Zalman has been a maker of innovative products for your PC focusing on quiet operation. They offer silent power supplies, innovative passive chipset coolers with effective silent designs. If a fan is necessary, Zalman does it’s best to reduce its noise, based on a company philosophy they call Computer Noise Prevention System.
Zalman now introduces a 6 channel fanbus to control of the many system fans incorporated in many computers today. We are looking at the Zalman ZM-MFC1: One controller to rule them all, one controller to bind them… er… on with the review!
Specifications
The ZM-MFC1 is a universal DC fan controller integrating 6 channels capable of 7 watt loads per channel. Four of these channels use rheostats for variable control. The reaming two channels use 3 position switches to change between 12 and 5 volt operation. Here are the statistics ripped directly from Zalman:
| Zalman ZM-MFC1 Multi Fan Speed Controller: Manufactured by Zalman Tech |
| 4 CH – Adjustable channels by volume knob |
| Maximum Power: 7.0W per channel |
| Maximum Adjustable Range: +6.5Vmax (=Vfan(max) – Vfan(min)) |
| Maximum Voltage Drop: +2.0Vmax (= Vpin(max) – Vfan(max)) |
| Extension cable length(4pcs): 400mm |
| 2 CH – Adjustable Ports by select switch |
| Maximum Power: Unlimited, while used power supply capacity |
| Adjustable Range: Max voltage output or Min voltage output |
| 6-Channel Fan controller fits into one 5.25″ drive bay |
| Universal DC fan controller |
| Easy fan speed check with color/intensity-changing LED-lights |
| 3-pin extension cable for convenient installation – for use when the fan’s wire length is too short to reach the controller |
The controller is shipped in a compact blister pack, with a cardboard backing. The backing has a perforated opening, allowing for easy removal of the product. When removed properly, the removed perforated area is an installation reference card, showing a simple wiring diagram. Also included on the back are key specifications and component list.
Incorporated into the package graphics is a face template. Zalman recognizes that many of its customers will want to integrate the controller seamlessly into their systems, and includes a face template. This template can be used to drill custom drive faces, replacing the included blue acrylic face.
The controller looks very nice, and should complement most case schemes. The front panel is translucent blue acrylic with an opaque black border. The four knobs adorning the front are aluminum, but unfortunately wobble a little but. Each knob is labeled with a fan number and a corresponding blue LED.
The knobs do not have a positional indicator, instead relying on the LED brightness for an estimated position. Each knob can handle 7 watts of power, which should be enough for most users. Some users may want to chain a few fans on a single channel, so be careful of this power limitation.
Two sturdy 3-pole switches are installed on the right side, allowing the user to switch between 12v, 5v, and off positions. The switches are extremely sturdy, and give a satisfying click. The corresponding LED indicators are dual colored, giving off a blue glow at 5 volts, and brilliant red when using 12 volts. These switches have no power limitations, so any device that needs more than 7 watts should be connected to them. Since no variable resistance is present, no heatsinks are required for these switches.
The back of the unit features two sets of bare-wire terminals (for the switches), four color-coded 3-pin fan connectors and matching voltage regulators mounted on aluminum heatsinks. The unit receives power from its standard 4-pin Molex connector, which sits flush on the board. The switch terminals are intended for bare wire leads, which are secured by screwing them into place with a small screwdriver. Most users will connect fans to these terminals, although they are ideal for lighting and other higher-wattage devices.
The voltage regulator is a KA7805 3 terminal 1 amp positive voltage regulator. These are mainly designed for fixed voltage output, but obviously has been configured for variable output. The regulators are equipped with thermal overload and short circuit protection, guarding against incorrect wiring or excessive loads.
There are two types of 3-pin connectors for the variable output channels, with the difference conveniently color coded. The blue type is a straight-through connector, while the white connector incorporates a fan-monitoring lead. The motherboard’s fan connectors can continue to monitor system fan RPMs while still being controlled by the fanbus.
This is a welcome feature, as many motherboards will either not boot or shriek like a banshee if a CPU fan is not detected. The cables reach as far as 15 inches, which should be enough for most cases, but some larger cases (like the Chenming) may have to compromise the drive bay position to fully reach all system fans.
Once installed, I was able to look at the controller in its full glory. I noticed that several of the blue LEDs differed in color slightly. Some blue LEDs are a pure blue, and others are turquoise. This difference is hard to see in the photos, as the camera exposure necessary to take the picture makes the leds appear white. Your mileage may vary, but my unit has very different LEDs installed.
Both LEDs over the switches are dual color, and give the same pure color in both red and blue modes. The rheostat LEDs also flickers when using a low RPM fan on a low setting. I’m not sure if this is a bug or a feature; indicating that a fan is about to stall, or a side-affect of the circuitry. The rheostat heatsinks can get very hot, as I recorded an average 125°F! These heatsinks could probably stand to be a little larger, but they seem to do their job.
Conclusion
Zalman has an excellent product track record, and the ZM-MFC1 continues the trend. The unit is compact and easy to install. The included drill template allows customization for a user’s unique setup. The included extension cables are easy to use and offer flexible installation.
This product receives a recommended 9 out of 10, ideal for users seeking a dual-function fan controller with a unique look. Very much thanks to Sharka Corporation for sending this product to review.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy installation
- Professional touches (Al knobs, twisted wiring)
- Drilling template
- Rheobus and baybus features
Cons
- Low power rating on rheobus
- LEDs can flicker at low settings