Fan Controller & Temp Monitor Question

[dr_roberts49]

This is a first for me. With my new Aspire X-Alien all aluminum case, and Maxtor SATA 160GB drive, I also purchased Aspire's Fan Master (all from Newegg) model # 609. It controls 4 fans and also has 4 heat sensors and fits in 5 1/4 bay. Really nice faceplate with led readouts.

I've never used one of these before, but I have a lot of computer build experience. It came with simple instructions on using the control panel, but aside from a diagram for the wire connections to the unit for the fans & heat sensors, there is nothing else. I think I can figure out the fans, I just choose which 4 case fans (out of 6) that I want to control. The heat sensors are labled:

1. CPU Sensor
2. Hard Drive Sensor (I'll put this on my SATA drive. I have 2 IDEs)
3. Case Sensor
4. Power Sensor

There is no recommendation as to where I place these sensors, and from what I can see, there is no method to attach them. I went to Aspire's web site, but they only listed their X-Spider Fan Controller, and the 2 fan controllers that come with their Super X-Alien cases. No mention of heat monitoring.

I'm hoping one of my fellow board members could give me some suggstions to the placements and how to attach these sensors. Here is what I have.

ABIT IS7 Motherboard
P4c 2.4Ghz
2 Maxtor IDE Drives (60 GB each)
1 Maxtor SATA-160GB (this drive is new install)
500 watt PS (also new)
2 CDROM players (1 DVD, 1 Burner)
NVIDIA FX 5200
512 MG Corsairs in dual mode with Hyperthreading enabled
Turtle Beach Santa Cruz Sound Card
Onboard LAN (hooked to DSL and Linksys home network)
Brand new Aspire all Aluminum X-Alien case
Antec UV cold cathode case light
Cooler Master Jet 4 cpu fan/hs (this has it's own speed controler)
Running Windows XP Pro.

I don't think I missed anything. I have new round drive cables, and looming for the power wires I can't hide behind the mobo. I'll also be picking up a drive cooler for my SATA drive today. I'll be working on this through the weekend. I'll be shutting my computer down this afternoon to transplant my components to the new case, but I can use my laptop to access Techmo. I hope to have the transplant complete by dinner time tonight

Thanking all in advance for all your help.

Robert

[Bovon]

I have seen pics and write ups about using these fan/temp controllers but I have never used one. If I did, I think I would place the CPU temp sensor right up to the base of the heatsink. You might even get a small amount of heatsink thermal compound to help the sensor 'stick' to the edge of the heatsink base.

The hard drive sensor will be more difficult, but I would try on top since heat rises, again...using a small amount of heatsink thermal compound. The case sensor can be placed most anywhere in the case, probably near the middle of the motherboard..it will just be a general sensor to let you know what is going on inside..you may want to try it in different locations..one being just above the video card if you use one of the more powerful cards that dissipate a lot of heat.

For the power supply sensor, I think I would attempt to get the sensor inside the power supply case, if possible..thru one of the vents on the side...unless you want to open up the PSU and place the sensor near the electronics.

This would be where I would start, unless there are some better directions to look at.

[dr_roberts49]

Thanks Bovon. Those are some of the same conclusions I made. The cpu sensor seems to be the easiest. I also had someone suggest electrical tape with a heat tolerance of 80 degrees celsius. Might try a combo of both. Definitely thermal compound on the heatsink.

I've gotten a lot later start than expected. This will be my last transmission from Mr. Beige. I'm about to transplant everything over to my new case. Plan to be done with the basics in around 2 hours. I'll be fine-tuning the modding all weekend. Taking pictures as I go. Will post them here when I'm done. Thanks again.

Robert