Hi everyone,

I'm a long time Aquaero 6 user, but up until now I have only used the FAN1 through FAN4 outputs for PWM and RPM signals, with no current flowing over them. In this configuration the fan outputs have stayed relatively cool, and maybe 5C above ambient, presumably because there is no power output.

In my new configuration I will be using two Aquaero 6 LT's as follows:

First Aquaero:
Fan 1: ~0.40A direct 12V output with speed control using PWM.
Fan 2: ~0.35A direct 12v output with speed control using PWM.
Fan 3: ~1A direct 12v output with speed control using PWM
Fan 4: ~0.25A direct 12V output with speed control using PWM

Second Aquaero:
Fan 1: ~0.40A direct 12V output with speed control using PWM.
Fan 2: ~0.35A direct 12v output with speed control using PWM.
Fan 3: ~1A direct 12v output with speed control using PWM
Fan 4: ~0.6A output varying speed using voltage control.

*Note, current figures are at max speed.

My educated guess is that when a straight 12v output is used, and speeds are varied only using PWM, this does not produce much heat.

Furthermore my educated guess is that the heat factors in when voltage control is used, but I only do this on Fan4 on the second Aquaero.


I guess my question is, should these Aquaeros require any additional cooling, or should they be fine with typical case fan low speed fan airflow running over them?

Ambient will likely be in the ~20C to ~25C range, with only rare excursions above that.


I do see the Aquaero heatsink (art. no. 53164) being offered, but it appears more like a heat spreader as there are no fins on it that I can see. I have considered ordering a couple of these just in case, but I imagine if they are to be truly effective one might require the optional water block (art. no. 20023) but I can't find that in stock anywhere. (is it still being made?)

Either way that is moot, as my layout is not going to permit me to bring water to the Aquaero, and I probably wouldn't want to waste any of my flow on unnecessary blocks anyway.

Should it wind up being necessary, maybe I could get the heat spreader (art. no. 53164) and use the mounting holes for the water block to just mount my own passive finned heatsink to it? Does Aquacomputer sell a heatsink that would do the trick? That would save me the effort of finding a suitably sized heatsink, and drilling and tapping holes in it.

I'd appreciate any input anyone would have. With a little luck, I am worrying over nothing, and I won't need any additional cooling at all.

Thanks,
Matt

Edit: Edited typos in total amps