PCToys Multi-Function Panel - Installation
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Installation
Installation is a snap. The instructions are well laid out and easy to read. A 4th grader could install this unit. Hats off to pcToys for good documentation in plain, un-translated English. I found it easiest to place and attach all of the sensors first. I located the temperature sensors per the instructions. For the CPU, I attached the probe near the die on my P4 2.26b on the bottom of the heatsink.
I attached the hard drive probe per instructions on the top drive of my RAID array.
Finally, I used the last probe to monitor case temperatures near the power supply.
Next, I ran the wires to the fan and the fan control header on the panel. Then, I connected the motherboard's CPU fan header to the lead to the panel. It should be noted here that pcToys thought of us poor forgetful souls when putting this kit together and labeled every single wire in the kit. Otherwise, this author would have had to start over several times.
Finished running wires
Panel slides in on the sliders.
Up and running.
Conclusion
I ran the system for a while and encountered no problems until an alarm started going off. The alarm was to indicate that my CPU fan RPM had dropped to zero. This is not a good thing, especially with OEM cooling. Although the indicated temperature on the sensor did not rise, I immediately shut the computer down. I examined all connections and reseated all plugs to ensure nothing was amiss. I rebooted and everything was running well until the unit registered zero RPM on the CPU fan again. I observed that the fan was, indeed, spinning and that no damage was occurring. It seems as if a bug infests my unit. The alarm is a noisy bugger and very annoying. I further could not get the dial to control fan speed reliably or noticeably.
After extensive manipulation, including pulling it all out and reinstalling it, I could not get the unit to work correctly. Several emails to pcToys about my problems went unanswered. I heard not one word from them. This does not bode well for the customer care aspect of the company. We, in the hardware enthusiast community, do not want or need another company that gives bad or no support for their products. This writer was very disappointed in the lack of response.
Highs
- Great looks
- Easy Installation
- Well written instructions
- Good concept
- Backlit LCD display
Lows
- Problems with product that may be unique to my unit
- Lack of customer care
A DigiDoc 5 killer it is not. I would have really liked this unit to work. It has good looks, can be made to match most cases out there, and has some nice features that would have made it a lower cost contender in this market. However, due to the lack of support and the faults I found with my unit, I cannot, in good faith, recommend the company to our loyal readers. I don't want this to be seen as a complete negative appraisal of the product, just of the customer support of the company. We, at Dev Hardware are dedicated to the truth and the truth is: I had a very poor customer care experience with pcToys. My DigiDoc 5 has a secure place in my case.
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