A single fan header on a motherboard typically supports 4 AMPS.
A single fan header on a motherboard typically supports 4 AMPS.
That could be the difference between low speed and high speed too. So it may not just startup that we're concerned about. Different fan, different motor. It's not comparable. Arctic can not, and should not be making recommendations like this. While many motherboards are 1A per header, not all are. What are they going to to in that instance where this advice fries something. Besides replace someone's board for them. I can only assume that statement is not official or has fine print to go with it. This doesn't help your position in this discussion. Most hard drive datasheets, list operational, and idle wattage for example. So take a WD datasheet, they list my 26 TB Gold drive as using 6.7 watts operational, and 5.6 watts at idle. If you're saying a fan can use more than what it lists during startup, then I definitely wouldn't plug more than 1 per header. Seriously, there is just no reason to risk this, a simple fan hub or different fans would be a simple solution here. There is just no reason to risk this.
They offer fans designed for daisy chaining "PST fans" in this situation. By the way, these fans have a rating of 0.3A. I should have been clearer—rated 8W doesn't mean they won't draw more at startup. The WD drive will consume about 20W during startup while you're only concerned with 6.7W. But I agree with you; we shouldn't do it. Edited September 22, 2025 by leclod
Arctic continues to emphasize the importance of understanding the header's capacity. The blog also highlights concerns regarding cable length, voltage drop, and potential damage to the motherboard if too many fans are connected to a single header.
Mostly everything was clarified. The FT12 you mentioned is a standard 25 mm thick model, unlike the Slim version. It doesn’t appear on the DC site, so they’d need to increase its rating above the linked one to achieve good performance, which explains the .7A figure. Remember, typical fan listings often show maximum draw without safety margins, but some manufacturers separate peak and safe currents, allowing higher real-world use. I’ve noticed a few brands hide performance details for “aesthetic reasons,” making it hard to trust specs. If unsure, opt for a no-contact meter or a device that displays watts/amps to verify actual consumption. Sorry for wasting time, but swapping a hub seems safer than replacing a motherboard! So yes, it’s conceivable the fan could surpass its rating—some companies seem more interested in appearances than reliability.