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AeroCool has made quite a name for them selves with system controllers like the GateWatch and the FP-01, but sometimes you don't need all the extra bells ad whistles a full size controller has to offer. With the EasyWatch, AeroCool provides the core functions you really need in a slim 2.5 inch package. Lets see if this smaller profile has what it takes to be in your next build.
The EasyWatch comes in both silver and black trim. Today we will be looking at the black model. AeroCool packages eth EasyWatch in a sensible box not much larger than the controller its self and relies on the product imagery to make the sale. the back of the box provides the product specifications below in a variety of languages.
Out of the package, you can see the easy part of the EasyWatch is the lack of any control beyond the temperature conversion buttons seen here to the right. These buttons are also used to set the audible alarm for each of the temperature probes. After some of the more gaudy multi-colored controllers we have seen around here, the clean presentation is refreshing. Specifications:
The controller ships in a plastic tray and includes: a simple manual, two screws for 2.5" bay mounting, mounting tape for the probes and protective covers for the probes.
This picture shows how simple these controllers really are. Just a single board and two runs of cabling is all it takes.
The included cabling is quite long with each run reaching about 28 inches (about 71 cm) including the length of the controller housing. The power is provided by a +12V Molex pass through and each fan controller can handle a standard size 3 pin fan lead.
Each of the three temperature probes is protected by a small plastic tube. These are pretty durable but the ends can be damaged resulting in an incorrect reading on the display. Simply attach one of these probes to the part you will be monitoring using the included tape. For best results the end of the probe should be in firm contact. The lines are labeled as CPU, VGA and case to help you out.
Installing the EasyWatch is a breeze making the entire setup from box to install about the same as installing a floppy drive. Frankly I would much rather use that slot for an EasyWatch, wouldn't you? The finished install is bright and easy to read. I have used three different fans to get an idea of just how the automatic control would power them: Fan 1 - 120mm AcoustiFan AFDP-12025 120mm As you can see the three different fans are individually controlled based on the case temperature. In this case the ambient temperature was about 24 C (about 76F) and eth ambient case temperature was confirmed by my laser thermometer to be 27C or about 80 F. I must confess I like to have control of every fan most days out of habit but I really only seem to tweak them during the first setup once things are stable, I rarely even think about the cooling at all. Now I can keep things in mind with just a quick glance at the EasyWatch. Conclusion: Sometimes less can be more. With the EasyWatch controller everything was simple from install to operation. Here at the Club we may enjoy tweaking every setting on a CPU but when it comes to system monitoring sometimes it nice to just work right from the get go. This is one case where you can literally set things up and never need to touch them again. AeroCool has made a great decision in providing this setup in a 2.5" bay size providing a practical use for those empty slots that seem to show up in almost any case. The EasyWatch is priced much lower than those full size units too, making the addition of a controller a lot easier decision for your pocketbook. I would recommend every system have some sort of active fan control whether it be on the motherboard or a controller like this. There is no reason to have any fan set on a manual speed for normal operation when a active control can keep things cool and still keep the noise down at idle. Got an unused slot? Give the EasyWatch a shot, your fans will thank you!
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The LCD display provides an active look at the
current fan speed for up to three different devices and provides
temperature readings for three probes, unlike the picture above the
actual unit is labeled CPU, video card and case for the
temperatures. The center lighting provides a visual sound
meter. With no reference for this measure, the lights become
an interesting display of just how much sound your system generates
as measured at the controller.
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