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Best Intelligent Fan Controller? or new MOBO?

Tags:
  • Gaming
  • Motherboards
  • Fan
  • Components
  • Cases
  • Fan Controller
Last response: in Components
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June 17, 2014 12:49:34 PM

I recently had a gaming PC built or me by PC Specialist, with 5 case fans. I discovered that there is only one fan socket on the motherboard - ASUS H81m-PLUS (mATX mobo - the case is ATX). So basically all 5 case fans are plugged directly into the PSU, hence why I can't control them via the BIOS.

The I'm thinking my options are either:
1. Buy an intelligent fan controller (I don't wanna fiddle with the settings all the time) - CHEAP
or
2.Get a new motherboard with 5 fan plugs and rebuild my PC on that - EXPENSIVE

I'm massively leaning towards the fan controller, but the main factor this depends on is whether there are any other major benefits to getting a new mobo. Like I said is an ASUS H81m-PLUS, so very much a budget mobo. The obvious benefit is the ability to crossfire GPUs in the future, but I don't know if that is very cost effective (including the new mobo price). Let me know what you think.

But for my main question... what good intelligent fan controllers are there? I see a few touch screen controllers out there, such as the Aerocool Strike-X, but it's hard to know if it's 'intelligent' (i.e. it turns the fans up by itself when the system gets hot, so I'm not having to adjust the knobs). Keep in mind I have 5 fans, but honestly I think my system could deal with just 4 if that's all the controller can handle.

I'd really appreciate your help and opinions guys.

-Matt

More about : intelligent fan controller mobo

June 17, 2014 12:54:12 PM

EDIT: Keep in mind that I've never even seen the inside of a PC before except for through a window, let alone built or modified one.
a b 4 Gaming
a b V Motherboard
June 17, 2014 4:09:06 PM

Actually, I have a solution for you. Get a PWM fan hub. Swiftech has one. Your motherboard can control every fan attached to it. http://www.frozencpu.com/products/20988/ele-1196/Swifte...

If you want a fan controller, I recommend the Bitfenix Recon. It will change the fan speed according to temps, but you, no matter what fan controller you buy, have to figure out where to place the temperature sensors. I recommend plaing them by an exhaust fan or somewhere where hot air will flow. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=E...
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June 18, 2014 3:29:36 AM

That's a brilliant idea, I had no idea that existed! Ok screw fan controllers, I'm getting one of those. Thanks a tonne wallaby :) 
a b 4 Gaming
a b V Motherboard
June 18, 2014 11:24:09 AM

matthughes64 said:
That's a brilliant idea, I had no idea that existed! Ok screw fan controllers, I'm getting one of those. Thanks a tonne wallaby :) 


Anytime :) 
!