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Best fan controller?

E

ebolamonkey3

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Sep 2, 2008
Messages
1,237
Hey guys, not sure if this is the right forum for this, so mod please move if needed.

I have a Corsair 800D with a H50 in push/pull. So after all's said and done I'll have 8 fans in my case. The hard drive fans are set on low and should suffice, but I want to be able to control the exhaust fans on top of the case and the two fans on my radiator. So can you guys give me some recommendations for a good fan controller? I have been looking at the NZXT LX and LXE, but any suggestion will be welcomed.
 
I love my Lamptron FC-5. They just came out with a rev2 version of it which has a better display. If you don't need 30W per channel go for the slightly cheaper FC-6.
 
I love my NZXT fan controller. You have plenty of functions. It comes with 5 temperature probes that you can set up throughout your computer to help regulate the speeds. I also have an 800D and this thing looks nice in it. Here is a pic of it installed------> http://i48.tinypic.com/2mng044.jpg
 
Thanks for the response guys, still trying to decide between a LCD one and a dial one.
 
:eek: and it's only 1 bay too! Now I'm really considering that one. But it's only got 4 fan controllers instead of 5 :(
 
> Best fan controller?

As a pure fan controller the T-Balancer bigNG is highly rated in terms of fan management features, automation and expandability. Although not recommended if you're more interested in something more limited but easy to use, or prefer looks over advanced fan management features - in which case, I'm not that asking for the "best" is the right question.
 
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=254873 - here is basically an ad for the Lamptron FC-5 v2, but it does have some good pics.

The Rheobus Extreme is a no-frills 6-channel x 30w voltage controller, while the FC2 is 4-channels x 30w, with the features listed in that link.

Other fan controllers generally don't support as much power. Some are PWM-controllers, and not voltage controllers. I prefer voltage control for my fans because PWM tends to induce "clicking" sounds more easily. That makes sense... based on how it works.
 
Ahh, thanks guys, I'll probably go with either the Kaze Master or the FC-5 v2 from the looks of it. Saw an Aerocool Touch 2000 at Fry's today and it looked real slick, but I just don't think the touchscreen will be as easy to use as dials.
 
Sunbeam Rheobus (4 channel) or Rheobus Extreme (6 channel). Up to 30W PER CHANNEL!!!!

Simple design makes for easy modding...

Was using the 4 channel and now am using a 6 channel one....both modded to fit Lian Li bay cover.

DSC00828.jpg


DSC00829.jpg


DSC00830.jpg


DSC00832.jpg
 
Ha, nice! I'm looking for something that won't need modding though. And since I have a 800D, I think the Lamptron's brushed surface meshes with the rest of the case pretty well.
 
I think I like that lamptron controller a bit more than the scythe kaze master since It's got a glossy finish.
 
Yea, I like the different LED colors too, will probably get white to match the 800D's white power button.

Still tempted by the Aerocool Touch 2000 though, just looks soo damn cool :p
 
Atara, you know when the Lamptron FC-5 v2 is coming out? Can't seem to find it anywhere.
 
Atara said:
I recently got a scythe kaze master and it's great. Works perfectly and looks awesome with a black case. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811998038
Click to expand...

+1 on the Scythe Kaze Master or the newer Lamptron. If you need more channels, just get two. (How often are you going to adjust all of your fans anyway - I set mine once in the winter (lower) and once in the summer (higher).

The large, LCD touch based controllers just look plain fuggly to me - way too many colors competing for attention on an overly busy display. To each his own I guess, but I like the nice, clean functional look - just give me RPMs & temps... and a dial, that's all I need.
 
oh sweet, they have the silver kaze master... time to find one

GRRR no Kaze Master Pro Silver...
 
Actually, one more question. Can you get a 2 headed or 3 headed 3-pin splitter and use one channel on the fan controller to control both or all 3 fans at the same time? Of course they'd all be at the same RPM, but can you do it?
 
ebolamonkey3 said:
Actually, one more question. Can you get a 2 headed or 3 headed 3-pin splitter and use one channel on the fan controller to control both or all 3 fans at the same time? Of course they'd all be at the same RPM, but can you do it?
Click to expand...

I'm not sure about these "high end" ones, but all the fan controllers I've used work fine with multiple fans hooked up to them. They generally have a max power usage on them (Zalman fanmate is 6W from memory). But most fans use less than 3W. If you want to be able to read the speed you can only read the speed off 1 assuming you have it set up properly.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/misc/pictur.../120-140-fans-roundup/12_diagr_pw_big.png&1=1
 
echn111 said:
> Best fan controller?

As a pure fan controller the T-Balancer bigNG is highly rated in terms of fan management features, automation and expandability. Although not recommended if you're more interested in something more limited but easy to use, or prefer looks over advanced fan management features - in which case, I'm not that asking for the "best" is the right question.
Click to expand...
This sounds very impressive, and I like of like the idea that this controller doesn't take up a fan slot AND you can monitor (also control?) this controller via software. :) But I couldn't figure out if the software is compatible with Windows 7 64-bit, or not. :confused:
 
x509 said:
This sounds very impressive, and I like of like the idea that this controller doesn't take up a fan slot AND you can monitor (also control?) this controller via software. :) But I couldn't figure out if the software is compatible with Windows 7 64-bit, or not. :confused:
Click to expand...

From what I've seen, people can get it to run, but your mileage may vary. There is a support forum where somewhat more recent versions of the software is posted.

I'm using the Koolance TMS-200, which has more recent software (NOV 2009), and can confirm it works with Windows 7 64 bit. Only three fan channels, but you can put multiple fans per channel; I'm running 4 x 120mm on one channel, for instance, because they are all on one long radiator. You can expand it with an add-on board that adds another three channels.

The TMS-200 has flow meter and pump connections, so this is added functionality that you may not want to pay for if you're only looking for a fan controller.
 
Hmm.. really looking for a 1 bay fan controller with at least 4 channels. If I can put multiple fans on one channel, there wouldn't be a need to have more than that, at least for me.

Anyone know when the Lamptron FC5V2 will become available?
 
Anyone know when the Lamptron FC5V2 will become available?
Click to expand...

According to the Lamptron rep on Overclock.net they've already been shipped to retailers. It's just a matter of them entering it into their systems and putting it up for sale.
 
x509 said:
This sounds very impressive, and I like of like the idea that this controller doesn't take up a fan slot AND you can monitor (also control?) this controller via software. :) But I couldn't figure out if the software is compatible with Windows 7 64-bit, or not. :confused:
Click to expand...

Yes it works with Win7 64. Either manual control (via software) or full auto using whatever rule set you want. Also has onboard memory so you can program it and it will store the ruleset so it works regardless of whether you're in the BIOS or in Windows.

Admitedly, it's probably overkill for most PC's. It's brilliant for high end watercooled systems with lots of rads and fans, especially if you appreciate having a very quiet but powerful system. But less useful for most mid-range and air cooled PC's or for people who don't care about noise.
 
echn111 said:
Yes it works with Win7 64. Either manual control (via software) or full auto using whatever rule set you want. Also has onboard memory so you can program it and it will store the ruleset so it works regardless of whether you're in the BIOS or in Windows.

Admitedly, it's probably overkill for most PC's. It's brilliant for high end watercooled systems with lots of rads and fans, especially if you appreciate having a very quiet but powerful system. But less useful for most mid-range and air cooled PC's or for people who don't care about noise.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this answer. My heart says that my next build should be an all-out water-cooled Corsair 800D. My wallet is saying, "Do you really, really want to do that?"
 
I've killed two channels on my Kaze master in 4 months using Scythe high flow fans. Its a nice looking controller but uses cheap ass hardware. Does anyone know if you can purchase beefier replacement reostats? If not I'm eyeing the new Lamptron with its 30w per channel capacity and huge reostat heatsinks.
 
yeap. Most of the controllers look very cool but WEAK channel outputs!

My Zelaman ZM-MFC1 never push my fans (Corsair H70 2 x 2000 rpm and others....) up to 100% speed. They only reach mid-1900's and 1800's rpm.

So I think those from Lamptron would work for me. Can't wait for that Lamptron The Touch!
 
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