Customer Reviews

Scythe Kaze Server 5.25" 4 Channel Fan Controller / Temp Display - Black (KS01-BK)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I frequently build new rigs and whenever the build calls for a fan controller, I usually go with a Scythe product. Out of Scythe's line of Kaze fan controller's, this one has got to by my favorite. Over the past 2 years, I've put in about 4 of these, 2 Kaze Ace's, and 1 2.5" controller.

PROS:
1) Controls 4 fans from '0' current, essentially turning the fan (and if it's a LED fan, the light as well), off.
2) Temperature readings are accurate. RPM readings are accurate.
3) Elegant design, looks great in any black chasis.
4) Includes extra temperature probes (these tend to break easily, so this is very nice)
5) Display is bright, but not too bright. (As opposed to the Kaze Ace which is a bit too bright in my opinion. The Ace also uses 2 tones. One row of data has a more greenish tint, whereas the other row of numbers is blue. With the Server model, all lights are the same even Blue)
6) Very customizable in terms of alarms, temp triggers, manual vs auto, etc.

CONS:
1) The controller knobs are digital. Basically, they spin in either direction round, and round, and round. There is a mark on the knob for positional indication, but it doesn't mean anything. So for example, if I'm controlling the two same fans at the same RPM, one knob may be at 90 degrees (based on the indicator) and the other may be at 270 degrees. So if you're into everything being even and balanced, this may annoy you. Also, since the control knobs are digital, it's hard to tell how much RPM you're giving the fans just by feel of the knob turn. With an analog dial that has a hard stop on the left on right, it's pretty easy since a 50% turn is 50% of max current. This may be of concern for anyone who wants quick feedback on how much RPM they're giving their fans. With this product, you turn the knob a little and watch the screen readout change to figure out how fast the fans are turning. This is by far the biggest CON of this product. If this is important to you, I highly recommend the Kaze Ace fan controller as that product uses analog dials.
2) This will be true for any fan controller, but there are ALOT of wires to manage: 4 Temp probes, 4 Fan Power wires, 1 Main Power wire. For those of you who like to keep the inside of your case tidy, using a fan controller makes cable management a challange.
3) Controller is not fully encased. I've used some other controllers, such as the old Thermaltake Hardcano's, where the internal circuitry was fully encased (like a DVD drive would be). I wish they had done that with this product. It would make installation cleaner and would provide a more firm base for mounting the unit into the case. With some cases, especially those with quick slide in mechanisms for 5.25" devices, installation of this controller takes a little more effort. It all depends on the case you're using, but with some Cooler Master cases, I've had to remove the slide in device in the 5.25" bay so that I could actually attach the fan controller with screws. Definitely something to consider.

None of the cons are even close to a deal killer. The only real "concern" for some people out there would be Con#1. If you like the look of these controllers and can't deal with the first Con, then get the Kaze Ace. That's very nice as well!

Am using this controller on my third build and am very pleased. I set it up for manual speed control for now until I get to where I feel confident with the temps my PC will put out at various loads. I am not using the mobo bios temp/fan speed controls at all - just this Scythe Kaze Server 5.25" and am feeling more confident with it everyday. I am montoring and controlling temps/fans to: CPU; GPU; NB chipset; SB chipset. I have a 92mm fan fastened to the CPU cooler; a 92 mm fan mounted just below the GPU; a 120mm front case fan which I mounted inside just past the HD's which moves air across HD's; NB & SB; Ram etc.; and a rear 92mm fan attached to outside of rear case opening. (I cut out the grill on the back to allow max. flow of air out of case.) For me, this all works great.

If all you really want is to see how fast your fans are moving...this is the product. But if you want to monitor the temperature of a particular device, control the fans, or if you are new to building systems...this NOT the product.
First, the instructions are poorly written...and the pictures leave room for error. Oh, and if you have a tool-less case this product is short [so you'll have to screw it in on one side and hope for the best], even though this product states it fits into a spare 5.25" bay. Second, the installation took about an hour due to the fact the pictures of the temperature connections do NOT correspond to the ACTUAL layout of the circuit board. Also, if you have large hands, connecting the temp leads will be a nightmare! Then the "heat resistant" tape that is provided for the thermometers/recoding end of temperature leads does not work...it comes off and the thermometer is dangling in your case which defeats the purpose of monitoring a specific device. And lastly, the knobs to control the fans do NOT work...this may be due to the fact I can't push too hard for fear of the product being pushed into the case due to it not being secured in the bay.

On the positive side: this product matches the beauty of my case and the data is easy to read...BUT, do not purchase this product if you want a real fan controller rather than a simple monitor. It may look good, and the specs may sound ideal, it just doesn't work as the packaging or Scythe Kaze Server "advertise". This was truly money wasted!