SPCR

Is there such? Something that would throttle down the fans when the temps were low, and up them automatically when the temps began to rise? Like the motherboard controls, except an external device?

There are some elementary stuff, not recommended for what you are planning, but in case you are interested, Coolerguys Thermal Fan Controller (Rev. 4)

Looks like it has one turn on and turn off temp, around 30c.

Abula wrote:There are some elementary stuff, not recommended for what you are planning, but in case you are interested, Coolerguys Thermal Fan Controller (Rev. 4)

Uh? Why do you think that hammer...ed box will work?

NetTechie wrote:Looks like it has one turn on and turn off temp, around 30c.

You do need some external probes to measure temps the way you like, do you know that?

quest_for_silence wrote:

NetTechie wrote:Looks like it has one turn on and turn off temp, around 30c.

You do need some external probes to measure temps the way you like, do you know that?

I wish they had something that worked on software, and could read the motherboard CPU temp, and adjust the fans based on it, as an external device from the motherboard.

NetTechie wrote:

quest_for_silence wrote:

NetTechie wrote:Looks like it has one turn on and turn off temp, around 30c.

You do need some external probes to measure temps the way you like, do you know that?

I wish they had something that worked on software, and could read the motherboard CPU temp, and adjust the fans based on it, as an external device from the motherboard.

So I guess you have to look at devices aimed at water-cooling setups, such as the old mCubed T-balancer.

Not sure if you're up to doing some soldering, but I'm intrigued by this one:

Intelligent 12V Fan Controller

Silicon Chip wrote:The High Points

• Control up to eight computer fans based on the measured temperature

• Windows software for configuration and display of temperatures and fan speeds

• Stand alone (does not need the Windows software or computer to run)

• Monitor up to four temperature points

• Works with most fans (2, 3 and 4 wire)

• Audible alarm on fan or sensor failure

Not sure if they are still available, but Noise Magic NMT-2 and NMT-3 do what you describe.

Not exactly external; they mount on a corner of the fan and vary voltage based on the temperature of the air flowing by. Electrically they sit inline between the fan and the motherboard. Since they vary the analog voltage, they can be used with either 3-pin or 4-pin fans.

cmthomson wrote:Not sure if they are still available, but Noise Magic NMT-2 and NMT-3 do what you describe.

Yes still available, from for example FrozenCPU who have both the NMT-2 and NMT-3 in stock.

What I'd really like is if it monitored the motherboard's temp sensors, and used that data to adjust the fans. I don't know if I would know how to mount a temp sensor on a cpu. I guess you could stick it to the side of the heatsink.

NetTechie wrote:What I'd really like is if it monitored the motherboard's temp sensors, and used that data to adjust the fans.

Have you looked for the T-Balancer (or a similar controller)?

NetTechie wrote:I don't know if I would know how to mount a temp sensor on a cpu. I guess you could stick it to the side of the heatsink.

It's usually sort of a flat wire placed between the heatspreader and the heatsink (yes, where the thermal paste goes).

NetTechie wrote:What I'd really like is if it monitored the motherboard's temp sensors, and used that data to adjust the fans. I don't know if I would know how to mount a temp sensor on a cpu. I guess you could stick it to the side of the heatsink.

I think you would be better off with a motherboard with good fan control. Many boards have that today, which is why you seldom see stuff like advanced discreet fan controllers like the T-balancer these days. Same with external temp sensors (they don't go between the heatsink and CPU btw, many people destroyed their non-IHS-protected cores that way).

Vicotnik wrote:external temp sensors (they don't go between the heatsink and CPU btw, many people destroyed their non-IHS-protected cores that way).

Maybe: however, that is what I did for years with my P-III class CPU, without any catastrophic issue; so, unless you place it on the core area, and providing the thermistor is really thin, I still think there would be no real problems, even with modern, IHS equipped CPUs (just try, a brief and careful test won't fry anything).

Mainly an issue with the AMD chips. Higher pressure specified for socket A compared to socket 370. Still, for optimal heat transfer we don't even want a hair between the heatsink and the core. Ah, the memories..
Do you hear that NetTechie? Ancient tech from long, long ago. Do not delve deeper into the ancient arts of advanced fan control of yesteryear. Nor into the more political differences between the high end Intel CPUs. Go instead inwards. Figure out what you really need from the system you intend to create for yourself. Create a single thread about your thoughts. And the collective minds of the mighty SPCR will guide you.

Vicotnik wrote:Go instead inwards. Figure out what you really need from the system you intend to create for yourself. Create a single thread about your thoughts. And the collective minds of the mighty SPCR will guide you.

best advice given to nettech yet!