Best fan controller?

[Keevan]

Looking at preferably a 6 (will settle for 4) fan controller, with knobs you can turn, without a ridiculous LED screen.

I think for an (expensive) idea it is either the Lamptron FC5v2 or FC6:
http://www.platinummicro.com/product.asp?pf_id=CCSFCFC5B2
http://www.amazon.com/Controller-Ver...5737948&sr=8-3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...lamptron%20fc6


Newegg doesn't seem to have the fc5v2.

Other ideas are the simpler KAZE controllers with no LED panels, or other lamptron models:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811998065
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811998089
http://www.amazon.com/Lamptron-Speed...737948&sr=8-10

Anyone have any opinions on these (or other ones not listed)?

 

[Visaoni]

I have a basic Sunbeam Rheobus. 4 channels, no LED panel, very cheap. It does have LED indicator lights (blue/red/off) to show, roughly, where it is currently set. I will warn you that these LEDs are ridiculously bright, however with a few resistors they can quickly and easily be modded down to more reasonable levels. There are a at least a few guides floating around that I have seen for that.

I think they have an extreme version with 6 channels, however if I recall correctly, I think the LED indicators sit behind the transparent knobs. I'm not particularly fond of that, but your mileage may vary.

 

[nsafreak]

I'm not sure if you're talking about the ridiculous LED/LCD screens that I've seen on some of the larger touchscreen controllers or if you don't want any LED/LCD info at all. Personally I like my Scythe Kaze Master Pro (http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0334900) and it works quite well. Yes it has an LED display but it isn't ridiculously bright or overdone if you ask me.

 

[Smoblikat]

I use that kaze 8 channel controller. Its AMAZING, the cables are long, the knobs are very sturdy and actually have a bit of force to them, and its controlling all my fans right now (6).

 

[Charlie98]

I have the Lamptron FC3 4 channel controller and love it. Very easy to use, the blue LED's are bright, but are somewhat recessed so you don't really notice them, especially if they are not at full. So far, so good; I think the Lamptron is a very solid unit.

AFAIK, NE doesn't carry Lamptron, I got mine at FrozenCPU.

 

[natto fire]

I got one of these from Micro Center for $25:

It included generously long pig tails for all six channels as well. Feels fairly solid for what it is, (knobs turn well) although could be better in the actual fitment of the 5.25" panel.

 

[EarthwormJim]

$59 isn't too far away from the price of an Aquaero LT. I'd rather have that and just have automated control.

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...ler_Liquid_System_Controller_53095.html#blank

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Lamptron makes the best controllers. IMHO

 

[Zardnok]

I have used Zalman and Sunbeam and liked them both. As for the Scythe fan controllers, check into issues with over-heating using the Scythe controllers. They do not use heat-sinks on their outputs, so it will be an issue, or so I have read.

If I had to buy a new fan controller now, I would likely go for the Rheosmart series from Sunbeam, simply so I could "set it and forget it".

 

[weovpac]

Lamptron makes the best controllers. IMHO

+1

I have had the Lamptron FC8 for ~2 years and love it:
http://www.lamptron.com/products/view/Fan_Controller_FC8

 

[dma0991]

I have a Lamptron FC5v2 and it is very good. Sad part is that I accidentally snipped the ends of the thermistor when I was sleeving the wires. Now I'm only left with 3 temp readings. :\

 

[darkewaffle]

I've got a Sunbeam PL-RS-6 and have had no problems with it, very happy. The wire 'mesh' on the front wasn't my first choice but the controller itself is perfect for me and it's run some pretty hefty fans with no issue.

I don't know about their quality really but the NZXT controllers have some of the best aesthetics imo. I did try an NZXT Sentry LXE but I couldn't get it to work with my fans unfortunately, but from my reading it did seem to be an isolated incident.