Best multifunction i/o front pannel

steveh2001

December 3, 2006 2:31:29 PM

Hi all

Looking for some advice on the best multifunction front panel for my Akasa Eclipse new build.

I had my heart set on a Aerocool CoolPanel 2
http://www.ad.max.pl/admax/catalog/images/inne/AerColl2...

But after reading some reviews apparently the card reader is rubbish.

Rather annoyingly i think most of the audio panels have to come out of the back and plug into the sockets (unless your using onboard sound maybe? But the Sound blaster cards dont seem to have any available sockets!)

Has anyone got the cool panel 2? I want something that isnt cheap looking and has audio, USB and a fan control, (with an LCD) that is decent

More about : multifunction front pannel

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kwalker

December 3, 2006 3:37:40 PM

I have the aerocool cool panel II
it works great for fan control temp monitor and usb/firewire .
front panel audio is a breeze with on board sound .
havent tried card reader
the first thing I did is break off the built in speaker for the fan/temp alarm.
the alarm sounds on reboot or enitial post.
This is a must if you want to maintain your sanity.

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steveh2001

December 3, 2006 5:52:55 PM

Quote:

I have the aerocool cool panel II
it works great for fan control temp monitor and usb/firewire .
front panel audio is a breeze with on board sound .
havent tried card reader
the first thing I did is break off the built in speaker for the fan/temp alarm.
the alarm sounds on reboot or enitial post.
This is a must if you want to maintain your sanity.

Thanks for the info Kwalker! Ultimate would you recommend the aerocool? Does it have a quality feel about it or is it cheap looking?

Do the audio cables plug into the onboard sound on the motherboard, or loop back around the back? Also - if your using headphones, does this override the speakers?

Thanks for any help

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kwalker

December 3, 2006 6:12:37 PM

It looks nice in my P180 case.
quality wise I was a little disapointed in the fan controler main power cable diameter.your running four fans off a small gauge molex connector but so far it handles the current without problems.
the front panel audio connects directly to the motherboard .
I havent plugged in my speakers for awhile .
I use headphones for gameing (apartment)
I may try this later today and give you a heads up
out of 10 I give this unit a 7.
Poor instructions and little cluttered.
Looks great

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