Zalman ZM-MFC2 Controller

Installation and Operation

Installing the Zalman ZM-MFC2 was a straight forward process.  After connecting the Molex power and CVS input we are left with plugging in the fans we like and mounting temperature probes.  I'm not leaving out a step of screwing in the ZM-MFC2 in my case as the unit is only 87mm deep and you won't be able to reach the posts if you mount it before you connect up your cables.  The two cables that are dual output only read RPMs off the first connector.  The end plug on each of those gets power only.  Surprisingly the PWM cable was less than pleasing.  It will only accept a PWM line.  You can't connect up a 3-pin fan cable to it as you can on PWM posts on Intel based motherboards.

Here are a couple of shots of the Zalman ZM-MFC2 installed in a Zalman GT-1000 Case.  I have to say, it looks killer!  Fan 4 is shown at 0 RPM below as nothing is connected.

  

The unit looks killer but my pictures of it unfortunately were not.  It's color display panel was VERY difficult to get a good picture of.  As such here's a rip off of the Zalman website for a better gander.

The propeller pictures above spin under power letting you know your fans are turning in case the real time RPM reading wasn't enough.  Each channel displays a temperature reading for installed probes so you can couple sensor placement with fan control.  The unit is controlled by pushing the 'mode' button which cycles through each channel.  The large 'Jog' dial then adjusts fan power to your desire.  Any RPM sensor can be disabled by pushing in the Jog button while setting the mode.  This is key because if you have a channel with no fan connected you get an annoying audio alarm.  If you have a fan die, the Zalman ZM-MFC2 will definitely let you know.

The power consumption graph at the top of the display displays the load drawn from it's inline position on the system's power cable.  Its max is 800 watts which is more than enough for the majority of users.  Even with my rig in full swing I never topped 300 watts but then again, I'm not running dual 8800 GTXs either.

Conclusion

Zalman's ZM-MFC2 is a class act which has smooth lines and a fantastic color data display.  The power consumption meter is a nice bonus allowing the end user to monitor fan, temperature and now even power data at a glance.  The thin tipped temperature probes are the only way to go as they allow for placement in otherwise hard to reach area.  In use, the Zalman ZM-MFC2 worked well for us.  The fan control had a delay of sorts as fan speeds would power up and down slowly.  This is quite a contrast from the instant response off a rheostat dial most of us are used to.  The only disappointment was the PWM post.  To use that channel, you have to be using a PWM fan.  Most motherboards manufacturers set up their CPU power post on mainboards to allow 3-pin or PWM plugs.  Not so here. 

As we close, this one disappointment was no where large enough to dim our enthusiasm for the Zalman ZM-MFC2 unit.  Functional control, power monitoring, sleekest looking unit ever made coupled with system power usage makes a nice package.  All the nicer at $60 as found at most online stores.  A fun and worthwhile tool any end user won't regret purchasing.

Pros

• Color data panel rocks

• Power consumption meter

• Temperature readings and fan control for up to four channels

• Temperature leads are thin tipped

• PWM connector

• Nice pricing schedule

Cons

• Fan control not instantaneous

• Can't use the forth channel if system has no PWM cooler

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