Dual pumps managed by GRID V3
Dual pumps managed by GRID V3
Hi, I'm still getting familiar with wiring things up. For more details, you can check my build log here: Right now I have two EKWB D5 PWM water pumps and a Grid V3+ fan controller. I'm trying to figure out how to connect the pumps so they can be managed. I think answering these three questions will help me sort it out. Question 1: Can the Grid V3+ manage the PWM D5 pumps as well as the fans? They should probably be on a different channel from the fans. Question 2: Should I connect both the Molex and PWM cables when running the water pumps, or can I use just the PWM cables? Question 3: Is the W_PUMP+ port on my motherboard PWM controlled? Based on these answers, what should I choose? - Option 1: Use a Y-Splitter to link two PWM cables to the W_PUMP+ port and connect both Molex cables to the PSU. Then set all fans to the Grid V3+ channel. - Option 2: Link the two PWM cables to the Grid V3+ and connect the Molex cables to the PSU. Set all fans and the two D5 pumps to the same channel. - Option 3: Pick one of the above choices, leaving the Molex cables unplugged. Let me know which one fits best.
Two D5 pumps? I’m not sure about practical solutions other than redundancy or separate loops.
To your queries:
1. Yes, it’s possible.
2. You must connect both cables properly. The 4-pin fan cable on the pump has one wire for PWM and another for RPM, while the Molex cable supplies power.
3. You can verify settings in the BIOS.
It doesn’t matter which option you choose. Generally, the pumps should maintain a steady speed with around 1gpm flow.
If you need to fine-tune the pump speed, it’s easier to centralize all controls—either on the mainboard or the grid.
By the way, building a system that looks great but is inefficient in cooling is not ideal.
Two D5 pumps? I struggle to think of anything practical other than redundancy or separate loops.
To answer your points:
1. Yes, it is possible.
2. You must connect both cables properly. The 4-pin fan cable on the pump includes one for PWM and another for RPM, while the Molex cable supplies power.
3. You can verify settings in the BIOS.
It doesn’t matter which option you choose. Generally, the pumps should maintain a steady speed with around 1gpm flow.
If you need to fine-tune the pump speed, it’s easier to centralize all controls—either on the mainboard or on the grid.
As a reminder, building a sleek, shiny, and costly system with poor cooling is not ideal.
Additional points:
- The rear rad will reuse hot air from the front rad, which greatly reduces cooling efficiency.
- The rear rad may become blocked in its chamber, leading to insufficient airflow.
- It’s too bulky for effective push/pull operation; a push/pull setup would be necessary to handle airflow restrictions.
- There isn’t enough surface area on the rear rad for quiet operation when overclocking under heavy load while keeping fan speeds reasonable.
Two D5 pumps? I struggle to think of anything practical other than redundancy or separate loops.
-Overkill, I know.
So what I’m considering is using Option 2:
- Link 2 x PWM cables (D5 Water Pump) to the Grid V3+
- Connect 2 x Molex cables (D5 Water Pump) to the PSU.
- Use the Grid V3+ to control all fans and the two D5 water pumps.
Is it going to fail me when I first power it up because only USB 2.0 from the fan controller is available, not PWM cables on the motherboard?
Just a quick note from my side.
1 + 2 Compensating for airflow limitations isn't practical with fan speed adjustments. Only one fan supplies air for three fans of the same size. The problem is made worse by the tight gap between the fans and the separation pane. This situation will only become more difficult with cables. It's not a fixable issue in this case. Just for reference, after assembly you can compare temperature differences with and without the side panel.
3 My mistake with the pull/push method
4 I thought you'd be using two GTX 1080 units in SLI plus an 8700K cooler—that generates a significant amount of heat that needs removal.
Your pumps are almost not moving anymore. After unplugging the PWM cables, they perform like a full ball. Are you certain you can use pumps with the Grid 3+ fan controller? It could be related to the splitter cable you connected to the fan controller. Any suggestions?
Some D5 PWM models can spin at 60% even without a PWM signal, which should be sufficient. And yes, it functions with the Grid. What is actually connected to the splitter?