As the computer components are being built with increasing efficiency, they generate more heat. This is the time when people can see the crucial role of fan controllers. Come to this article, and you will fully understand what the Best Fan Controllers are.
YLG provides you with shopping tips and recommendations on bestsellers products in 2021.
Quick shopping tips:
- Pay attention to the bays’ size to pick the suitable fan controller. You will not want to waste money on the wrong fan controller that doesn’t fit your fan bays, will you?
- Identify how many fans your computer has. Most fan controllers can manage from 5-6 fans at once; each channel runs one fan. Some people use additional fans for RAM, GPU, or other components, so calculating the number of fans will help you choose the suitable fan controller.
- 4-pin fan controllers are recommended. There are two types of fan header, 3-pin, and 4-pin.
3-pin fan controllers contain three connectors, one for current, one for grounding, and one for information transform to the RPM.
4-pin headers have the fourth connector, besides the three ones above, modifying the fan speed. It controls the amount of current given to the fans and is known as pulse width modulation (PWM).
4-pin fan controllers are becoming popular now due to the outstanding features that it provides. - If you want to have complete control over your fans and have professional knowledge, opt for analog devices. Otherwise, you had better go for digital controllers.
Best Fan Controllers
1. Corsair iCUE Commander PRO Smart RGB Lighting and Fan Speed Controller
Best fan controller
SPECIFICATIONS
- Pin support: 3-pin and 4-pin
- Voltage: 13.2 V
- Fan channels: 6
TODAY’S BEST DEAL
REASONS TO BUY
- Support both 3-pin and 4-pin fans
- CORSAIR iCUE software: easier controlling
- Four temperature sensors: keep track of the temperature better
- Best suitable to Corsair fans
REASONS TO AVOID
- Cable management is not well
- Complex installation
- Expensive
Corsair iCUE Commander PRO has the best performance in our recommended list of fan controllers. It offers wonderful features and functions to control six fans (both DC and PWM) and 2 RGB lighting channels.
Four temperature sensors support you to monitor the temperature in the case and then give suitable plans to keep the whole system working well and stably.
To do all of this, you just need to use CORSAIR iCUE software, in which you can adjust the RGB lighting, customize fan speeds or monitor the CPU’s temperature.
If you’re using Corsair fans for your computer’s accessories, this fan controller is just perfect. Although the cost may be higher than other products, you really get your money’s worth.
Alternate choice:
ThermalTake COMMANDER F6 RGB FAN-CONTROL, AC-024-BN1NAN-A1 (FAN-CONTROL)
Buy from Amazon
(Image credit: Amazon)
2. Noctua NA-FC1, 4-Pin PWM Fan Controller
Best 4 pin fan controller
SPECIFICATIONS
- Pin support: 4-pin
- Voltage: 12V
- Noise: 1dB
- Dimensions: 1.89 x 0.83 x 0.98 inches
TODAY’S BEST DEAL
REASONS TO BUY
- Affordable price
- Compact design
- 4-pin support
REASONS TO AVOID
- Poor cables management
Noctua NA-FC1 fan controllers have been receiving many positive reviews on Amazon. There are a host of reasons that contribute to this fact.
The PWM based control allows you to manage the fans more effectively. Additionally, NA-AC4 adaptor powers the device directly from the power supply unit and receive PWM input from the mainboard. This protects the motherboard from being damaged and controls fans at high speed.
On top of that, the “non-stop” mode forces the fans to work at a speed of more than 300 rounds per minute, avoiding BIOS fan errors.
Alternate choice:
Thermaltake Commander FP SATA Powered 10 Port 4-Pin PWM Fan Hub AC-023-AN1NAN-A1
Buy from Amazon
(Image credit: Amazon)
3. AC Infinity Controller 2
Best fan controller for multi-purposes
SPECIFICATIONS
- Fans supported: 10W
- Fan speed: 6 settings
- Dimension: 4.25 x 1 x 2.75 inches
TODAY’S BEST DEAL
REASONS TO BUY
- Excellent performance
- Auto and manual adjust
- Alarm system + six fan speeds
REASONS TO AVOID
- Only work with AC Infinity Cabinet and USB fans
- The instruction is not complete
AC Infinity Controller 2 features impressive specifications which support you to control the temperatures and fans’ operating status.
The thermal controller with a 6-foot probe keeps track of the temperature digitally and controls the speed and thermal through smart mode. This fan controller can manage up to 6 AC infinity cabinet and USB fans.
What is excellent about AC Infinity Controller 2 is the alarm system, which alerts users if the temperature overcomes the allowed level.
To sum up, this is a good unit with beautiful design and great operation!
Alternate choice: AC Infinity AIRPLATE T3
Buy from Amazon
(Image credit: Amazon)
4. ARCTIC A-RGB Controller – Remote Controlled Illumination Fan Hub
Best budget fan controller
SPECIFICATIONS
- Power Connector Type: 8-pin
- Dimensions: 0.47 x 2.76 x 3.94 inches
- Power input: SATA power
TODAY’S BEST DEAL
REASONS TO BUY
- Multiple connections
- Remote control included
- Affordable price
- Digital A-RGB transforming
REASONS TO AVOID
- Annoying noise at low RPM
- The screws are low-quality
If you are finding a budget fan controller, ARCTIC A-RGB may be a perfect choice. Come with remote control, and the fan controller is able to convert the signal to transmit digitally.
Moreover, ARCTIC A-RGB allows you to use 3-pin A-RGB products with analog 4-pin RGB. Equipped with standard 3-pin digital RGB output, this fan controller allows Arctic non-A-RGB products to connect and be controlled.
Alternate choice:
DEEP COOL FH-10 Integrated Fan Hub
Buy from Amazon
(Image credit: Amazon)
5. DeepCool Fan Hub Control 4PWM Fan Speed Supports Fan with 3Pin/4Pin Cooling FH-04
Best cheap fan controller
SPECIFICATIONS
- Pin support: 4-pin
- Noise: 27dB
- Wattage: 125
- Cooling method: fan
TODAY’S BEST DEAL
REASONS TO BUY
- Support both 3-pin and 4-pin
- Affordable price
- Low profile
REASONS TO AVOID
- Not able to customize each fan
- Just support up to 4 separate fans
Another wonderful option for those who are finding a cheap fan controller is DeepCool Fan Hub. The fan controller supports you to control up to 4 separate fans. Additionally, it is compatible with both 3-pin and 4-pin fans, which is very convenient.
Even if you’re new to fan controllers, there’s no problem setting up DeepCool Fan Hub. You just need to stick it in the right place, thanks to the double-sided adhesive on the back.
Although there are some weaknesses that need to be improved, DeepCool Fan Hub is still worth considering if you do not use too many fans for your PC’s components.
Alternate choice:
Electop PC Chassis Fan Hub CPU Cooling HUB 10 Port 12V 4 Pin Fan PWM Hub Molex Controller
Buy from Amazon
(Image credit: Amazon)
FAQs
1. Why should I use fan controllers?
There are three reasons why you should use fan controllers:
- Most computer fans are not calibrated to work, depending on the computer state. For example, they may still run at the highest performance even though the computer isn’t that hot. It leads to the waste of power.
- A fan controller can control the operations of the fans, thereby increasing their lifespan.
- Fan controllers can slow down or turn off the fans when it is unnecessary, so noise will not annoy you anymore.
2. How do I judge a good fan?
There are many factors that you can base on to evaluate a fan. Basically, look at the two most significant ones:
- Airflow: The number of blades and bearings highly contribute to the performance of a fan. They create strong airflow to push hot air outside.
- Noise: They will seriously affect your gaming and working experience. No one wants to be annoyed by loud noises. The more fans you have, the more noise you get.
3. Which one is better, liquid or air cooling?
Liquid coolers seem to have better performance than air ones. They provide less noise, better heat dissipation efficiency, and take less space. However, the price is usually higher than the air coolers.
Leave a Reply