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Introduction
Sunbeam Tech have
been around since 2000, back then they only made
their extreme Cold Cathodes. Now days Sunbeam
are putting out everything a modder dreams of.
Stylish fan controllers, to small fan
controllers. Cases, cooler, lights and cables.
Today Sunbeam sent
me their latest idea. I might have been the one
who encouraged it to be made. Its a Software
controlled Fan Controller, using the USB
interface.
Packaging
It all comes
nicely packed in a small box. The box is all
themed with the Theta colours. It has all the
information on exactly what the Theta can do.
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Specifications
| Maximum Power
per Channel |
10W |
| Input / Output
Voltage |
12Volt / 6-12Volt |
| System
Requirement |
Window 98 / ME, 2000, XP |
| Recommend
Display Resolution |
1024 x 768 or higher |
What
you get
The box
includes:
- Theta Fan
Controller
- USB to USB
(Same plug each end)
- 8 thermal
sensors
- Glue for
thermal sensors
- Software
- Manual
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The manual is very small, but
explains everything you need to know, including how to skin the
software you get with the Theta.
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The Theta Fan Controller
The Theta fan controller is a card, similar to a
PCI Expansion Cards, in fact it slots into a PCI
slot. The Theta can control 8 fans or lights
with a max output wattage of 10 watts per
channel which is enough for more powerful fans
or higher wattage Cold Cathodes. The Theta can
also sense temperature with the included 8
Thermal sensors. You are able to use all 8
thermal sensors at once.
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The Theta uses a single USB connection to
interface with the software. Though USB is no
way near powerful enough to use as a source of
power, a 4 pin Molex is also required to be
connected. When the USB cable is not plugged in
all 8 channels have 100% power or 12 volts,
which is handy if you don't want to read the
temperature and you prefer to have the fans at
full all the time.
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Installation
The Theta is easy to install, and connecting the
fans is just as simple. The only problem with
this controller is you might need extension
cables for your 3 pin fans.
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The Software
The
software included in the package isn't the best software, its
very simple. It has a few special features like a Timer which
enables you to have the software at a different setting. eg.
at 10pm every night your controller sets Fan 1 and Fan 2 to OFF. Timer can be handy for the people who sleep in the same room
as their computer.
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Conclusion
This fan controller is exactly what I have been
waiting for since I got a computer, its compact,
it can be virtually controlled on a computer and
can be setup up to control the speed of the fan
according to temperature or just setting it to a
certain speed or kill the power too it. And all
that can be done through a USB cable. How useful
is that!
This card is ideal for anyone who doesn't like
the knobs on the front panel, sp there's no
limit to what case you can use it with.
I recommend this fan controller if your getting
a new fan controller or just get one all
together... its a must have!.
Pro's ( + ):
Con's ( - ):
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