Enermax UC-A5FATR2 Fan Controller

Distributor: Enermax 
Supplied by: Sidewinder Computers
Price: $28.95

by Brian Tiller  (8/22/2003)

Introduction

These days fan controllers and temperature monitors seem to be all over the place. I remember the good old days when you might have had one fan inside your case for cooling and that was it. But now with the higher temperatures that high speed components generate, unless you water cool, multiple fans it is. Today we'll be taking a look at what Enermax has to offer in this category. Most of us are familiar with Enermax from their high quality PSU's and aluminum cases, but now it's time to see if that Enermax quality is present in their fan controller as well. Special thanks go out to Sidewinder Computers for making this review possible. One thing that is different about this panel is that it has six different actual fan control gizmos. Most of the ones I've seen so far only have four or less. Plus the ability to monitor two different temperatures on the readout panel. 

What you get

The packaging seems to be pretty standard, with the Enermax name and a clear plastic which affords us a quick view of the product. In addition to the panel itself, we've also got a small user manual and a bag containing the screws and some other stuff.

The 'other stuff' in the bag turn out to be 2 pieces of thermal tape and some labels for the temperature probes. Nice thinking on their part. The panel itself is an all aluminum jobber with the fan control knobs on the left and the temperature display to the right. Although having the ability to control six fans independent of one another is a nice feature, I do have to say that I prefer the larger style instead of these itsy-bitsy control knobs. For people with large fingers, the size and closeness of the knobs will get in the way.

To the side of the display are three small buttons which can be used to set the alarm for your temperature probes. I did find this task a tad bit confusing, as the user manual left something to be desired.

Ok, let's take a look at what makes this thing tick. Thankfully, Enermax kept all the wires bundled together with some twist ties because with six fans, and two temp probes, there are a lot of them. The temperature probes are nice and thin so you can stick 'em anywhere you want. I recommend the CPU and GPU if you can, but that's your decision. On the same side of the panel as the temperature probes, is also the 4-pin Molex connector for the panel itself.

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