Fan Controller queries?

[dr. sarf]

Hi all, just built this system:
AMD 6000+ Dual Core
4GB DDR2 Ballistix Tracer Ram,
8800gts 320mb GFX
Gigabyte GAM57SLIS4 mobo
OCZ 600W PSU
500GB SATA
Cooling - 2 front fans, one side fan, 1 larger exhaust fan at back.

I've just installed the GPU today and it sits across the chipset heatsync, and looks awfully close. Obviously it was designed this way so I assume it will be OK, but I'd like to get a fan controller/temp monitor but dont know anything about them (not much info on sales sites).

Im looking at getting the Akaska controller PRO.
What I need to know is can you still control fans that are running on old molex 4 pin power? And if so - how do they connect up to the fan controller to be regulated - just plug straight in the back?
Also, the thermal connectors for temp monitoring (comes with 4) how do they attach to cpu, chipset etc? Be good to see temps on the display while in a game or whatever.
Cheers

 

[Kirth Gersen]

Some answers, but not all.

I'm a big fan of fan controllers . They allow you to keep things cool under load, and quiet when idle.

You can buy Molex to 3 pin converters. And some fan controller kits come with some conversion cables. Newer systems will have a 3 pin connector from the fan which will plug in directly into the controller.

I've come across 2 types of fan controller. The standard ones run from 5 or 7v to 12 v. This means that you cannot switch off the fan completely. That is good if you have one attached to your CPU and inquisitive children. Not so good if you crave as quiet a system as possible.

The Akasa controler you mention is one such, as well as this rather sweet looking Zalman:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=BB-001-ZA&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=189

Alternatively, there are controllers which can effectively switch off the fan. They are quite hard to source - I don't think OC sell them. My SunBeam Rheobus is one, and apart from the 60s decals, it works a treat.

Hope this helps.

 

[dr. sarf]

Thanks for that - very useful!

Can someone tell me how the thermal probes attach to the various parts of the system for a reliable reading? The CPU for instance?
Cheers

 

[Kirth Gersen]

Thanks for that - very useful!

Can someone tell me how the thermal probes attach to the various parts of the system for a reliable reading? The CPU for instance?
Cheers

Never got on with those. With the CPU, I think you need to place it on the die, and then sit the Heatsink on top. Personally, I wouldn't bother, better to use CoreTemp or TAT for a good CPU reading. Never cuold figure out how to reliably place the other probes on hard drives etc.