Do you have a favorite fan controller?
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Do you have a favorite fan controller?
Something that would look nice and work well on the front of an Antec Solo case?
Thanks!
Thanks!
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In my current setup (circa 6 years old) I just use Zalman Fanmate2s inside the case to run my system fans at a constant low speed. I use watercooling for my CPU and GPU in that system, so the fans don't need to run at much past the minimum just to keep several HDDs and MB components cool. I don't run the fans at minimum but rather turn them up until just before I can hear them though, because I want to make sure that they start up OK every time.
In the new system I'm currently planning, I intend to install a mCubed bigNG. I'm aiming to use air cooling this time without having to twiddle with knobs or software (at least once it's set up).
If you want a nice looking, well built solution for a drive bay, I've heard that the Scythe Kaze Master controllers are good and have a clear display for temperature and RPM for each of 4 fans (and included temp sensors). They sell a 3.5" version for 2 fans/sensors too.
I've read some horror stories about the cheaper yet higher-rated controllers, such as the sunbeam rheobus, so I would avoid those. See below:
So there I was, with my case on fire, and I was wondering...
In the new system I'm currently planning, I intend to install a mCubed bigNG. I'm aiming to use air cooling this time without having to twiddle with knobs or software (at least once it's set up).
If you want a nice looking, well built solution for a drive bay, I've heard that the Scythe Kaze Master controllers are good and have a clear display for temperature and RPM for each of 4 fans (and included temp sensors). They sell a 3.5" version for 2 fans/sensors too.
I've read some horror stories about the cheaper yet higher-rated controllers, such as the sunbeam rheobus, so I would avoid those. See below:
So there I was, with my case on fire, and I was wondering...
InfyMcGirk,
That mCubed bigNG looks very nice, but I can't find it for sale anywhere and it appears to be more than I want to spend anyway. The Scythe Kaze Master 2 appears to be the only controller at newegg that got a good review. I think I may want an internal solution, set it, and forget it. I'll post a different question on the fan forum.
Barry
That mCubed bigNG looks very nice, but I can't find it for sale anywhere and it appears to be more than I want to spend anyway. The Scythe Kaze Master 2 appears to be the only controller at newegg that got a good review. I think I may want an internal solution, set it, and forget it. I'll post a different question on the fan forum.
Barry
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the best ever but non fancy is Zalman's machined aluminum knob one. It controls a whole bunch and the action on the knobs is supreme. it also goes lower in voltage than any that I have seen. I forget the exact specs but it is stellar.
other than that, I use a non pwm 3 1/2 bay controller. it has 2x usb and 3 knobs. works for 5+ years by an asian company called DIY
its actually the most useful in that it takes up only one 3 1/2", has no lights, and works forever. most importantly, I can close the door on it. my zalman has issues.
Zalman has a new one that is all digital. It looks cooler in person. I saw it at Microcenter. Very impressive looking but I do not know how well its built. no experience.
other than that, I use a non pwm 3 1/2 bay controller. it has 2x usb and 3 knobs. works for 5+ years by an asian company called DIY
its actually the most useful in that it takes up only one 3 1/2", has no lights, and works forever. most importantly, I can close the door on it. my zalman has issues.
Zalman has a new one that is all digital. It looks cooler in person. I saw it at Microcenter. Very impressive looking but I do not know how well its built. no experience.
~El~Jefe~,
Yes, I've used that company DIY in the distant past, but nearly everyone of their products has screwed up! I hate that DIY!!!
Modo- I've heard of speedfan, but have no experience with it. Would you use adjustable fans connected to the motherboard and control them with the speedfan software? I agree that going blingfree is liberating
Yes, I've used that company DIY in the distant past, but nearly everyone of their products has screwed up! I hate that DIY!!!
Modo- I've heard of speedfan, but have no experience with it. Would you use adjustable fans connected to the motherboard and control them with the speedfan software? I agree that going blingfree is liberating
That is exactly my setup right now. Two standard 3-pin fans are controlled automatically by SpeedFan. Inaudible when idle, they start moving faster once I start up games, benchmarks, etc.Bearmann wrote:Would you use adjustable fans connected to the motherboard and control them with the speedfan software?
The one caveat with SpeedFan is, it only supports fan control and sensor readings for some hardware (the list is long, but not every popular device is on it.) But SpeedFan is free, so I'd try it anyway. If it doesn't work, you can still go out and buy a hardware controller.
The specific options vary a lot depending on your hardware. Most modern PSUs and motherboards have some kind of automatic fan control, but not all offer direct ways for the user to modify the settings. You have to check your manual for ways of doing this.Bearmann wrote:If I am not mistaken, my current Dell PC automatically ramps up the fan when it gets hot, and slows it down when it gets cooler. On further reading, I guess this is just the CPU heatsink fan? Why is this automatic fan control not available for case fans? How could it be achieved?
If there is a way to change the settings, it will be through BIOS and/or an application. If the settings are not made adjustable by the vendor, enter SpeedFan. If that still doesn't help, you get to play with hardware controllers. (Actually, you get to play with whatever you can afford anytime. )
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I don't know if could work properly but maybe worth to give a try:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13913
it costs less than three bucks including shipping.
They have also cheap controls fixed on the chassis.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13913
it costs less than three bucks including shipping.
They have also cheap controls fixed on the chassis.
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NoiseMagic NMT2
Does a better job than BIOS controllers and runs fans at a much lower voltage, also puts out a 12V burst on startup.
http://www.frozencpu.com/cat/l3/g/c17/s ... Page1.html
http://www.frozencpu.com/cat/l3/g/c17/s ... Page1.html