Fan Controller Suggesstions

[exorr]

Building a new PC and want to throw in a fan controller. One reason, because it will look cool and two because it will be useful and they aren't very expensive.

Can any of you recommend and specific brand?

Here's a link to SVC's inventory

Link

I was thinking of the Sunbeam 4 Channel Rheobus.

Link

Also, can someone that uses one reply and let me know how they work? I haven't used one before. I assume all I do is give this controller power and plug the fans into it, but I could be wrong. Also, do I need any specific type of fans to work with it?

Thanks for the help!

 

[perdomot]

I got the first one from PC Toys and it works great. Thumb up!

 

[Operandi]

I go for this Zalman.

Originally posted by: exorr
Also, can someone that uses one reply and let me know how they work? I haven't used one before. I assume all I do is give this controller power and plug the fans into it, but I could be wrong. Also, do I need any specific type of fans to work with it?

You've pretty much go it, most have 3 pin connectors though so you'll need 3 pin fans.

 

[exorr]

Originally posted by: Operandi
I go for this Zalman.

Originally posted by: exorr
Also, can someone that uses one reply and let me know how they work? I haven't used one before. I assume all I do is give this controller power and plug the fans into it, but I could be wrong. Also, do I need any specific type of fans to work with it?

You've pretty much go it, most have 3 pin connectors though so you'll need 3 pin fans.

Good to know about the 3 pin. I'll make sure I know which mine supports before ordering the fans. Thanks Operandi.

Anyone use the Zalman control? I see it supports up to 6 fans instead of 4 like the others and is only $3 more than the one I was considering. Here's the Link

 

[Tiamat]

I have teh sunbeam. I like it because it allows you to lower the voltage all the way to 0V if you dont need fans, or less than 5V for fans that can start at 4 volts. I bought it when it was 15$ though. 25$ is a bunch to ask. The lights are way too bright. I ended up, turning them 180 degrees so they fire into my case.

 

[Waylay00]

Problem is that the sunbeam is out of stock almost anywhere you go. I think it has been discontinued (that's what someone told me) If you can't find the Sunbeam, get a Vantec Nexus. they have 5.25 and 3.5 versions in silver and black. Up to 18w per channel.

 

[DerwenArtos12]

I second the vote for the zalman, i have used one in a computer i built for someone else, and had i not already had a differnent in my case i would love one in my case. as far as function goes, i have had had a 120mm on one channel, a 92 on the second and two 80's on the second and third channels with lights onteh switched channels. the lights do not dim on teh lowe voltage of hte switched controllers bu they work well for on off switches none the less. It is incredibly easy to modify as well. I wasn't happy with how the blue looked because i was building the guy a black and red comp so it really wasn't working for me so i just ook it off and mounted it to one of the gys existing drive convers and swapped the existing fans with some solid red leds that just dimmed over the voltage decrease. the faceplate mod is very easy where as the leds require an above average proficiency with a soldering iron and a good working knowledge of electricity.

 

[shimsham]

Originally posted by: Tiamat
I have teh sunbeam. I like it because it allows you to lower the voltage all the way to 0V if you dont need fans, or less than 5V for fans that can start at 4 volts. I bought it when it was 15$ though. 25$ is a bunch to ask. The lights are way too bright. I ended up, turning them 180 degrees so they fire into my case.

yes, those leds are toooo bright. i liked the sunbeam, but those lights killed it so i sold it. it was nice being able to turn the fans all the way off, tho.

 

[Hyperlite]

i use a vantec nexus, its a great product, though i do wish you could turn the fans all the way off.

 

[bluslice]

call me mainstream, but i'm lookin at getting the aerogate II. it looks pimp with the wavemaster or the centurion 5. the backlight is adjustable to 7 different colors, it has 4 fan controls and measures temps accurately.

http://www.overclockersclub.co...rmaster_aerogate_2.php

 

[exorr]

Thanks all. I think I will be going with the Zalman since it's black (like my case) and has blue lights (like my case will).

I heard that the controller for fans 5/6 you need to have bare wires to hook it up to it. Is this true?

All the comments about the lights being to bright on the Sunbeam and turned me against it (kind of ironic huh with a name like Sunbeam?)

bluslice, that review sounds good as well, but I can't seem to find that one in stock anywhere!

 

[bluslice]

Originally posted by: exorr
Thanks all. I think I will be going with the Zalman since it's black (like my case) and has blue lights (like my case will).

I heard that the controller for fans 5/6 you need to have bare wires to hook it up to it. Is this true?

All the comments about the lights being to bright on the Sunbeam and turned me against it (kind of ironic huh with a name like Sunbeam?)

bluslice, that review sounds good as well, but I can't seem to find that one in stock anywhere!

you can do a search for it on pricewatch. i searched it and found a black one for $33. if you want exorr, i can PM you the link to a website that has it but you should be able to find everything you need on pricewatch.

 

[DerwenArtos12]

yes it is true that the switched controllers require you cut off your 3pin connectors and use bare wires. it's not that big of a deal though. if you are worried about voiding the fans waranty you coudl always get some kind of adapter like this

 

[drpootums]

do the knobs on the Zalman fit inside the Tsunami's case doors?

 

[exorr]

Thanks All. I'm going to go with the Zalman.

Derwen thanks for the link to that adapter, I'll order a couple of those, not because I'm worried about warranty but so I don't have to "destroy" the fan incase I want to use it somewhere else in the future

 

[Spike]

Originally posted by: perdomot
I got the first one from PC Toys and it works great. Thumb up!

Same here, love mine. Picked it up on sale for $7 and it has been working great.

-spike

 

[QueBert]

Originally posted by: bluslice
call me mainstream, but i'm lookin at getting the aerogate II. it looks pimp with the wavemaster or the centurion 5. the backlight is adjustable to 7 different colors, it has 4 fan controls and measures temps accurately.

http://www.overclockersclub.co...rmaster_aerogate_2.php

good choice, I have one in my case, I LOVE IT! I bought it for the looks, but it's very useful. I know this might sound silly, but I was actually excited when I was installing it. Only problem is when I got my new case (Kingwin 848) it doesn't fit in the bay properly. But as far as what it's supposed to do, the Aerogate II is perfect! They recently released a Areogate III with all digital controls, but I honestly don't like the look.