How to use a fan controller

[thetrystero]

I'm looking at getting the NZXT Sentry 2.

I'll be OCing my 3570K to 4.5GHz for now, but would like some headroom for 5.0GHz in the future.
It's on an ASROCK Z77e ITX mobo in a Bitfenix Prodigy.
Cooling using the XSPC Raystorm 750 RX240.

Question is, what extra fans do I need, if any for this setup? Or should I be replacing some of the stock fans with Cougar Vortex etc? I want my setup to be as quiet as possible.

Can I use the fan controller to control the pump speed of the Raystorm?

What are the benefits of using a fan controller with regards to silencing my system as much as possible?

Thanks.

 

[dma0991]

5GHz on a Core i5 3570K isn't possible unless you're willing to push in more volts(1.4-1.5V) and very close to the max threshold of 105C. Having a mITX motherboard doesn't help either with the 5GHz goal since it isn't something like an Asus P8Z77-I Deluxe. I have no idea how you've managed to squeeze in a dual bay reservoir into a case which has only 1 bay. You'll need a bare minimum of 3 bays for a dual bay reservoir + 1 fan speed controller.

From what I know, it isn't possible to control the speed of the pump with a regular fan speed controller. With a fan speed controller, you could fine tune the speed of the fans to your liking.

 

[thetrystero]

5GHz on a Core i5 3570K isn't possible unless you're willing to push in more volts(1.4-1.5V) and very close to the max threshold of 105C. Having a mITX motherboard doesn't help either with the 5GHz goal since it isn't something like an Asus P8Z77-I Deluxe. I have no idea how you've managed to squeeze in a dual bay reservoir into a case which has only 1 bay. You'll need a bare minimum of 3 bays for a dual bay reservoir + 1 fan speed controller.

From what I know, it isn't possible to control the speed of the pump with a regular fan speed controller. With a fan speed controller, you could fine tune the speed of the fans to your liking.

I've not bought any yet. Just checking first.
You mean the 750 won't fit in a prodigy? I'm sure I read somewhere it does. Will check again.
A reviewer on newegg uses a zalman fan mate 2 to control the speed of his h80 pump. Apparently lower speeds resulted in cooler temps cuz more chance for rad to dissipate, and quieter too.

 

[dma0991]

Nope, the reservoir will definitely not fit in the Prodigy. Unless of course the method you've mentioned does not involve mounting the reservoir on the bay but inside the case. The H80 pump might be different and reacts well to the different input voltage from the fan controller but I don't think mine or any separate pump unit would be as forgiving.

I'm not quite sure about the idea of having slower speed = better dissipation but I'm getting a consistent drop in temps by cranking it up to maximum. Depending on the radiator itself, effectiveness of fan speed to heat dissipation may vary. My radiator has a high FPI and a slow fan speed or low static pressure isn't gonna do me any good.

 

[natto fire]

I've not bought any yet. Just checking first.
You mean the 750 won't fit in a prodigy? I'm sure I read somewhere it does. Will check again.
A reviewer on newegg uses a zalman fan mate 2 to control the speed of his h80 pump. Apparently lower speeds resulted in cooler temps cuz more chance for rad to dissipate, and quieter too.

Bolded is the problem. 99% of the Newegg reviews I read are contradictory in their "Tech Level" versus the content of the review.

Also, there are two kinds of fan controllers, one uses pulse width modification (PWM) which basically pulses the voltage to control speed. The other is a rheostat which is a variable resistor that causes voltage drop adjusting the output voltage. I wouldn't hook either one up to a pump unless stated ok by the manufacturer.

As far as your original question, I would start with no extra fans, and examine weak points while ramping up the overclock.

 

[thetrystero]

Ok, how about if I just let the pump run full speed the whole time. How much noise does the x2o make?

 

[dma0991]

Ok, how about if I just let the pump run full speed the whole time. How much noise does the x2o make?

It shouldn't be a problem since my pump runs fine at its preset speed for as long as I've assembled my rig. The noise and vibration might be dampened a little since it is submerged in water. Something to take note, if either the pump fails or reservoir cracks, both will need replacing. Its one of the reasons I never went with this kit and went with separate pump and reservoir units.