Introduction
Fan controllers have been colse to for ages it seems. These are products intended for true Pc hardware enthusiasts who enjoy optimizing their systems to the max. Zalman was one of the pioneers in this sector with its predominant Zm-Mfc1, a gadget that only allowed us to operate fan rotating speed. The belief of a 5.25" panel from which you could operate all your fans directly was very well received by modders and Pc builders. The unit which I will be taking a closer look at today is a much more evolved product compared to Zalman's first attempt. The median score for the Zalman Zm-Mfc3 is currently 76% but the voices are somewhat inkoherent.
Zalman Zm-Mfc3 is the natural evolution of the Zm-Mfc2. Both have the same functionality, the only real changes are the manufacture of the unit and how the data is displayed on the screen.
Here are the specifications of the Zm-Mfc3:
Characteristics:
- Visualization of real time power usage
- Alarm system in case a fan stops
- Timer: it indicates the time of use of the computer
Dimensions: 147 x 87 x 42 mm (fits in a 5,25" bay)
Supported fans: 4 altogether, 3 with 3 pin connectors and 1 with a 4 pin (Pwm) connector
Method of regulation of the fans: Voltage for the 3 pin fans and Pwm for the 4 pin fans
Voltage scale: Measures from 10W to 999W
First Impressions
The Rehobus Zm-Mfc3 comes in a cardboard box of rather small dimensions with a quite sober design. Already from viewing the box we can get a preview of the most foremost functions of the Zm-Mfc3. I like that Zalman has included a detailed showcase of the main functions on the backside of the box.
When I opened the box I found the unit itself in an antistatic plastic bag. All the accessories were settled in a white box and there was also a rather extensive by hand which was settled under the fan controller. The accessories that Zalman has included are; 4 cables for connecting to the fans (3 with 3 pin connectors and one with a 4 pin Pwm connector); 4 temperature sensors; a Pci bracket with a Cvs connector for measuring the power and some screws for the factory of the unit.
In Detail
Zalman Zm-Mfc3 is a quite small gadget (147 x 87 x 42 mm) which fits perfectly into a 5.25" expansion bay. The depth of the unit is not even half of a normal Dvd drive. It has a rather sober and elegant manufacture I think.
There are two stickers on the top side of the Zm-Mfc3. They hold information about of the serial whole and model of the unit.
The front of the Zm-Mfc3 is very simple. The only two elements of interest are the screen and the button/wheel.
All the connections are settled in the back of the unit. From left to right there are 3 connectors for 3 pin fans and a 4 pin Pwm connector. To the right of the fan connectors there are 4 connectors for the temperature sensors. Then there's a Cvs connector for the voltage measurements. Farthest to the right, there's a Dc power connector.
Installing Zalman Zm-Mfc3
In spite of my first impression, the factory of the Zm-Mfc3 wasn't too involved since the connectors are easy to recognize and the corresponding cables couldn't be fitted in any place else.
The most problematic thing I had to confront was the relationship of the power consumption meter which involved several steps. First I associated the Cvs cable to the Zm-Mfc3 and then I installed the Pci bracket in my case, then I associated the watt meter to the power provide and ultimately I associated the Usb connector from the watt meter to the Pci bracket.
Yes, they are many connections, but with a puny patience the factory is fairly easy. Once the factory was fulfilled, I turned on my Pc and directly there was o ton of information on the Rheobus panel. It was indeed refreshing that I didn't have to install any software on my Pc to get the readings.
The presentation of the information is fairly clear and as Zalman says; the visualization of the panel is exquisite from any angle which is great because you are rarely directly in front of you Pc. With the clear display a swift discern at the panel is sufficient to register the readouts from it.
Now you might be asking; what about controlling the speed of the fans? It's truly a piece of cake, just push and hold the wheel in for three seconds to enter the spoton mode. Then you pick fan by pushing the wheel button until you have prime the one you which to alter. Finally, to convert the speed of the fan, you turn the wheel in the desired direction.
Conclusions
Zalman has yet again proved why their products are so beloved among consumers in the Pc hardware segment. The Zm-Mfc3 is an exquisite product. It excels in terms of design, function, connectivity, presentation of the information and its relative simplicity.
The functions that Zalman Zm-Mfc3 offers are quite extensive and very useful. I would have loved to be able to read out some more consuming info from it like the Cpu and memory frequency etc. The display is indeed clear, both in terms of the visibility and how the information is arranged.
recap of Zalman Zm-Mfc3 Fan Controller
