Fan controller/Fan question

[996GT2]

I want to get the Cooler Master Aerogate III fan controller and two panaflo (ok, "chinaflo") F series high CFM fans for intake use on my Wave Master case.

The fans are rated at nearly 47 CFM each and 38 dBA each with RPM monitoring, so they should be good for undervolting IMO. However, I'm not sure about the quality of these fans...some say they are bad b/c of their "made in china" origins...but after some thinking I realized that most fans are made in china, and some of those fans aren't bad by any means. So I'm looking for an opinion on the quality of these fans and suggestions for other relatively inexpensive fans for unvervolting if these aren't the best choice...perferably if they can be bought from Newegg or SVC so I can save on shipping.

Fan link (add $.75 to price for 3 pin connector):
http://www.svc.com/fba08a12u.html

 

[RallyMaster]

You know my advice...stick with the fans you have, get some molex to 3-pin female adapters and then plug them into the Aerogate 3. I really don't know why you would want fans that are even louder than what you currently have. 70 CFM at top speed is perfectly enough to cool your case. Heck, you're aiming for silence most of the time so I really don't think the 3.75x2 is worth it.

 

[Zepper]

The fact is is that the Panaflos WERE better when Matsushita actually made them in Japan. Quality has dropped somewhat now that NMB is having them made in the PRC.

IAC, Panaflos may not be too compatible with the AG3 as it's an older PWM design. Many sleeve bearing fans (Pana wave bearing is modified sleeve) have problems with older PWM fan controllers. The Sunbeam Rheobus linear controller works as well as possible with all sleeve or ball bearing fans, but it won't fit behind that door unless you allow it to recess into its bay.

I would suggest using good brand ball bearing fans with the AG3. But this advice is not from direct experience, perhaps others will chime in to tell you that the specific model fans you want to use DO work well with the AG3. Unfortunately you can't count on the fan-boy reviews for info on usability with many models of fans.

.bh.

 

[dawza]

I have no experience with the 80mm Panaflo fan you have listed, but I have used a China-made 120mm and 60mm Pana, and have been less than impressed with them. The 120mm clicks on the AGIII, while the 60mm buzzes whether on a controller or a resistor.

The Arctic Cooling 92x25mm fans SVC sells have worked well on the AGIII- they are not the smoothest fans I have ever used, but neither of mine click and they do undervolt gracefully. You can easily mount two 92mm fans for intake in the Wavemaster if you use velcro tape/double-sided tape around the fan frame. They unfortunately do not support RPM monitoring, but you can still adjust them based upon feel/sound. If you really feel the need for increased front intake, perhaps others can chime in with opinions on additional 92mm fans that undervolt well on PWM- this is, IMO, the way to go with the Wavemaster.

The Global Win 120x25mm fan SVC sells is excellent on the AGIII; they sell an 80mm version that I have been meaning to try, and if it is comparable to the 120mm, it should work very well.

My limited experience with Sunon fans (when undervolted) has been positive as well.