Zalman ZM-MFC1 Fan Controller

Provided by: CaseCooler.com
Estimated Retail: $35
Review Date: June 4th, 2003

After watching my Vantec Nexus NXP-101 and Nexus NXP-201 fail, I began searching for a new fan controller. Coincidentally, I will update my other reviews because of what I consider poor quality on Vantec's part. CaseCooler.com provided me with a fan controller by Zalman, ZM-MFC1. Zalman produces high quality and very innovative cooling solutions; therefore, I feel this fan controller will be better than the Vantec Nexus line.

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Compared to the Vantec Nexus the Zalman ZM-MFC1 is a bit more expensive. Then again, you pay for what you get; therefore, the price might justify itself.

Overview:

At first glance the Zalman fan controller looks like a gadget out of an old computer movie. There are six LEDs, 4 potentiometer knobs, and 2 toggle switches, all on a see through blue face plate. Zalman does have their www.zalmanusa.com web site printed on the bottom, which is kind of tacky looking.

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Specifications:

• Dimensions - 148.5 mm L x 65 mm W x 42 mm H
• Maximum Power - 7 Watts per each of the 4 channels
• Input Voltage -12V

The Zalman ZM-MFC1 includes 4 ATX extension cables that connect to CPU and case fans. Two of these cables come with an RPM sensing lead so they are able to plug into a motherboard. Input power to the Zalman is provided by a 4 pin Molex.

Two wire fans, like the Panaflo line of fans, are operated with the two toggle switches. The wires connect to the green blocks in the picture below. Each toggle switch has an off, 12 V, and 5 V setting.

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By looking at the circuit board one can see that the Zalman has a better design than other fan controllers. Each potentiometer has its own power driver that is located on a heatsink. The Vantec Nexus uses a single IC to control the power to all four channels. When the IC fails, possibly because of over powering the device or putting too much pressure on the potentiometer knob, multiple channels will fail. When my Nexus NXP-201 failed, I could turn up the fourth knob and control the fan attached to the first. Zalman's ZM-MFC1 will not do this because each fan has its own separate line. If one leg fails than only that leg is affected.

Installation:

Installation is pretty basic. The ZM-MFC1 comes with 4 screws and mounts into a 5 1/4 inch bay. It only takes up the front facing of the bay so a hard drive may be put in behind it.

Operation is just like other fan controllers, turn the knob to increase or decrease voltage to the fan.

The metal on the Zalman is very flimsy, so take care when installing it not to bend or break the metal tabs that screw into your case.

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As you can see, the LED light will only come on when a fan is connected to that power line. This is a nice feature for determining fan failure.

Conclusion:

The Zalman ZM-MFC1 is the perfect fan controller. It allows control of 2, two wire fans along with 4 ATX fans. The only draw back is that an AT/ATX adapter is needed if you plan to hook up AT fans.

The quality of the Zalman is better than any other fan controller I have worked with. Each power leg is separate, preventing the whole device from failing if one leg goes bad. Only time will tell the true quality of the Zalman. I believe it will hold up a lot longer than the Vantec, BC-9901, Sunbeam, and other fan controllers on the market. I would recommend picking up this Zalman if you are in need of a good controller.

Pros:

• Separate power lines
• Easy to install
• Supports bare wire fans
• LED indicators
• ATX cables with RPM sensors.

Cons:

• Only comes with ATX cables
• Flimsy metal side mounts

Rating:
Excellent

(Ratings Possible Terrible, Very Bad, Bad, Fair, Good, Very Good, Excellent)