where to find a comparison of fan controlers?

edcentricedcentric near Milwaukee, Wisconsin Icrontian
edited September 2003 in Hardware
I am tinkering with my wifes box, er. ah machine, In order to make it quieter. I picked up a Areo7+ and was going to get a variable speed fan control... and they had four different ones!!! Of course none of the boxes tell you squat. Can you set min voltage for each fan? can you set the max for each?

I saw a review on these some where, but I can't find it.
If you have one that you like/hate tell me about it.

tks

Comments

  • Straight_ManStraight_Man Geeky, in my own way Naples, FL Icrontian
    edited September 2003
    Well, if fan triggers at 6V for spinup and uses 13V max, you can go variabvle voltage, but the voltage needs to be triggered to component temps and not just case temps. BEST, and I mean VERY best, is a Digital Doc 5 which has 8 temp snsors with it and can handle about 6 fans or more with 1 AMP at 12 volts each. Overload it, your PSU will be dead first unless it is a 500 W or up or you use a dedicated PSU with a 6AMP leg at 12 Volts (linear PSU in this case).

    The Vantech variables rely on you making manual measurements and then setting your fans right for balance of noise and speed. I suggest NOT using a temp sensor (thermistor controlled) fan on an intake fan, it will run very slow all the time unless the OUTSIDE of case temp gets very high.

    So, for most boxes, I use the digital doc as a diag tool and mount fans that have full-speed CFMs enough to cool wtihout a full time temp reactive mini-computer in my computer. I like and use Panaflos. Jameco and NewEgg have them, but avoid the A12L or the L1A suffix ones and lean toward the M1A or A12M for input and the H1A or A12H and the U1A or A12U for venting\exhaust. They are real neat, use FLUID bearings, low power draw, spin up at about 5.7 V, can take 13.3 V at full speed if offered with no damage. The A12's are electronically quiter, and they respond to variable voltages well with a voltage to speed circuit built into them. You typically get to build your own connectors for them but they are industrial quality.

    I can give more parts numbering breakdown and prices if wanted, but I tend to usually overfan and use very quiet and low draw fans as policy down here in Florida. Up north, some of the Sunons are good and I stock some of those also for local use. Jameco has about 70-80 sku of fans all told, 99.9% in stock.

    http://www.jameco.com/
  • SimGuySimGuy Ottawa, Canada
    edited September 2003
    Vantec's "Nexus" line of Fan Controllers work quite well and are relatively in-expensive.

    Depending on your needs (ie, how many fans you want to control and if you want a system digital readout), there are 5 different models to choose from.

    More information is available at www.vantecusa.com
  • MediaManMediaMan Powered by loose parts.
    edited September 2003
    Have you tried reading reviews on Short-Media?
  • fuxorfuxor i live in a giant bucket
    edited September 2003
    I just ordered one of these for my upcoming reincarnation of my main box (with a slk-900A and a sunon equivalent to the vantec tornado)... I read in a review that it was a decent product...

    I have no previous experience with a rheobus, did I make a good decision?
  • CBCB Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Der Millionendorf- Icrontian
    edited September 2003
    Just put in a dimmer switch :)
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