Recommend a fan controller - Overclock.net

leimrod · 06-27-07

Ok i'm on the look out for a fan controller for my HTPC

Here are my requirements

1. Silver fascia
2. Can control 4 fans at least
3. Fits in 5.25" Drive Bay (can't be 3.5")
4. Simple to use.

I don't mind if it has a LCD display but its not needed.

My main need is it to be simple. I'd like to be able to turn all my fans up or down without having a plethora of knobs that I have to adjust. 1 knob or button for all fans would be ideal, but if I can't find it i'll settle for something else.

I've been reading around some reviews and i'm looking for personal experiences on what you would recommend.

My shortlist is:
Akasa AK FC-03: 4 knobs, so not ideal
Zalman ZM-MFC2: Don't know much about this controller but i'm guessing the black finish won't match my silver case, although it does use only one knob.
Coolermaster Aerogate: There is 3 to choose from here, don't really know which one would best suit my needs.
Sunbeam Rheobus: I've heard good things about this allowing more than 4 fans to be connected if needed, but I don't like the fact it has no fan alarms and allows the voltage to be dropped to a point where the fan can turn off.

If anyone has any experience with the above or can recommend an alternative i'd appreciate it, i'll rep+ accordingly

Mad_Handlez89 · 06-27-07

If you can find it too buy get this.

Cooler Master Aerogate I

Pros: Looks great, Can use it too control Cathodes (My cousin did it), 4 Fans controllers, simple to connect, can change colour 3 ways.

Cons: Are you kidding me? Erm.......Hard to find?

ted · 06-27-07

Sunbean Rhoebus, can attach anything up to 12V on each slot (4 slots), very cool LED's on front, and easy to install. Also, doesn't take the whole depth of the bay, so it leaves room for cables.

leimrod · 06-27-07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad_Handlez89

If you can find it too buy get this.

Cooler Master Aerogate I

Pros: Looks great, Can use it too control Cathodes (My cousin did it), 4 Fans controllers, simple to connect, can change colour 3 ways.

Cons: Are you kidding me? Erm.......Hard to find?

Its just that this has to go in my HTPC, which is going to be in my HT unit. So everytime I want to play a game on my HTPC, i'm going to have to get off my lazy a$$ and turn 4 knobs down, i'd really like to just have the option of turning one only... man when I just read that back to myself, that does make me sound so lazy, lol.

The aerogate I is definitely high on my list of choices. IMO its better than the highly rated sunbeam as it doesn't turn off the fans at the lowest setting.

What are the main advantages with the other 2 aerogates?

**lemans81** · 06-27-07

VANTEC NXP-301 Controller

I have this and really like it...its kinda silver.

Mad_Handlez89 · 06-27-07

Quote:

Originally Posted by leimrod

What are the main advantages with the other 2 aerogates?

They have LED Screen to show temps and the Aerogate III has a fan & temp warning system if the value drops below a certain point

Syrillian · 06-27-07

This Vantec is rather nice.

I know that you requested 4 fans, and this has only 3.... you could always wire 2 fans together. I was wondering if you wanted lighting. That is a nice acrylic case (I luv acrylic), and having some CC lighting would be cool.

InFit · 06-27-07

i got the akasa , it works realy well and all ..btw its temp sensors are realy precise. the only down side to it is that you cant customize the display entries of the thermal sensors ...so for instance if you put a sensor on your ram , youll have it showing/displaying readings from one of the pre recorded entiers ie CPU , PSU , System or HDD .

personally im soon gonna get the ZM-MFC2 ..gota love its new and UNIQUE feature > live reading from PSU

**Mootsfox** · 06-27-07

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemans81

VANTEC NXP-301 Controller

I have this and really like it...its kinda silver.

Seconded. It can do like 22w per channel too. I was running 9 fans and two CCFLs at one point in time with that controller.

leimrod · 06-27-07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mootsfox

Seconded. It can do like 22w per channel too. I was running 9 fans and two CCFLs at one point in time with that controller.

This HTPC won't have any CCFLs in it so that feature would be wasted on me.

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Recommend a fan controller

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