Budget 3.5" fan controller (2 channels needed).

[SproutSchon]

Hi guys,

I put a budget build for my father in law, so for the first time of my life I bought a case without an integrated fan controller.
Oh boy it is loud!
I am looking for something that will fit in a 3.5" bay available from France.

Cost is the top priority, at least two channels for the two installed case fans. I don't think he will ever use more than two fans.

Thanks for your time.

 

[synphul]

Here's one from amazon.uk - I don't know if you can order from them or not.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/A-szcxtop-TM-Channel-Connector-Controller/dp/B00MQE9I10/ref=sr_1_36?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1417697025&sr=1-36&keywords=3.5+fan+controller

I have one just like this, 4 channel 20w - only mine is black. It's really nice, the knobs aren't flimsy and they turn very smooth with a positive 'click' on/off and the led light changes to let you know what voltage range you're in. It fits in a 5.25 bay though.
http://www.pc-look.com/boutik/Prod_Sunbeam_Rheobus-3-20W-Canal-Alu-LEDs-Rouge-Bleu-3pins-Silver__415_fr.html

http://www.pc-look.com/boutik/Prod_Scythe_Rheobus-3,5-4-Canaux-Aluminium-Kaze-Q-KQ01-BK-3.5-Noir__34095_fr.html

Those are about the cheapest I can find. Hope it helps.

 

[SproutSchon]

Thanks a lot this is very helpful. I have only 1 3.5" external bay or 1 PCI rear opening available left. Do you happen to know dual channels PCI fan controllers? The only one I have found are single channel.

Unfortunately I can't find the first one from France, but the Scythe can be found for a bit more than 20€ (although two channels would unused).

 

[synphul]

The ones that fit in a pci slot typically control just 1 fan. Some have dual fan headers but what you end up with are 2 fans being controlled by the same knob. You're probably better off getting a 4 channel fan controller. I'm using a 4 channel and only use 2 of them, it's not really an issue. Also allows for more fans in the future if needed.

 

[SproutSchon]

Do you happen to know one model that is PCI with dual fan header?
I am mostly curious about the price difference.

I know having two unused channels is no big deal but tbh my father in law won't change the fan setting that often.
I guess I will set it at a reasonable ventilation/noise compromise and that's it.
So if the PCI dual fan header is much cheaper, I will go for that solution.

 

[synphul]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zalman-Fan-Speed-Controller-FANMATE-2/dp/B000292DO0/ref=sr_1_3?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1417782828&sr=1-3&keywords=pci+fan+controller

http://www.pc-look.com/boutik/Prod_Sunbeam_Fan-Speed-Controller-Manual-or-PWM-Control-Rheosmart-PCI-Silver__50888_en.html

This is about all I could find of that type. The zalman can be placed anywhere, either on the back (feed the cables through a pci slot cover/opening) or along the bottom of the case inside - set it then close the door. I think it comes with sticky tape to adhere it. My old zalman controller did.

 

[SproutSchon]

Thanks so much for your several detailed answers.
This is exactly what I was looking for.