Decent fan controller suggestions please.

Nuwidol · 22 Oct 2009 at 15:27

Hi,

I've recently gotten into overclocking my system & I think to take things a step further I need to get myself a fan controller.

I've been looking at one in particular (Scythe Kaze Q) ATM but if anyone could suggest anything that would suit me better I'd be all ears.

I like the Kaze be ause it comes in the same colour as my case (black), can control four fans (the amount I would like to control) & I mostly like it be ause it has no display or LEDs on it (this is a must as I use my pc in the living room)

if anyone has any other suggestions then please lmk them or if you think the Kaze Q is a good buy then also please lmk.

Thanks.

Nuwidol · 26 Oct 2009 at 13:29

Anyone?

ETNiES · 26 Oct 2009 at 13:59

I've been looking at these to, I was gonna go for the Scythe Kaze-Master 5.25" OcUK don't seem to stock the Scythe Kaze Q.

Greebo · 26 Oct 2009 at 14:04

Your range is very limited if you don't want a display.

However, I'll give this general advice:

Make sure the controller is suitable for your fans and does what you want it to do:

All fan controllers have a maximum wattage or ampage that it can handle for each fan. Make sure it can handle yours as I found out when I got a couple of San Ace fans that my controller couldn't handle them.

Also some fan controllers allow you to turn off the fans completely which may or may not be important to you.

And lastly check the voltage range that the fan controller adjusts to. Some are full 0 to 12v, some are 5-12v and there are even some which are only 7-12v. The last is not so good if you want total silence and only want your fans running at 5v.

Oh, although more expensive £25, this is very neat as it can all be hidden away and software controlled either manually or by setting up heat profiles:

http://www.t-balancer.com/english/mng.htm

But for the money and your strict requirements, the Scythe is a good choice so long as the fans aren't more than 1amp each.

Greebo · 26 Oct 2009 at 14:06

ETNiES said:
I've been looking at these to, I was gonna go for the Scythe Kaze-Master 5.25" OcUK don't seem to stock the Scythe Kaze Q.

Scythe Kaze Q is EOL as far as I know but some places still have stock around.

Nuwidol · 26 Oct 2009 at 14:22

Greebo said:
Your range is very limited if you don't want a display.

However, I'll give this general advice:

Make sure the controller is suitable for your fans and does what you want it to do:

All fan controllers have a maximum wattage or ampage that it can handle for each fan. Make sure it can handle yours as I found out when I got a couple of San Ace fans that my controller couldn't handle them.

Also some fan controllers allow you to turn off the fans completely which may or may not be important to you.

And lastly check the voltage range that the fan controller adjusts to. Some are full 0 to 12v, some are 5-12v and there are even some which are only 7-12v. The last is not so good if you want total silence and only want your fans running at 5v.

Oh, although more expensive £25, this is very neat as it can all be hidden away and software controlled either manually or by setting up heat profiles:

http://www.t-balancer.com/english/mng.htm

But for the money and your strict requirements, the Scythe is a good choice so long as the fans aren't more than 1amp each.

Very helpful advice. I hadn't even considered that my current fans may not be compatible. I'll check the details of them when I get home.

I realise my options are limited without a display.
Didn't know the Kaze Q had been EOL'ed. Better make a decision soon...

Thanks guys.