1. Introduction
The Thermalright TL-FAN-HUB-Controller is a compact and efficient solution for managing multiple PC fans. This 10-port PWM fan hub allows for centralized control and power distribution to up to ten 4-pin fans, ensuring stable operation and organized cabling within your computer chassis. It receives direct power input via a SATA connector, providing reliable power delivery even under high load conditions.
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Thermalright fan hub.
2. Product Features
- 10-Port Fan Connectivity: Supports up to ten 4-pin PWM fans.
- SATA Power Input: Direct SATA power connection ensures stable and continuous output under various load conditions.
- Compact Design: Small form factor for easy integration and cable management within a PC chassis.
- Secure Mounting: Includes strong double-sided adhesive for secure installation inside the chassis.
- PWM Signal Distribution: Distributes PWM control signals from a single motherboard header to all connected fans.
- Fan Speed Monitoring: Supports fan speed reading from a single designated port (typically marked in red) due to motherboard IC reading principles.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in the package:
- Thermalright TL-FAN-HUB-Controller
- PWM signal cable (for connecting to motherboard)
- Double-sided adhesive pad for mounting
Note: A SATA power cable is required for operation and is typically supplied by your power supply unit. It is not included with this product.
Figure 1: Contents of the Thermalright TL-FAN-HUB-Controller package.
4. Installation and Setup
Follow these steps to install the fan hub in your PC chassis:
- Prepare the Mounting Location: Choose a flat, clean surface inside your PC chassis for mounting the fan hub. Ensure it is easily accessible for cable routing.
- Attach Double-Sided Adhesive: Peel off one side of the protective film from the included double-sided adhesive pad and firmly attach it to the back of the fan hub.
- Mount the Fan Hub: Peel off the remaining protective film from the adhesive pad and press the fan hub firmly onto the chosen surface inside your chassis. Hold for a few seconds to ensure a secure bond.
- Connect Fans: Connect up to ten 4-pin PWM fans to the fan ports on the hub. The port marked in red is designated for fan speed monitoring. It is recommended to connect a fan to this port if you wish to monitor fan RPM via your motherboard.
- Connect to Motherboard: Use the provided PWM signal cable to connect the 'PWM INPUT' port on the fan hub to an available 4-pin fan header on your motherboard (e.g., CPU_FAN, SYS_FAN). This cable transmits the PWM control signal from the motherboard to the hub.
- Connect SATA Power: Connect a SATA power cable from your power supply unit to the SATA power input port on the fan hub. This provides the necessary power for all connected fans.
Figure 2: Front view of the fan hub showing the 10 fan ports and PWM input.
Figure 3: Illustration of SATA power connection and chassis mounting.
Figure 4: Example of the fan hub mounted within a computer chassis.
5. Operation
Once installed, the Thermalright fan hub operates by distributing the PWM signal from your motherboard to all connected fans. This allows your motherboard to control the speed of all fans simultaneously based on system temperatures or predefined fan curves.
Fan Speed Reading: Due to the design principle of motherboard ICs, only the speed of the fan connected to the designated red port on the hub will be reported to the motherboard. The speeds of other fans connected to the hub will be synchronized with this primary fan but their individual RPMs will not be separately detectable by the motherboard.
Figure 5: The red port indicates the primary fan for RPM monitoring.
6. Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | TL-FAN-HUB-Controller |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 90mm x 46mm x 16mm (3.54" x 1.81" x 0.63") |
| Weight | 3.52 ounces (approx. 50g) |
| Color | Black |
| Power Input | SATA |
| Rated Current | 1A (MAX) per port |
| Fan Ports | 10 x 4-pin PWM |
| Operating Voltage | 12 Volts (DC) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C ~ 75°C |
Figure 6: Detailed specifications of the Thermalright Fan Hub.
7. Troubleshooting
- Fans Not Spinning:
- Ensure the SATA power cable is securely connected to both the fan hub and your power supply.
- Verify that the PWM signal cable is correctly connected between the fan hub and a functional motherboard fan header.
- Check individual fan connections to the hub for proper seating.
- Confirm that the fan header on your motherboard is enabled and configured correctly in your BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Incorrect Fan Speed Reading:
- Only the fan connected to the red port on the hub will report its RPM to the motherboard. If you are not seeing any RPM, ensure a fan is connected to this specific port.
- Verify that your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings are configured for PWM control on the connected fan header.
- Hub Not Sticking to Chassis:
- Ensure the mounting surface inside the chassis is clean and dry before applying the adhesive.
- Apply firm pressure for several seconds when mounting the hub.
- If the adhesive loses its strength over time, consider using a stronger double-sided tape or alternative mounting solutions (e.g., zip ties, if applicable).
8. Maintenance
The Thermalright fan hub requires minimal maintenance. To ensure optimal performance and longevity:
- Periodically inspect the hub and its connections for dust accumulation. Use compressed air or a soft brush to gently clean any dust.
- Ensure all cables remain securely connected.
- Avoid exposing the hub to excessive moisture or extreme temperatures.
9. Support
For further assistance or technical support, please refer to the official Thermalright website or contact their customer service department. Keep your product model number (TL-FAN-HUB-Controller) and any purchase information readily available when seeking support.
