Choice of fan controller question???

[Searcher1]

Hi All

I  have been looking into buying a fan controller rather than rely on the headers.

As I will be using the Intel stock HSF (do not intend to OC) this will be plugged into the motherboard header, unless you can suggest advantages of a controller over the BIOS doing it?  

My other fans total 4 off though two are paired in the old config as the case has a manual Lo-Mid-Hi switch, so on the assumption any controller comes with a Y splitter I need to control 3 fans (all 80mm size) ~ rear exhaust, top exhaust and the pair cooling the HDD cage.

So, who uses what model and why  Just looking for some user experiences and what would be a good buy?  

Ideally I think it would be good to see the RPM and the temps from sensors placed as needed ~ a) in the HDD cage b) in the P55 chipset HS to then boost the top exhaust fan c) near/on the graphics card for the rear exhaust fan NB in the case of "b" & "c" just to ensure that heat build up in the case has more active control???

TIA for advice, recommendations & insight  

PS Meant to add ~ I  have space on the 5.25 & the 3.5 bays

[Dark Mantis]

There are indeed many to choose from but i was checking one out recently that is due to be released soon that is an excellent controller. It is the Lamptron FCT touch screen controller and you can find a review of it here at this new site that does reviews:

http://www.azcs.co.uk/forum.php on page four of the reviews.

[Searcher1]

There are indeed many to choose from but i was checking one out recently that is due to be released soon that is an excellent controller. It is the Lamptron FCT touch screen controller and you can find a review of it here at this new site that does reviews:

http://www.azcs.co.uk/forum.php on page four of the reviews.

As you say many makes & models, hence the question 

That Lamptorn does look the cats meow, I do like the idea of no knobs but suspect this one will have too high a premium pricetag compared to others non touch screen???

[Dark Mantis]

I am not 100% sure but I understand it to be in the £40+ range. It does have the added benefit of being able to be set to automatic also which can be a usefull extra as wall as displaying the temperatures.
Just found the exact link:  http://www.azcs.co.uk/content.php/178-Lamptron-FC-TOUCH-Review

[Searcher1]

Ah! not mega money then but not in the UK yet for how long???

This one looks interesting http://www.quietpc.com/gb-en-gbp/products/casefanaccessories/nes-maxzero as it has 'auto' setting and no knobs!

Also this one appeals as it also shows the PC power consumption & uptime http://www.quietpc.com/gb-en-gbp/products/casefanaccessories/zm-mfc3 thnough unsure if it has an auto mode.

[Dark Mantis]

Just had a look at them both and I didn't like the Zalman and I felt the Nesteq MaxZero was too plastic by far. The actual dsplay seemed alright but didn't like the build quality.

Ah! not mega money then but not in the UK yet for how long???

I believe it is due out before Christmas.

[Searcher1]

Just had a look at them both and I didn't like the Zalman and I felt the Nesteq MaxZero was too plastic by far. The actual dsplay seemed alright but didn't like the build quality.

Ah! not mega money then but not in the UK yet for how long???

I believe it is due out before Christmas.

Yes, the joggle wheel method of the Zalman is not 'right' and I agree the plastic construction of the Nesteq does not impress but as you say the display is good.

Like all things patience is a virtue when it comes to getting the "goods".

[jannie]

Hi searcher1, I have just installed the aerocool V12XT and its cool in looks and does a great job, check it out
Dave

[Dark Mantis]

Hi Jannie
Yes I looked at that one too but didn't like the fact that it took up two drive bays and was more expensive. Also a bit gaudy.