Fan controller options

After much swearing and even a bit of blood, I’ve managed to install a second radiator in my watercooling loop.

I had planned everything carefully to the last minute detail. I had measured out exact lengths of tubing, carefully routed the pump power cable around my motherboard, and even re-applied thermal compound to my water block.

I had also paid special attention to all of the fan power cables. Having 12 x 120mm fans in my case meant that I had to be creative with the cable ties, but in the end it all turned out splendidly.

Until I tried to turn it on, and realised I had nowhere to plug in most of the fans.

This minor oversight was quickly fixed by an adapter that turned one molex connector into 6 three-pin fan power connectors – which was great, until I actually turned it all on.

It sounded like a Boeing 747 was having a tug-of-war with a squadron of F-15 Eagles; and I felt like Kenny Loggins was taking me to the danger zone.

So I decided to go shopping for a new fan controller, and while I haven’t decided on one yet, I at least have it narrowed down to my top 5:

Zalman MFC1 Plus

The MFC1 Plus is a popular choice among PC users who like to keep their case looking simple and elegant.

Featuring a brushed aluminium panel, and 6 matching knobs to adjust fan speed, the MFC1 Plus doesn’t have temperature sensors, can’t make you coffee, and can’t brush your cat while you sleep. But it can control your fan speed, which is important.

Capable of pushing 7w over each of its 6 channels, the MFC1 Plus should handle most fans your hook up to it with aplomb. Better still, it’s available locally for around R350, nice.

Zalman MFC1 Plus

Zalman MFC3

The daddio of Zalman fan controllers, the MFC3 has a list of features as long as my bundle of fan cables (no, that isn’t a euphemism).

Not only will the MFC3 control up to 4 fans digitally, it will also monitor up to four temperature probes, and display how much load your system is putting on your power supply. Is also displays your system uptime, and will audibly warn you if the circuit protection fails.

It’s pretty, and can be yours for around R680, locally.

Zalman MFC3

NZXT Sentry LXE

As gaudy as I think it is, the NZXT Sentry LXE is a popular fan controller for good reason. The touch screen interface is easy to navigate, which means controlling the devices is handled with ease.

The LXE can control up to 5 fans, as well as display 5 different temperatures. It can also display the date, time, and day of the week.

If you’re the type who would be annoyed by a large screen staring out of the front of your PC case, you can always turn the display off while the controller continues with its duties.

The touch screen and temperature probes are a bonus, and make the Sentry LXE a bargain for around R650 locally.

NZXT SENTRY LXE

Scythe KAZE Master

One of my all time favourite fan controllers, the Scythe KAZE is a really good looking piece of kit. Simple, yet effective, the KAZE can control up to 4 fans, and display up to 4 temperatures in either Celsius or Fahrenheit.

Its old-school looks are a real plus, and would look good on nearly any PC chassis. However, it is expensive, coming in at around R700 locally.

Scythe KAZE Master

G-Vans FC9

The G-Vans FC9 isn’t available in South Africa, but it deserves a place on the list.

The first reason is simple, it makes use of sliders to control fan speed. Way more creative than using a touch screen or knobs; it’s different, it stands out, and I like it.

The 7 different LED colours are a nice feature to have if you’re into that sort of thing – but lights and sliders aside, the real draw of this unit is the power. It can pump out up to 50w across each of its 4 channels! For comparison, the Zalman MFC1 Plus mentioned earlier can push out 7w.

$49.99(R387.23) before import costs means you’ll have to fork out for this unit, but if you’re into sliders, LEDs and power – this is the one for you.

G-VANS FC9