Looking Beyond the Exclaith 2 Pack PWM Fan? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look
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The Exclaith 2 Pack PWM Fan is a 4-pin splitter that expands one motherboard header into five connections. It offers a simple, tool-free installation and durable plastic sheathing for cable management. This design helps users manage airflow in cases with limited CPU fan headers. However, you might need a different solution if your build requires more than five fans, specific dimensions, or distinct performance characteristics. The Exclaith hub does not provide individual speed control for each output, nor does it offer high static pressure for dense heatsinks.
We selected these 6 alternatives because their specifications overlap with the original product’s core function of expanding fan connectivity. Each option shares the 4-pin connector type, ensuring compatibility with standard PC systems. Some alternatives provide larger form factors for increased airflow, while others offer compact sizes for tight spaces. Others focus on high static pressure for server environments or silent operation for quiet builds. These choices give you practical options based on your specific cooling needs rather than just basic connectivity. You can compare the physical dimensions, bearing types, and airflow ratings to find the right fit for your chassis.
Our top pick: Exclaith 1-to-5 PWM Fan Hub.
How these fans differ from Exclaith
Wathai 120mm High-Airflow 4-Pin PWM Fan
The Wathai 120mm fan replaces a hub with a single high-airflow unit. It measures 120x38mm, making it thicker than standard fans. This design targets mining rigs or server chassis where maximum ventilation matters more than silence. Unlike the Exclaith hub, which manages multiple standard fans, this unit provides raw airflow for one large opening. It uses a 4-pin PWM connector for speed control. You should choose this if you need serious cooling in a tight space and can tolerate higher noise levels. It does not help you connect multiple smaller fans like the hub does.
Scythe Wonder Tornado 120 Slim Fan
The Scythe Wonder Tornado 120 Slim Fan is a thin 120mm unit designed for tight spaces. It stands only 0.59 inches tall, fitting into slim radiators or constrained drive bays. It uses a fluid dynamic bearing for durability and quiet operation. This contrasts with the Exclaith hub, which expands connections but does not provide airflow itself. You should pick this fan if your case has limited depth or you are installing a thin radiator. It offers silent cooling rather than header expansion. The 4-pin PWM connector allows for speed adjustment, ensuring it remains quiet in low-load situations.
Noctua 80mm PWM Case Fan
The Noctua NF-A8 is an 80mm fan built for silent cooling in compact builds. It weighs 8 ounces and measures 3.15 inches square. Its primary strength is exceptional silence, prioritizing low noise over raw airflow. This differs from the Exclaith hub, which helps organize cables but does not cool directly. You should choose this fan if you have a small chassis and value quiet operation above all else. It uses a 4-pin PWM connector for precise speed control. It is not a hub, so it does not expand your motherboard headers. It is a single fan solution for tight, noise-sensitive environments.
Thermaltake Commander FP 10-Port Fan Hub
The Thermaltake Commander FP is a 10-port hub that expands connections further than the Exclaith model. It handles ten fans through a single SATA power line, freeing up motherboard headers. It measures 3.2 inches long and 1.7 inches wide. This makes it suitable for high fan count builds. Unlike the Exclaith hub, which splits one header into five, this unit manages ten connections. You should pick this if you have many fans and need to conserve motherboard headers. It uses 4-pin connectors for each fan port. It provides extensive expansion rather than just basic cable management for a few fans.
GDSTIME 80mm High Static Pressure Server Fan
The GDSTIME 80mm fan is a high-static pressure unit designed for server and industrial cooling. It measures 80x38mm, making it thick and robust. It prioritizes pressure and longevity over quiet performance. This contrasts with the Exclaith hub, which is a passive cable management tool. You should choose this fan if you are building a 4U server chassis or need strong air pressure. It uses a 4-pin PWM connector for control. It does not expand headers like the hub. It is a single, powerful fan for demanding cooling tasks where noise is not a primary concern.
SilverStone 8-Port 4-Pin PWM Fan Hub
The SilverStone 8-Port Hub expands one header into eight connections, offering more ports than the Exclaith model. It measures 2.13 inches long and includes a 2200µF capacitor for stable power. It provides speed detection feedback for connected fans. This is a key difference from the Exclaith hub, which lacks detailed speed monitoring. You should pick this if you need precise control and feedback for eight fans. It uses 4-pin connectors and fits in space-constrained builds. It is a hub, not a fan, so it does not provide airflow itself. It is ideal for builders who need more ports and better monitoring than the basic Exclaith option.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Exclaith 1-to-5 PWM Fan Hub
Best for: expanding fan connections without speed control
- Connector Type
- 4-Pin
View on Amazon: Exclaith 1-to-5 PWM Fan Hub Affiliate link
This Exclaith hub expands one CPU fan header into five, supporting both 4-pin and 3-pin connectors. It uses a plastic sheath for durability and organizes cables inside your case. You get reliable power distribution without tool-based installation. It suits builds needing more fan connections than your motherboard provides. The design keeps your interior neat while enhancing cooling capabilities.
Pros
- Expands one header to five fan connections
- Supports both 4-pin and 3-pin fans
- Tool-free installation for easy setup
- Plastic sheath protects cables and improves organization
Cons
- Plastic construction may feel less durable than metal hubs
- No speed control included, relies on motherboard PWM
- Limited to 5 ports, fewer than 8-port alternatives
Good fit if
- You need to connect five fans to one header
- You use a mix of 3-pin and 4-pin fans
- You want a simple, tool-free cable management solution
Skip if
- You need independent speed control for each fan
- You require more than five fan connections
- You prefer metal housings for maximum durability
Verdict: Exclaith 1-to-5 PWM Fan Hub offers a straightforward way to expand fan headers for builds with limited motherboard connections. It fits users who prioritize simple installation and basic cable organization over advanced control features.
Wathai 120mm High-Airflow 4-Pin PWM Fan
Best for: high airflow mining and server cooling
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 5300 RPM
- Max Airflow
- 230 CFM
- Static Pressure
- 1.17 inH2O
- Noise Level
- 60 dBA
- Connector Type
- 4-pin PWM
View on Amazon: Wathai 120mm High-Airflow 4-Pin PWM Fan Affiliate link
This Wathai fan offers high airflow for demanding cooling tasks. It measures 120mm by 38mm with a 5300 RPM max speed. The dual-ball bearings support a 67,000-hour lifespan. You get 230 CFM of air movement and 1.17 In H2O of static pressure. It connects via a 4-pin PWM cable for speed control. This unit suits users who need maximum ventilation rather than silence.
Pros
- 120mm x 38mm thick frame for high airflow
- 5300 RPM max speed delivers 230 CFM
- Dual-ball bearings rated for 67,000 hours
- 4-pin PWM connector for BIOS speed control
Cons
- 60 dBA noise level is very loud
- 38mm thickness is bulkier than standard fans
- High static pressure may be excessive for simple cases
Good fit if
- You need high airflow for mining rigs or servers
- You require a thick fan for high static pressure
- You prioritize cooling performance over acoustic comfort
Skip if
- You need quiet operation for a bedroom PC
- You prefer standard 25mm thick case fans
- You want silent cooling for a home office
Verdict: Wathai 120mm 38mm PWM Fan is a high-performance option for users who need maximum airflow and do not mind high noise levels. It fits well in mining rigs or server chassis where ventilation is critical.
Scythe Wonder Tornado 120 Slim Fan
Best for: tight spaces and slim radiators
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 2000RPM
- Connector Type
- 4-Pin PWM
- Bearing Type
- Fluid Dynamic Bearing
- Dimensions
- 4.72 × 0.59 × 4.72 inches
View on Amazon: Scythe Wonder Tornado 120 Slim Fan Affiliate link
The Scythe Wonder Tornado is a 120mm x 15mm slim PWM fan designed for tight spaces. It features a Fluid Dynamic Bearing rated for 120,000 hours of operation. With a maximum speed of 2000 RPM, it balances airflow and static pressure. This fan suits builders needing low noise in confined areas. It connects via a standard 4-pin PWM header for precise speed control.
Pros
- Ultra-slim 120mm x 15mm profile fits restricted spaces
- Fluid Dynamic Bearing ensures long-term durability up to 120,000 hours
- 4-Pin PWM connector allows for precise speed regulation
- Optimized blade design targets high static pressure and airflow
Cons
- Slim 15mm thickness moves less air than standard 25mm fans
- No included mounting screws or rubber dampeners listed
- Maximum speed of 2000 RPM may limit peak cooling potential
Good fit if
- You need a fan for a thin radiator or tight drive bay
- You prioritize quiet operation and bearing longevity
- You require a 4-pin PWM connection for motherboard control
Skip if
- You need maximum airflow for high-heat components
- You prefer standard 25mm thick fans for easier mounting
- You require rubber vibration dampeners included in the box
Verdict: Scythe Wonder Tornado 120 Slim Fan offers a durable, quiet solution for tight PC builds. It fits best in slim radiators or constrained drive bays where standard fans will not fit.
Noctua 80mm PWM Case Fan
Best for: silent cooling in compact PC builds
- Fan Size
- 80mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 2200 RPM
- Noise Level
- 17.7 dB(A)
- Connector Type
- 4-pin PWM
- Dimensions
- 3.15 × 0.98 × 3.15 inches
- Weight
- 8 ounces
View on Amazon: Noctua 80mm PWM Case Fan Affiliate link
The Noctua NF-A8 PWM is a single 80mm fan designed for compact builds. It features a 4-pin PWM connector and reaches 2200 RPM. With a noise rating of 17.7 dB(A), it prioritizes silence. The unit includes a low-noise adapter to cap speed at 1750 RPM. It fits well in small form factor cases or NAS units.
Pros
- 80mm size ideal for compact cases
- 17.7 dB(A) noise level
- Includes low-noise adapter
- 4-pin PWM control
Cons
- Sold as a single unit, not a pack
- 80mm size limits airflow compared to 120mm fans
- No included mounting brackets for non-standard chassis
Good fit if
- You need a silent fan for an 80mm slot
- You are building a small form factor PC
- You want a single premium quiet fan
Skip if
- You need a multi-pack for better value
- You require 120mm or larger fans
- You need high static pressure for dense radiators
Verdict: Noctua NF-A8 80mm Quiet Fan delivers exceptional silence for tight spaces. It suits users who prioritize low noise over raw airflow in small chassis.
Thermaltake Commander FP 10-Port Fan Hub
Best for: High fan count builds needing header expansion
- Connector Type
- 4-Pin
- Dimensions
- 3.2 × 1.7 × 0.7 inches
View on Amazon: Thermaltake Commander FP 10-Port Fan Hub Affiliate link
This hub expands your cooling capacity by supporting ten 4-pin PWM fans. It draws power directly from a SATA connector on your power supply, which prevents stray current issues common in splitters. The compact chassis measures 3.2 by 1.7 by 0.7 inches. A blue LED indicator shows when the unit is active. It includes cable ties for neat installation. You should use this if you need to manage many fans without overloading motherboard headers.
Pros
- Supports up to 10 independent 4-pin PWM fans
- Direct SATA power input prevents stray current
- Compact dimensions of 3.2 x 1.7 x 0.7 inches
- Includes reusable cable ties and velcro tabs
Cons
- Requires an available SATA power connector from the PSU
- No manual speed control or software integration listed
- Does not support 3-pin fans without adapters
Good fit if
- You need to connect more than five case fans
- Your motherboard lacks enough 4-pin PWM headers
- You want a dedicated power source for high airflow
Skip if
- You only have one or two fans to connect
- Your power supply has no free SATA connectors
- You need to control fan speeds via software
Verdict: Thermaltake 10-Port SATA PWM Fan Hub is a practical solution for builders with extensive cooling setups. It frees up motherboard headers by handling ten fans through a single SATA power line.
GDSTIME 80mm High Static Pressure Server Fan
Best for: 4U server chassis and high-pressure cooling
- Fan Size
- 80mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 5800 RPM
- Max Airflow
- 78.9 CFM
- Static Pressure
- 0.77 In H2O
- Noise Level
- 51 dBA
- Connector Type
- 4-pin PWM
View on Amazon: GDSTIME 80mm High Static Pressure Server Fan Affiliate link
This GDSTIME fan is built for high static pressure in 4U server chassis or GPU heatsinks. It features an 80mm x 38mm frame and 4-pin PWM control. The dual-ball bearings support 50,000 hours of operation. You get 5800 RPM speed and 78.9 CFM airflow. The design includes a protective metal grill. It suits users needing concentrated, far-reaching air flow in tight spaces.
Pros
- Dual-ball bearings rated for 50,000 hours
- High static pressure of 0.77 In H2O
- Includes protective metal fan grill
- 4-pin PWM for speed regulation
Cons
- Noise level reaches 51dBA at max speed
- 80mm size limits compatibility with standard 120mm bays
- Larger 38mm depth may not fit slim chassis
Good fit if
- You need high static pressure for dense heatsinks
- You are upgrading a 4U server chassis
- You require a durable dual-ball bearing fan
Skip if
- You need silent operation below 40dBA
- Your case only accepts 120mm fans
- You require a slim 15mm profile fan
Verdict: GDSTIME 80mm 38mm Server Fan delivers robust airflow for server and industrial cooling tasks. It fits users who prioritize pressure and longevity over quiet performance in standard desktop cases.
SilverStone 8-Port 4-Pin PWM Fan Hub
Best for: eight fans with speed detection
- Connector Type
- 4-Pin
- Dimensions
- 2.13 × 0.75 × 1.57 inches
View on Amazon: SilverStone 8-Port 4-Pin PWM Fan Hub Affiliate link
This hub expands one motherboard header into eight PWM connections. It includes a 2200µF capacitor for stable voltage and supports speed detection for accurate control. The compact 54mm x 19mm x 40mm design fits easily in tight spaces. It includes adhesive for mounting. You should use this if you need to control multiple fans from a single header while maintaining RPM feedback.
Pros
- Expands one header to eight PWM connectors
- 2200µF capacitor ensures stable voltage
- Supports speed detection for accurate control
- Compact 54mm x 19mm x 40mm size
Cons
- Speed control unavailable for 3-pin fans
- 3-pin fans run at maximum RPM
- Limited to 8 ports, fewer than 10-port alternatives
Good fit if
- You have one header and eight fans
- You need speed detection for all fans
- You have limited space for a hub
Skip if
- You use mostly 3-pin fans
- You need more than eight connections
- You want speed control for 3-pin fans
Verdict: SilverStone 8-Port PWM Fan Hub offers precise control for eight fans. It fits you if you need speed feedback and have space constraints.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Exclaith 1-to-5 PWM Fan Hub | Wathai 120mm High-Airflow 4-Pin PWM Fan | Scythe Wonder Tornado 120 Slim Fan | Noctua 80mm PWM Case Fan | Thermaltake Commander FP 10-Port Fan Hub | GDSTIME 80mm High Static Pressure Server Fan | SilverStone 8-Port 4-Pin PWM Fan Hub |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fan Size | not stated | 120mm | 120mm | 80mm | not stated | 80mm | not stated |
| Max Fan Speed | not stated | 5300 RPM | 2000RPM | 2200 RPM | not stated | 5800 RPM | not stated |
| Max Airflow | not stated | 230 CFM | not stated | not stated | not stated | 78.9 CFM | not stated |
| Static Pressure | not stated | 1.17 inH2O | not stated | not stated | not stated | 0.77 In H2O | not stated |
| Noise Level | not stated | 60 dBA | not stated | 17.7 dB(A) | not stated | 51 dBA | not stated |
| Connector Type | not stated | 4-pin PWM | 4-Pin PWM | 4-pin PWM | not stated | 4-pin PWM | not stated |
| Bearing Type | not stated | Dual Ball | Fluid Dynamic Bearing | not stated | not stated | Dual Ball | not stated |
| Use | not stated | Server | not stated | not stated | not stated | Server | not stated |
| Dimensions | not stated | 1.5 × 4.72 × 4.72 inches | 4.72 × 0.59 × 4.72 inches | 3.15 × 0.98 × 3.15 inches | 3.2 × 1.7 × 0.7 inches | 3.15 × 3.15 × 1.5 inches | 2.13 × 0.75 × 1.57 inches |
| Weight | not stated | not stated | not stated | 8 ounces | not stated | 5.2 ounces | not stated |
| Model | 5372EJSF0493 | 12038B12V4P2A | WT1215FD20-P | NF-A8 PWM | AC-023-AN1NAN-A1 | GDT8038B12V4P | SST-CPF04-USA |
| Color | not stated | 120x38mm 12V Ball 4P | not stated | Brown | not stated | 8038 PWM FAN | CPF04-USA |
| Size | not stated | not stated | 2000RPM | 1 Count (Pack of 1) | not stated | 80x38mm | 2200µF |
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to the Exclaith 2 Pack PWM Fan for expanding headers?
The Exclaith 1-to-5 PWM Fan Hub is the top choice for expanding connections. It uses a 4-pin connector to split one motherboard header into five. This hub is ideal if you need simple installation and basic cable organization without advanced speed control features. It directly replaces the functionality of the original Exclaith pack.
Which fan is best for high airflow in mining or server setups?
The Wathai 120mm High-Airflow 4-Pin PWM Fan is the best premium option for these tasks. It measures 120x38mm and uses a 4-pin connector. This thick design delivers maximum ventilation for mining rigs or server chassis. You should expect higher noise levels, as this unit prioritizes airflow over silence for critical cooling needs.
Is there a quiet fan option for tight spaces instead of a hub?
The Scythe Wonder Tornado 120 Slim Fan is the best budget choice for constrained builds. It features a 120mm size with a Fluid Dynamic Bearing for durability and quiet operation. This 4-pin fan fits into slim radiators or tight drive bays where standard fans will not fit, offering a silent solution for small cases.
What is the best 80mm fan for silent compact PC builds?
The Noctua 80mm PWM Case Fan is the recommended also-great option for silent cooling. It uses a 4-pin connector and measures 80mm with a thickness of 0.98 inches. This fan delivers exceptional silence for tight spaces, making it suitable for users who prioritize low noise over raw airflow in small chassis environments.
How can I connect ten fans without using many motherboard headers?
The Thermaltake Commander FP 10-Port Fan Hub handles ten fans through a single SATA power line. It uses 4-pin connectors for each fan port. This practical solution frees up motherboard headers for builders with extensive cooling setups. It is ideal for high fan count builds needing header expansion without complex wiring.
Which fan is best suited for 4U server chassis cooling?
The GDSTIME 80mm High Static Pressure Server Fan is the best server option. It measures 80x38mm and uses a 4-pin connector for robust performance. This fan prioritizes static pressure and longevity over quiet operation. It fits users who need high-pressure cooling for server and industrial tasks rather than standard desktop cases.
Is there a hub that provides speed feedback for multiple fans?
The SilverStone 8-Port 4-Pin PWM Fan Hub offers precise control with speed detection. It connects eight fans while providing feedback on their rotation speeds. This hub fits users who need speed feedback and have space constraints. It measures 2.13 inches in length, making it a compact solution for managing multiple fans with monitoring capabilities.