Fans and Controller Advice.

Benny · 5 Oct 2011 at 10:16

Looking for some advice on some decent fans for a Obsidian 800D.

I would like to be able to control them for optimal performance so don't mind a bit of noise, then be able to reduce the noise when working and not gaming. I really know nothing about Fan controllers and how to get the best out of them. I have seen people refer to PWM's? I presume this is some form of converter or cable that allows the management of current by the fan controller?

Basically replacing the stock fans on the case. I want some advice on 3 x 120mm fans for exhausting and 2 x 140mm fans for intake. The intakes must be able to pull a fair amount of air into the case. I would like some white LED fans but I would prefer function over form so not essential. Is it possible to get decent fans which are LED?

A good quality fan controller but nothing over the top but whatever people recommend. Like I say I have no experience in using them and this will be my first so any advice will be much appreciated. I guess something for 30-40 quid. Price of fans not important (as long as they are under 20 notes each that is), I prefer quality over some cheaper stuff that might not be up to the job.

Big thanks

B

95thrifles · 5 Oct 2011 at 11:32

Yes you can get White LED fans, however leaning towards form over function I would recommend these for intake, and these for your exhausts
PWM is pusle width modulation (FYI) and allows the system to control the fan speeds via mobo headers, youll have to check if yours are 4 pin rather 3 pin which tend to be a bit more common, a fan controller would control the fans separate of the PWM function, you manually adjust the speed, PWM can be controlled to be set at specific speeds or target temps depending. It sounds like you maybe dont need PWM if you want a fan controller, but if you dont need/use it it doesnt matter if the fan has it, youll just plug the 4 pin connection into a 3 pin header, bypassing the PWM function
Hope this helps

nickrose · 5 Oct 2011 at 11:35

Xigmatek 120mm Crystal White LED Fan - HERE are pretty good, and usually get decent rewiews and come in a range of colours.
I use Scythe Kaze Jyuni 1900RPM Slip Stream 120mm Fans - HERE, these seem to provide the best airflow over any fans I have tries, they do get a bit noisey at full whack but if you are going to use a fan controller that shouldn't be a problem.
I have just bought a Lamptron FC5 V2 5.25" Bay Fan Controller - HERE, and for £35 its the one of the best I have ever used, good looks, great power (30w per channel), temp display you can even customise the colour if the LCD readout.

david_129 · 5 Oct 2011 at 12:38

My vote for apache black here. So quiet

Benny · 5 Oct 2011 at 17:33

thanks for the advice 95th and Nick, will take a look at those fans. Do the Akasa Apachie come with one of those control switches on them (Med/High speed setting)? If so would using a Fan Controller override this? or do they do an OEM version which is just a fan?

Will take a mosey at the fan controllers too.

Cheers

B