

Accepted Answer

The 4 pin connectors have only 2 wires and 2 spares spots to add your own.  Hope that helps.

Questions & Answers