Aerocool PWM Series - User Manual

PWM Compatibility Guide - How To
To check motherboard compatibility with AeroCool PWM function, ensure your
motherboard header Pin No. 4 has listed FAN-SPEED-CONTROL and 12V on Pin 2.
Example from Asrock Z87 Fatal1ty, where Pin No. 4 - Fan_Speed_Control and Pin No. 2
is +12V. This will allow you to have PWM control through AeroCool Hub.
Note: RPM will not be displayed.
For additional motherboard configurations, please read below:
1. How to find out if a fan header on your motherboard supports PWM?
Some motherboards feature 4-pin fan headers that actually DO NOT use a PWM signal
on Pin No. 4 to control the fan speed but rather reduce the voltage on Pin No. 2 (also
known as DC mode). Modern motherboard fan headers would have dual control modes,
that allows you to select PWM or DC control mode.
Please refer to your motherboard manual to check whether your motherboard has 4-pin
fan headers that control the fan speed by reducing voltage on Pin 2 or PWM cycle/Speed
Control on Pin 4. See image below.
Look out for terms that may indicate the header is NOT using PWM, for example, if you see
“VCC” on Pin 4 or “Speed Control” on Pin 2, then we can be sure the header does not
support PWM.

Summary

Understanding PWM Fan Header Compatibility

Required Pin Configuration for PWM

Verify motherboard header Pin 4 has FAN-SPEED-CONTROL and Pin 2 has +12V for PWM.

Identifying PWM vs. DC Control Modes

Distinguish PWM (Pin 4 signal) from DC (Pin 2 voltage reduction).

Indicators of Non-PWM Headers

Look for 'VCC' on Pin 4 or 'Speed Control' on Pin 2; these headers lack PWM.

Motherboard Fan Header Variations

SYS_FAN Header Incompatibility

SYS_FAN headers with VCC on Pin 4 do not support PWM or AeroCool Hub.

CPU_FAN Header Compatibility

CPU_FAN headers supporting Speed Control on Pin 4 are compatible with PWM.

Dual Control Mode and BIOS Configuration

Setting PWM Mode in BIOS;UEFI

Select PWM mode in BIOS/UEFI for dual-control headers to enable PWM functionality.

Testing and Troubleshooting PWM Functionality

Verifying PWM via BIOS;UEFI Speed Settings

Toggle fan speed in BIOS/UEFI between full and silent to confirm PWM operation.

Contacting Support for PWM Issues

Reach out to techsupport@aerocool.com.tw if PWM functionality is not working.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

This document serves as a PWM Compatibility Guide for AeroCool products, detailing how to determine if a motherboard's fan headers support Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) for fan speed control and how to configure them.

Function Description

The guide explains how to check motherboard compatibility with AeroCool's PWM function, which is essential for controlling fan speeds through an AeroCool Hub. It differentiates between PWM control and voltage reduction (DC mode) for fan speed regulation, providing instructions on identifying the correct fan header configuration and setting the appropriate control mode in the motherboard's BIOS/UEFI. The primary goal is to ensure users can effectively utilize AeroCool Hubs for PWM fan speed control.

Important Technical Specifications

The core technical specification revolves around the pin configuration of 4-pin fan headers:

• Pin 1: GND (Ground) - Common for all fan headers.
• Pin 2: +12V - Provides power to the fan. In DC mode, voltage reduction on this pin controls fan speed.
• Pin 3: RPM signal (Sense) - Provides feedback on the fan's rotational speed.
• Pin 4: PWM signal (Speed Control) - This pin carries the PWM signal for fan speed control. If this pin is labeled "VCC" or if "Speed Control" is on Pin 2, the header likely does not support PWM.

The guide emphasizes that for AeroCool PWM functionality, Pin No. 4 must be designated for "FAN-SPEED-CONTROL" or "PWM signal," and Pin No. 2 must be "+12V."

Usage Features

1. Motherboard Compatibility Check: Users are instructed to consult their motherboard manual to identify the function of each pin on their 4-pin fan headers. The guide provides examples from Asrock Z87 Fatal1ty and Gigabyte GA-B85M-D3H motherboards to illustrate compatible and incompatible configurations.
2. Distinguishing PWM from DC Mode: The document clarifies that some 4-pin headers might use voltage reduction on Pin 2 (DC mode) instead of a PWM signal on Pin 4 for speed control. Modern motherboards often feature dual control modes (PWM and DC), allowing users to select the preferred method.
3. BIOS/UEFI Configuration: For motherboards with dual control modes, users need to access their BIOS/UEFI settings to set the fan header's control mode to PWM. Screenshots from ASUS UEFI BIOS Utility and ASRock UEFI are provided to guide users through the process of locating and adjusting these settings (e.g., "Chassis Fan Control Mode," "System FAN Control Mode").
4. Troubleshooting: The guide advises users to test PWM functionality by toggling fan speeds between full and silent modes within the BIOS/UEFI. If PWM still doesn't work, users are directed to contact AeroCool tech support.
5. AeroCool Hub Integration: The AeroCool Hub is designed to work specifically with fan headers that provide a PWM signal on Pin 4. The guide explicitly states that if Pin 4 is "VCC" or if speed control is handled by voltage reduction on Pin 2, the AeroCool Hub will not function correctly for PWM control.

Maintenance Features

While the document doesn't detail traditional maintenance, it provides crucial information for ensuring the correct setup and ongoing functionality of fan control:

• Manual Consultation: Emphasizes the importance of referring to the motherboard manual for accurate pin definitions and control modes. This acts as a primary "maintenance" step for correct configuration.
• BIOS/UEFI Adjustments: Regular checks and adjustments within the BIOS/UEFI settings are implied for optimal fan performance, especially after system changes or updates. This allows users to "maintain" their desired cooling profiles.
• Troubleshooting Support: The provision of a tech support contact (techsupport@aerocool.com.tw) serves as a critical "maintenance" resource for resolving persistent issues with PWM functionality, ensuring users can restore proper operation if self-troubleshooting fails.

In summary, this guide is a comprehensive resource for users to understand, configure, and troubleshoot PWM fan control with AeroCool products, focusing on the technical specifics of motherboard fan headers and BIOS/UEFI settings.

Aerocool PWM Series Specifications

General

Brand	Aerocool
Model	PWM Series
Category	Computer Hardware
Language	English