Cool add on's and "Bling"

[EqualizingForce]

So what are some of the cooler things you guys have done to the insides of the PC, drive bays, etc.

I have seen some cool stuff like light strings, temp monitors, fan controlls, LED read outs, etc. where do you even get this stuff?

If you have pics of your system and links I would love to check some of the cooler stuff out.

 

[Dillusion]

Check out the Case Modding forum, more stuff to look at there.

 

[EqualizingForce]

Cool, I have been there since I posted this, lol. Some of the stuff looks sweet I was hoping for some good looking practical add on's that justify.

 

[RazorOye]

I have had my heart set on the Gatewatch system monitor - gotten great reviews. There are a number of wires and the temp monitors aren't terribly accurate - but you wouldn't want to use those anyway. So I just ordered one for my build - can't recommend... yet.

It's available in silver and black - but takes up two drive bays.

Here's a link at the egg: AeroCool Gatewatch

 

[BellaCroix]

The Aerocool Gatewatch is not a bad temperature sensor/fan conroller for $35.00 (unfortunately it's $50.00). Overall I'm going to give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. Depending on what you're looking for it's a fine controller.

I'm not too happy with the visibility of the LCD. If the thing is going to take up two bays the LCD had better be quality and easily viewable. I'm not expecting VFD quality here mind you. But my Crystalfontz display takes up two bays and I can read it from across the room. The viewing angle of the display is embarassing and someone really should have realized (especially with such a narrow viewing angle) that black on blue backlight is really not the best way to go. (The black on red is only marginally better and the black on purple is actually somewhat readable.)

The automatic fan controlling is rather nice. It makes smooth transitions between stepped automatic fan speed control.

I'm not a fan of temperature sensors being labeled CPU, HDD, CASE, and VGA since I would really rather have the sensors and fans called Monitor/Channel 1, 2, 3, 4 since I'm not planning on monitoring the temperature of my HDD but that's just nit-picking.

Inserting the battery back-up is somewhat a pain but nothing to lower the overall score of the display.

As a mod accessory it's a great product if you have the spare drive bays and is MUCH more reliable than either of the Thermaltake Hardcano 13's I tested (both of which died within 3 days of installation), the price (although a little high in my opinion) is not rediculous and is comperable to similar controllers. My only real complaint is the quality of the display. It seems Aero spent more time planning the appearance of the display then the actual functionality and viewability of it.

 

[lcboyee1123]

i got this vantec fan controller found here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813999903 it came with 2 cold cathode lights and have a setting on the fan/light controller for the lights to bounce with sound...and its pretty cool cause the lights bounce to my sub when bass notes hit, which is what i wanted...a neat effect...the front also glows blue (around the knobs) and then i have 2 blue LED 120mm fans...nothin much in my case

 

[BellaCroix]

Now that Vantec... if you're looking for a manual controller... is a great one! Especially like that it fits into a 3" bay. Better still is that the CCT transformer and the fan control pots are very quiet. Well built, good concept, price is about right (I'd rather it be $10 cheaper and not come with CCTs since not everyone wants blue). Great choice.

Okay, yes, I waste too much money on fan controllers. Anyone run a review site who wants to hire me? Will work for PC parts!