Re: [OT] PC temp monitoring

On Sun, 20 Nov 2005 18:54:48 GMT, "OldDog" <OldDog@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

>I'm thinking of getting a new pc. My old cases has zero displays on the
>front for temp/fan displays. Although I have used some software programs
>in the past to check my cpu/case temp and fan rpms.
>
>For some of the new cases have the nice looking LED displays. What I'm
>wondering is if there's a case out there with an LED display that can tell
>me my cpu temp, video card temp, case inlet temp, case outlet temp, along
>with the fan RPM/CFM?
>

Just CPU temp and video card temp should be fine for continuous
front-panel monitoring.. the rest via Alt-Tab or game-exit to the
appropriate utility. No need to be paranoid. Several of the latest
motherboard designs also have quite effective built-in fan control
(user-enabled in BIOS) primarily centered on the speed of the
CPU and rear-chassis fans.

>BTW I'd rather go with a hardware temp monitoring system vs software,
>because I don't what to close my game to see what's going on with the
>temp/CFM.
>
>Oh, and what's the deal with the front panel cover with the cases? Is it
>for cosmetic purpose or does it act as a sound barrier? I'd prefer a case
>without it so I can easily get to the drives and power on buttons. But if
>it helps for damping sound, then I could live with that.
>

Watch it.... most of the front-panel doors do nasties to the air-flow.
And side-panels with large perfs can short-circuit the air-flow over
the hard-disks. Cases designed by idiots where form (lights, styling
etc) took precedence over function.

Take a look at the aluminum Antec P160. Lots of nice features.
Dual temperature display from two user-placeable probes.
Easily-removable motherboard tray, rubber mounting for hard-drives,
120mm fan at rear with space for a second one at front behind ample
air-inlet and filter. Definitely designed by somebody who put
function well above form.. still has a nice blue-LED look, if you
really want it .. .( USB and Firewire ports at the front too....
however, the internal connector housings may not be color-coded
-- you will need to positively trace which is which and verify the
connection patterns comply with your motherboard - swapping
the USB and Firewire connectors at the motherboard plugs
WILL damage your MB ! )

John Lewis
- Technology early-birds are flying guinea-pigs.
.