Fan controller - is it worth it over asus mb software?

pete_agreatguy · 27 Jul 2015 at 01:23

Hi all,

I currently have all my case fans and my cpu fans controlled using the Asus QFAN feature which I do like.

However I just saw a review on the Bitfenix Recon and the NZXT Sentry 3.
I know I can use Asus software to create profiles for my fans as well.

In your opinion are fan controllers worth it over Asus software? If so, what fan controller would you recommend and why?

Thanks in advanced for all your comments.

Andygully · 27 Jul 2015 at 12:37

Please don't get the Bitfenix Recon its the worst controller iv ever used.
Ramps fans to max randomly the included software is not good at all and in all a pain to use.
I moved to the NZXT sentry mesh its just manual sliders but works perfect

On Holiday · 27 Jul 2015 at 12:39

I prefer the motherboard fan controller software as you can set up temperature<->speed curves etc.

If I were running a lot of powerful fans then a fan controller would be the way.

pete_agreatguy · 27 Jul 2015 at 12:44

Thanks for the feedback considering the Bitfenix option Andy.

Archeum; is 4x 140 fans (2 front intakes and 2 outtakes [1x rear and 1x top placed at rear]) considered by you "a lot of powerful fans"?

Thanks

Greboth · 27 Jul 2015 at 12:51

It depends on the fans and the motherboard, most MB headers are 1A so if your 4 fans are less than than you are fine. Where fan controllers come in their own is, for example, running push/pull watercooling where you may be controlling 8 fans on one header.

pete_agreatguy · 27 Jul 2015 at 12:59

Might just download Asus's AI Suite and stick with using xFan instead then.

Currently I run all my fans off fan connectors that use QFAN. The 2 rear off a chassis fan#1 pin head and then the 2 front off the other chassis fan#2 pin head.

Bart_Hunt · 27 Jul 2015 at 13:02

I've had this one:

Lamptron FC6

I've had 17 fans in my build so fan controller was a must.
What's nice about this one is that you can remove the faceplate, paint it in whatever colour you like and put it back. I had mine in red.

pete_agreatguy · 27 Jul 2015 at 13:11

I'm liking the look of this NZXT Sentry 3 mind.

On Holiday · 27 Jul 2015 at 13:13

pete_agreatguy said:
I'm liking the look of this NZXT Sentry 3 mind.

The thing with those sorts of displays is that you can't make out any of the information unless you're looking straight on at it.

Bart_Hunt · 27 Jul 2015 at 13:17

Agreed. I prefer the clear and simple look.

pete_agreatguy · 27 Jul 2015 at 13:18

That doesn't bother me.

How accurate would you say the sensor readings compared to actual temps? i.e. I would put one near my CPU, one near the GPU, one near HDDs and one off mb somewhere for ambient.

V4NT0M · 28 Jul 2015 at 07:59

Fan software is much better imo, setting custom fan curves is where it's at.

Disco_P · 28 Jul 2015 at 08:35

I use speed fan. It's free and very widely compatible and controls 9 fans across 3 headers. Bit of pita to understand and set up but afterwards it's effortless silence.

Glanza · 28 Jul 2015 at 09:04

I use my motherboard to control my fans but have split that with a Phanteks fan hub.

am1314 · 28 Jul 2015 at 12:51

Bart_Hunt said:
I've had this one:

Lamptron FC6

I've had 17 fans in my build so fan controller was a must.
What's nice about this one is that you can remove the faceplate, paint it in whatever colour you like and put it back. I had mine in red.

I have one of these two, i just ordered mine in black so no need to paint it

Great controller