Fan controller for P180

[cpacini]

I'm looking for a fan controller to install in my P180. I would prefer one with knobs, instead buttons. Is anyone using one or know of one that will not interfere with the door on the P180?

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

The Zalman ZM-MFC1 is nice. And I know CraKaJaX is using it in his P180. I'd PM him to see if it messes with the door. I've got two of these cooler (no P180 here though), and the controller is nice.

 

[Zepper]

The Sunbeam Rheobus is very good for most purposes, but IDK if the knobs would be too tall for that case or not. I suppose you could just recess the mounting a bit to clear the knobs if needed - since behind a door anyway, who would know.

.bh.

 

[Shadowknight]

I've got the Zalman in my P180, with Acoustipack applied inside the door. There's still PLENTY of room between the controller and the door/foam.

 

[cpacini]

Thanks guys, I was looking at the Zalman, glad to know it fits.

 

[mikester]

What size is the Zalman - 5.25" or 3.5"? I have the Vantec 3.5" controller in my P180, and the problem isn't with the buttons but with the cramped quarters of the 3.5" bay. The only way I could connect everything was to leave the wires long enough I could fit them through the front of the case, then I connected them to the controller and slid it into place and gathered up the extra wires. It works, but it was a real pain. If you can spare the bay, I would definitely recommend going with a 5.25" controller.

 

[grimlykindo]

Get the Sunbeam Rheobus - It fits with room to spare between the P180 door. Plus the blue LEDs match the P180 front LEDs PERFECTLY! It looks sweet at night in my P180

I've seen the Zalman in person and I wasn't impressed. The Sunbeam is much more sleek, simple and the knobs seem to be much more solid and accurate.

 

[Pens1566]

Doesn't the sunbeam allow the fans to go to 0V though? Might be a little dangerous if you connect CPU/NB fan to it.

 

[twitchee2]

how far do the sunbeams's buttons stick out?

 

[Zepper]

Looks to be about 1/2". jab-tech.com has them for ~$10. now. From what I understand they don't come with fan extensions/adapters so if you need some, get them at the same time.

.bh.

 

[tw33ter]

here's the Zalman ZM-MFC1 in my p180

http://img294.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pb1802552lc.jpg

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Originally posted by: tw33ter
here's the Zalman ZM-MFC1 in my p180

http://img294.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pb1802552lc.jpg

Wow, that's a nice shot. Beautiful quality. Damn I need to use a nice camera to update pics of my beast. Oh well though.

 

[JEDIYoda]

I am usuing the zalman its a beautiful piece of equipment!!

Can`t go wrong thats for sure!!

 

[cpacini]

Thanks for the pic tw33ter, i'm gonna order the zalman tonight.

 

[rmansill]

Hi, Can you please let me know what are your fans configuration? I'm planning to buy an extra 120 mm to be used as exhaust in the back, more the stock fan to the front as intake and add an additional 80 mm to the VGA caddy. Will I be able to control all these 5 fans with this controller (zalman)?
Thanks

 

[tw33ter]

yep, it will controll up to 6 fans

 

[rmansill]

Tw33ter, Thanks for the answer,
My question was more related to the specific stock fans available in the Antec P180 case. The 3 "TriCool" Fans don't have a 3 pin conector, only the 4 pin power conector and a switch you can set up to low, medium and high. I read somewhere else you could use this by selecting high and let the controller do the rest. I want to learn from your experience (or from any other owner) what to do with the stock fans.
Thanks again

 

[tw33ter]

I actually replaced the stock fans with these, which are rated for 79CFM @ 29.8dBA. They have the 3 pin connector so they just plug into the controller. I also have a little 92mm fan blowing on my OCZ VX to keep it cool. All those fans are running off the controller.

http://img316.imageshack.us/full.php?image=pb2202546ud.jpg
(pardon the mess of wires lol)
I took out the fan in the bottom and didn't bother replacing it. I took out that middle hd cage cuz I didn't need it and to help with the airflow a little. The controller comes with 3 pin extension cables which are about a foot long, which added to length of the tail on the fan, gives me about 2 feet of wire to play with.

If you want to use the stock fans with the zalman controller, you'd need to get something like this, molex to 3pin adapter.

 

[CraKaJaX]

I use it for 6 fans, works great. No problem with the door

 

[eljaye925]

A little late but....

Sunbeam buttons stick out 7/16

There is 3/4 of space behind the door of the P180

 

[cpacini]

Originally posted by: tw33ter
If you want to use the stock fans with the zalman controller, you'd need to get something like this, molex to 3pin adapter.

Ahh, I was looking for something like that. Fedex delivered the controller today, I had to do some serious afro-engineering to connect the stock case fans. Otherwise it?s working great!

 

[lupin3rd]

Do these fan controllers mount properly or do you have to like hold it on with tape? They aren't very deep and I was wondering how they work with the case's mounting rails.

 

[tw33ter]

The drive rails mount to them just like they do to any other optical drives, then you just push it in and it clicks into place.