Looking for adjustable, temperature sensitive fan controller

[Yuriman]

My board has very limited fan control, so I'm looking for a very specific aftermarket fan controller. I need one that's temperature sensitive, and adjustable, preferably something small and simple as I have no drive bays in my case. If anyone knows how to build one, I'd be up for that too.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

My board has very limited fan control, so I'm looking for a very specific aftermarket fan controller. I need one that's temperature sensitive, and adjustable, preferably something small and simple as I have no drive bays in my case. If anyone knows how to build one, I'd be up for that too.

If you have at least a CPU_FAN port (PWM) and a CHA_FAN (PWM) port, you could do quite well continuing to use mobo thermal fan control for about 20 bucks -- to purchase 2x Swiftech 8W-SPL-PWM-SAT splitters:

http://www.amazon.com/Swiftech-8-Way-Splitter-Power-Connector/dp/B00IF6R4C8

That Amazon price is about $4 too much, and the units could probably be found for $10 and change -- try FrozenCPU or Sidewinder Computers.

Yeah . . . . look here:

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/2...able_Splitter_-_SATA_Power_8W-PWM-SPL-ST.html

You can control fans (same or varying size, and also pumps) using one PWM fan-header and no motherboard power -- in two groups if you have both CPU and Chassis fan headers.

Oh, gee . . . . now I'm looking at that ZOTAC board -- I can't see ANY fan ports! If you want the best or among the best for software-driven thermal fan-control, look at the Aquaero 5 -- cheapest without the front-panel version (which you shouldn't need.)

 

[Yuriman]

There are actually two PWM fan headers. However, the CHA_FAN port only allows for a fixed speed in 10% increments, so I don't use it.

I'm actually running a splitter right now for the 120mm intake and CPU fan on the CPU's PWM port, which has very limited but not entirely unacceptable fan speed presets available. I also replaced my power supply's fan and had run a second splitter off of CPU_FAN for it, but a few days back I got out my soldering iron, added a resistor, and connected it where the power supply's stock fan was attached. Ideally, I'd like to be able to control the chassis fan and CPU fan independently, as CPU load isn't always high when my video card needs air.

I was looking at the NZXT Grid+ as a possible solution, and it appears to be cheaper than the Aquaero 5, as well as not requiring a 5 1/2" bay.

 

[Smoblikat]

mCubed T-balancer


Good luck

 

[bononos]

......
Yeah . . . . look here:

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/2...able_Splitter_-_SATA_Power_8W-PWM-SPL-ST.html

You can control fans (same or varying size, and also pumps) using one PWM fan-header and no motherboard power -- in two groups if you have both CPU and Chassis fan headers.

Oh, gee . . . . now I'm looking at that ZOTAC board -- I can't see ANY fan ports! If you want the best or among the best for software-driven thermal fan-control, look at the Aquaero 5 -- cheapest without the front-panel version (which you shouldn't need.)

How many power (watts) max. does the SATA power connector provide anyway? The splitter in your link says 8W and it seems a little low to be powering up to 8 fans.

 

[Yuriman]

Depends on the fan. I have low speed Noctuas in my case, which are about 0.3-0.6w each.

 

[bononos]

Thats really low, even low speed silent 12cm case fans take a little over 2W.

 

[Yuriman]

Take a look:

http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=productview&products_id=43&lng=en&set=1

They're also rated for ~55cfm at that power draw. I have one in my car powered by a tiny solar panel, to keep it cool when I park in the sun. I found it started with less current than any other fan I had.

 

[Ketchup]

Good luck bononos. I have used external fan controllers in the past, but I am never nearly as satisfied as I am with those built into the board. The one on my current board is the best I've had yet.

 

[bononos]

After some checking up, the 8W is part of the model number and does not refer to the max output. Theres a molex version as well.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

How many power (watts) max. does the SATA power connector provide anyway? The splitter in your link says 8W and it seems a little low to be powering up to 8 fans.

I think 8W stands for "eight-way." It's a fairly simple device, taking advantage of PWM (only!) fans and pumps through a single PWM signal with the "fourth" wire. It would simply draw as much amperage at 12V as the combination of devices would require to reach their 100% duty-cycle, limited only by the PSU amperage available for all its connections -- or on that particular PSU rail if that's the way the PSU is designed. There shouldn't be any "limitation" but that.

[LATER:] I'll go ahead and add this, since someone mentioned T-Balancer. I'd like to know if a software program has been updated for bundling with that item. there was a time when it required you to use either SpeedFan or another Win-XP-era utility -- forgot the name of it. With the right software, T-Balancer is a great controller kit with add-ons to extend it.

The best peripheral controller to supplement the motherboard -- which I know of -- is the Aquaero 5. You pay extra for the front-panel "extra" to the Aquaero, and you only need the bundle featuring the internal circuit-board. Communication with the motherboard is provided through USB, if I'm not mistaken.

I would judge the value of any add-on fan controller by its ability to read the CPU and other sensors off the motherboard, and allow control of devices that supplements or replaces the motherboard features so you don't need any "temperature sensor" wiring for the main heat-generating components you want to monitor and drive the fan control.