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Product:
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Enermax 3.5" UC-A3FATR2 Fan Controller |
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Price:
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$37 (CAN) / $25 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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The Cutting Edge
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Author:
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Shennon
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Date:
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May 1st, 2003
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Chris from The Cutting Edge
for sending the Enermax 3.5" UC-A3FATR2 Fan Controller for review.
Introduction:
There are advantages to air cooling, such as affordability of the fans and less chance of harm due to equipment failure. While air
cooling is very practical it tends to have an association of generating excessive noise levels. Consumers have several options in
terms of controlling fan noise with the right type of add-on accessory known as a fan controller. One such accessory is the rheobus
fan controller which allows the user to change the variable speed of the fans via a rheostat or potentionmeter. A majority of the
older designs utilize a 5.25" drive bay for stand alone units but recently we've witnessed 3.5" designs built with temperature
sensors for a complete all-in-one solution. Today in the MTB labs, we will be evaluating the Enermax’s newest tool in cooling an
air cooled machine, the Enermax UC-A3FATR2 Fan Controller.
Specifications:
The Enermax UC-A3FATR2 is designed to manage fan control noise by adjusting the voltages supplied to the connected fans. The unit
comes pre-assembled and features a stylish design which is highlighted by a backlit LCD display. The product is available in 3.5"
and 5.25" versions with a colour selection which includes beige, silver and black. Here are some specifications taken
directly from the Cutting Edge website:
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Enermax 3.5" UC-A3FATR2 Fan Controller - Key Specifications:
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| Enermax 3.5" UC-A3FATR2 Fan Controller: Distributed by The Cutting Edge |
| Dimensions: 101.5 mm x 25 mm x 90 mm |
| LCD Dimensions: 28 mm x 11 mm |
| Material: Aluminum alloy, suitable for 3.5" bay |
| Fan speed adjustable function |
| Temperature monitoring for CPU. HDD. System, Power Supply |
| Fan & temperature alarm function |
| Temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit |
| DC Input +5, +12V (standard 4 pin connector) |
| 2 x 3 Pin Fan Connectors and 2 x Fan RPM Knobs |
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Enermax UC-A3FATR2 or "User Define Thermal Control Function Panel" ships in a formed Perspex package suitable
for retail display with the Enermax name and model specifications printed on the front and back. The unit itself
protrudes out at a slight angle and is clearly visible; however it does hide the included wires from view.
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Click image for larger view
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Included with the Enermax UC-A3FATR2 is a User’s Guide, which outlines the installation, setup and device usage,
as well as a bag of mounting screws and stickers to help hold and label the thermal probes.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Enermax UC-A3FATR2 front panel is clearly labeled, and easy to utilize. The two knobs on the left control the fan
rotation while three buttons (mode, set & reset) are used to switch between the two fans and setting threshold levels.
The Enermax UC-A3FATR2 is small enough to use in cases with doors, since the knobs are small enough not to interfere.
Although it is hard to see in the picture, beside the add-on circuit board is the jumper to switch between Celsius and
Fahrenheit. With the jumper cap removed, I obtained temperatures in Celsius which will display all readings each time
this unit is powered.
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