Good fan controller?

dan958 · 10 Sep 2013 at 11:19

Can anybody recommend a good fan controller?
I am looking for one to control 4-5 fans and displays the temp (in C) on the front.

Thanks

OracIe · 10 Sep 2013 at 11:57

I've no experience with it but I've heard a Bitfenix Recon is a good call.

scotsdragon · 10 Sep 2013 at 12:09

i have this one does everything you need it to do

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=BB-001-LP

dan958 · 10 Sep 2013 at 12:27

Bitfenix is great, and it's internet based (despite probably never using that feature!)

UnworthyBean · 10 Sep 2013 at 12:37

Another shout for the Recon. Being able to control the fans through software or a smartphone/tablet is probably one of my most used features on it.

Admiral Huddy · 10 Sep 2013 at 12:44

UnworthyBean said:
Another shout for the Recon. Being able to control the fans through software or a smartphone/tablet is probably one of my most used features on it.

Why would you want to do that if your sitting next to the machine?

UnworthyBean · 10 Sep 2013 at 12:50

Admiral Huddy said:
Why would you want to do that if your sitting next to the machine?

The system is under a desk out of the way, So the touch screen is a bit awkward to access and then if I'm in a game, I have to minimise it to change fan speeds.

Alright, I'm in a bit of a minority here but its handy to me.

dan958 · 10 Sep 2013 at 13:02

Admiral Huddy said:
Why would you want to do that if your sitting next to the machine?

Hmm, it may come in use to me. I plan on connecting my PC to my TV and gaming with a controller with certain games (rpg's just seem awkward with M&kB)

At least then I can change fan speed without getting up, because God forbid I get up!

Cold_And_Miserable · 10 Sep 2013 at 13:19

http://www.lamptron.com/product/controllers/fc9/

200watts over 4 channels and no irritating LCD displays or fiddly controls.

OracIe · 10 Sep 2013 at 15:41

PanMaster said:
http://www.lamptron.com/product/controllers/fc9/

200watts over 4 channels and no irritating LCD displays or fiddly controls.

Doesn't support PWM fans though, the recon does. (Think the recon comes in PWM and non PWM configurations)

dan958 · 10 Sep 2013 at 15:48

I have bought the recon. I like having an LED screen so I can easily see the temp.

Thanks everyone.

Tealc · 10 Sep 2013 at 17:17

OracIe said:
Doesn't support PWM fans though, the recon does. (Think the recon comes in PWM and non PWM configurations)

Unless they've changed it since mine the Recon is just a 3 pin controller that happens to also fit 4 pin fans. There is no fourth pin on the PCB to drive the PWM circuit in fans. There is some PWM goodness going on inside the controller itself but that is converted to DC before it leaves. Just FYI.

murah · 10 Sep 2013 at 20:14

Lamptron FC6 gets my vote!

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=BB-002-LP

I dont trust touch screens, if it dies..you haven't got a FC!

Drangueos · 11 Sep 2013 at 00:31

I have this one and I love it

http://www.aerocool.us/peripheral/xvision.htm

foster grant · 11 Sep 2013 at 01:15

I have been looking for a fan controller too...for six 4 pin fans , and was also looking at a Lamptron fan controller

Something Else · 11 Sep 2013 at 17:40

I dont know what to suggest but I can say dont go for the Bitfenix hydra, Akasa FC 6 as I have had both.

The bitfenix hydra isn't bad tbh, but it does suffer from interferance on other channels when changing one fan speed also makes the fans make a coil whine sort of sound on occasion.

The akasa fc6 is absolutely complete crap! yea it turns the fans off completely but I have found it to randomly turn off, like it looses all power and then when it decides to turn back on it ramps the fans up to max. Does that randomly and I know it isn't another component causing it as I have a pump on the same molex cable and that doesnt randomly turn off.

foster grant · 11 Sep 2013 at 23:32

Thanx for the heads up something

dan958 · 16 Sep 2013 at 13:13

Installed the Bitfenix Recon over the weekend and added 3 extra fans (to make 4, not inc psu fan)

The recon looks great in my shinobi case, blue LED background - would be so much nicer if this could be changed to orange to fit my build, but hey ho.

Controls 5 fans very well and silently.

It had a usb mobo connector, but there are no usb ports on the front - so not quite sure what thats for just yet.

archerz · 16 Sep 2013 at 16:14

Ive got the Recon but i never use the LCD. Download Phoebetria is superb software to control it. can create customer temperature profiles

dan958 · 16 Sep 2013 at 16:25

archerz said:
Ive got the Recon but i never use the LCD. Download Phoebetria is superb software to control it. can create customer temperature profiles

I've got the controller set to auto at the moment, seems to be doing a good job.

the only problem I found was the tape that came with the temperature sensors wern't very stick, so kept making the sensors fall off, ended up putting about 3 stickers on each.