SPCR

Looking to purchase new Z77 mobo, preferably mATX. Don't like to use software like Speedfan or the manufacturer's software utilites to control fan speed. Prefer to handle all of that in BIOS, if possible. Looking for recommendations on make and model that usually have the most comprehensive fan support. Would that be Asus? Other suggestions?

Intel seems to have quite good controls. I'd check these things:

- can the fan headers regulate both PWM and voltage
- to which temp sensor they can be linked to
- what is the minimum and maximum pulse width/voltage
- how many headers

I guess Asus and Intel are the best in this respect in Z77 motherboards.

ASUS Z77 fan controls can't be beat.

Just a heads up. Some manufactures implement most of their fan control in BIOS, and some in applications that run in Windows. This mostly only matters if you are going to be running an OS besides Windows (Linux, BSD, OS X, etc)

Nicias wrote:Just a heads up. Some manufactures implement most of their fan control in BIOS, and some in applications that run in Windows. This mostly only matters if you are going to be running an OS besides Windows (Linux, BSD, OS X, etc)

Very true. I think fan control should be done in BIOS so that it works from the second your computer is on and no matter what OS. I have no idea why vendors don't make good BIOS controls but instead make Windows programs. Idiotic.

paapaa wrote:

Nicias wrote:I have no idea why vendors don't make good BIOS controls but instead make Windows programs. Idiotic.

Because their target customers almost always use Windows, and are more comfortable tweaking things in a familiar environment, than they are in the BIOS.