Noctua has just launched the NA-FH1 eight-channel PWM fan hub. Unlike most fan hubs, the NA-FH1 features circuitry designed to provide a more accurate readout while protecting against overcurrent. The hub works with 4-pin PWN and 3-pin voltage-controlled connectors and has a maximum output of 54 Watts when powered by SATA. The Noctua NA-FH1 PWM fan hub is available on Amazon for $34.90.
Noctua presents NA-FH1 eight channel PWM fan hub
Vienna, May 9th 2023 – Noctua today presented its new NA-FH1 fan hub. The NA-FH1 is a high-quality, smartly-protected 8 channel PWM fan hub that allows up to eight PWM fans to be run and controlled simultaneously via a single PWM motherboard fan header or stand-alone controllers such as the optional NA-FC1. Supporting both 12V and 5V fans with 4-pin PWM and 3-pin connectors, the NA-FH1 is highly flexible and suitable both for PC environments and other 12V- or 5V-based applications.
“While there is no shortage of fan hubs on the market, we found most of them lacking both from a functional and from a safety perspective,” explains Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). “PWM control and RPM readout can be unreliable, and most units lack overcurrent or short-circuit protection, which can be dangerous when powering through S-ATA. This is where the NA-FH1 steps in: a safe, dependable quality device for powering and controlling up to eight fans!“
NA-FH1 Fan Hub
Many fan hubs that are available on the market use very basic PCB designs without any protection or circuitry for signal quality improvement. While this helps to reduce cost, there are significant drawbacks with regards to function and safety. In particular, PWM based speed control may not work reliably if multiple fans are connected and RPM speed signals may be transmitted in poor quality, especially at low fan speeds, which can cause readout errors. By contrast, the NA-FH1’s signal quality improvement circuitries guarantee reliable readout and speed control, even if incoming signals may be of less-than-ideal quality.
In terms of safety, unprotected fan hubs bear risks in cases of overcurrent or short-circuits on the output ports. Especially when powering the devices through S-ATA, this can result in cables and connectors melting and may even cause sparks or flames. To rule out that anything like this can happen, the NA-FH1 features protection circuitries with resettable polyfuses that shut down in case of overcurrent or short-circuits, protecting the connected fans and surrounding components.
The NA-FH1 can be powered either via its S-ATA input (for 12V fans, up to 54W) or 4-pin PWM input (for 5V and 12V fans, up to 24W). The two ports can also be used concurrently with the device automatically taking power via S-ATA and exchanging RPM and PWM signals via the 4-pin interface. Status LEDs allow for easy monitoring and thanks to its magnetic fixture, installing the NA-FH1 inside a PC case or on any other steel surface is a breeze. Topped off with CE, UKCA and UL certifications, full compliance with all applicable safety standards as well as Noctua’s 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, the NA-FH1 is a safe, dependable premium choice for powering and controlling up to eight fans.
John started writing and reviewing PC components for Overclockers.com in 2015, but his passion for PCs dates all the way back to the early 1980s. His first personal computer was a Commodore 64 with a cassette drive. As a dedicated member of the news team, he focuses his articles on new product releases and software updates. He reviews a wide variety of PC components including chassis, storage drives, keyboards, and more. John works in technology as a C.A.D. designer for a major automotive manufacturer. His other passions in life include motorcycles, hunting, guns, and football.
When Noctua announced they had released 24-volt fans, I ignored it, asking, “What does that have to do with me?” I had tried 24-volt fans from other manufacturers with unhappy results. But the Noctua rep told me “They actually run nice and quiet in 12V PC environments!” It was at that point I had to test these fans to see how well they do. Do they really run quietly at 12 volts? And how strong are they? Immediately thereafter, Noctua announced their Chromax line of accessories. From having these two releases coming so close together, this combined review was born.
Noctua released a lot of items in May, including the NA-SAV3 and NA-SAV4 vibration isolators, the NA-SAC5, where SATA powers a fan, and the NA-FC1 a PWM fan controller. We will look at each of these accessories (and the kit)
If you have a heatsink with a PWM fan and you have set it to Auto, you will hear the fan speed up from slow to fast as your CPU proceeds from idle to load. What if you want to control your PWM fans manually? Zalman has just what you’re looking for, the PWM Mate.
Just out of curiosity, when it lists "up to 54w off a SATA power connector", is it hard limited to just under 7w per port, or can you hook up 4 fans that pull a full amp each?
Good question. I'm not sure of the specifics for this one but I know 54W is the cap for SATA power. I think it's sage to assume it's sage to pull 1A from each connector as that's what MBs do too.
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