Fan control questions
Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 3:40 pm
Hi,
I'm ready to build a new machine after being delayed for months, and want a good fan control solution. My use is very quiet for work and Internet, and high airflow for gaming for hours. Generally I prefer to be Lord of the Fans and have manual control on all except the PSU and GPU. Or do motherboard utilities like ASUS fan xpert work well?
1) What's a good controller solution? Do I use an advanced controller with sensors, or use software and sensors with a simple knob controller? Does a sensor have to be put manually in the GPU? In my current computer I don't know temps aside from looking at the bios at idle. Some brands are nzxt, scythe, and zalman. Is there software I need? This would go in a fractal R3 or Corsair 550D, and both might have clearance issues with the front panel door. Cost is not an issue (I'm saving in other ways).
2) Is it possible to turn fans on/off without opening the case? Can this be done in the bios nowadays, or is there an on/off switch that could be connected on the back of the case to the fan cables? For example on the 550D I could keep the top cover on for normal use, then open it and turn on additional fans when gaming. I don't mind that extra effort in normal use at all.
3) How much does the single bottom fan on an R3 or 550D help with temps under high load? The PSU I wanted is long and may cover the bottom fan placement slot.
Thank you!
I'm ready to build a new machine after being delayed for months, and want a good fan control solution. My use is very quiet for work and Internet, and high airflow for gaming for hours. Generally I prefer to be Lord of the Fans and have manual control on all except the PSU and GPU. Or do motherboard utilities like ASUS fan xpert work well?
1) What's a good controller solution? Do I use an advanced controller with sensors, or use software and sensors with a simple knob controller? Does a sensor have to be put manually in the GPU? In my current computer I don't know temps aside from looking at the bios at idle. Some brands are nzxt, scythe, and zalman. Is there software I need? This would go in a fractal R3 or Corsair 550D, and both might have clearance issues with the front panel door. Cost is not an issue (I'm saving in other ways).
2) Is it possible to turn fans on/off without opening the case? Can this be done in the bios nowadays, or is there an on/off switch that could be connected on the back of the case to the fan cables? For example on the 550D I could keep the top cover on for normal use, then open it and turn on additional fans when gaming. I don't mind that extra effort in normal use at all.
3) How much does the single bottom fan on an R3 or 550D help with temps under high load? The PSU I wanted is long and may cover the bottom fan placement slot.
Thank you!