AVC Sunflower inquiry

TheMatrix · 04-21-2002, 06:59 PM

I just bought the Sunflower today and can notice a definite noise difference from the Intel HSF. Since it does spin faster, I would expect the noise to be higher.

However, the 8SRX cannot read the RPM of the fan. It had no problem with the Intel HSF. Just to be sure the fan header isn't the problem, I've retest the fan header with another HSF and it definitely functions correctly. My suspicions is that the wire that monitors the RPMs is defective. Damn.

Any Sunflower owners out there have any thoughts on this?

Prometheus_abx · 04-21-2002, 07:12 PM

My Sunflower doesn't get monitored on the 8SRX either, and stupid me thought it was a problem with the 8SRX and ALL fans. I just checked and the Arkua 8568 is feeding Fan RPM just fine. So, it is apparently a problem with all AVC Sunflowers and the 8SRX. the SIV Utility had a big red X over the fan with the AVC, but a speed and OK with the Arkua.

I will be really interested if someone figures this one out - since the Intel and Arkua DO read on the Gigabyte, and the Sunflower reads on the Asus P4S333.

Thanks for asking the question. That's how we learn.

TheMatrix · 04-21-2002, 09:08 PM

Thanks for your reply Prometheus. You rock!

I feel relieved and yet disappointed that the Sunflower and 8SRX don't act well together. I am relieved because I thought I got a dud fan and now find out it's not a fan issue, but a strange phenomena between the 8SRX and AVC. My first impressions were that it was a defective AVC HSF and I would have to go through the hassles of an exchange. I bought the fan at a local computer show today and it will be tough to track down a seller who doesn't have store front.

I am going to test the AVC at work tomorrow on my Asus P4S333 just to make sure. This is the first time I've ever heard or experienced a fan's rpm not readable by a specific motherboard. Needless to say, I'm not happy with the fan's noise output, but am satisfied with the temp levels. After reading many of your (Prometheus') posts, I'm going to spend a bit more $ and test out the Arkua. With the RPM of the Arkua significantly slower than the AVC, is the noise level difference quite noticeable? I prefer less noise with moderate cooling performance.

Prometheus_abx · 04-21-2002, 11:11 PM

I thought my AVC was quiet, but then I have 7 fans in my tower

Compared to the Thermaltake it was silent, but swannema also thought it was a bit noisey. In my case I found little difference in the noise level of the AVC and the Intel HSF.

THe Arkua is - in my estimation - quieter than both. It uses a similar fan type to the Sunflower with many fins, but turns at a lower RPM. Camel is getting one on Monday, so perhaps he can also comment on noise, since I find fan noise a VERY subjective subject. For me, the frequency matters more than the quantity, and I find the Arkua easy to live with. The more opinions the better.

TheMatrix · 04-22-2002, 12:21 AM

I just verified that the rpms can be read on a different motherboards. I used an Abit VH6T & BX133. Both boards reported the fan speed of the Sunflower. On the VH6T fan speed was 4300 and on the BX133 it was 5100. On the VH6T, I'm using a Taisol fan that's detected spinning around the 4800-5000 rpm arena. When I have both fans spinning simultaneously, the AVC's fan noise drowns out the Taisol. :eek: I run only 1 extra fan in my case because of how I hate noticeable/intolerable noise coming from any of my PCs.

At this point, I believe there is definitely a "strange phenomena" between the AVC Sunflower and Gigabyte 8SRX. I have never seen this before, and have no idea what could be the cause. Could a bios update after F8 help? Hmmm...

It would be interesting to see others report on this phenomena.

Jeff P · 04-22-2002, 12:50 AM

I have 2 AVC Sunflower coolers for my P4s - 1 mounted on a P4-TE board and the other on an ABIT TH7-II board. Both cooler RPMs are detected by both boards. I am using Motherboard Monitor 5.0 for the P4-TE and ABIT's Hardware Doctor for the TH7-II. Very weird that your board is not detecting the fan RPMs. Please post what you are able to find out..

Prometheus_abx · 04-22-2002, 06:16 AM

Just confirmed the Arkua and Intel fans do report RPM's on the 8SRX, but the AVC does not. The AVC does report speed on the Asus P4S333.

TheMatrix · 04-22-2002, 06:17 PM

Prometheus....ya beat me to the punch.

I just finished confirming that the AVC does report RPMs on my P4S333 at work. I am curious as to why this specific HSF does not report it's RPMs on the 8SRX. Is this an "electrical" issue or a bios snafu? IMO...it's still much noiser than the Intel HSF. Gotta ditch this thing.....

Time to order an Arkua from NewEgg. d0H!

SeaLevithan · 04-22-2002, 06:23 PM

Does the AVC unit pose any risk to damaging your motherboard hooking it up to the fan header on the motherboard? I know with some H/F units they recomend you hook it up straight to the powersuppy rather than the fan header. Is this a problem with the AVC?

oldgeek · 04-22-2002, 06:50 PM

I put an AVC on my 2.0ghz setup and I think it is noisey as Hell...

You know the thing is running..that's for sure. If the Arkua is quieter I'd grab one in a heartbeat. Where can I find one??? Of course the noise factor is a subjective issue...

Camel_abx · 04-22-2002, 07:05 PM

Oldgeek
www.newegg.com has the Arkua for $26 + free shipping

SeaLevithan · 04-22-2002, 07:32 PM

If the AVC is too loud for you and you have it installed already, why not just get a slower fan and stick it on the AVC. Much cheaper I would assume and easier as well (wouldn't have to remove the heatsink).

Just a thought,

swannema · 04-22-2002, 08:12 PM

The AVC is very noisy. its not to loud, but the fan makes a very high pitching sound. I moded the AVC with an Amuzuma fan adapter, that made it possible to install a 92mm low noise Panaflo on it. By now I got rid of the Sunflower and installed a Swiftech MXC 478.

absurd_username · 04-23-2002, 02:46 PM

For my Sunflower I am using the Intel fan that came with my cpu. I used a file to shave down the "lengthwise lip" until it was level with the pegs that rest on the heatsink.

There was more pressure needed on the levers to close them down on the Sunflower than using the Sunflower fan but I heard that this is normal if you use the stock heatsink.

My mobo reports the fan as running around 3000+rpm MBM reports 1200+rpm and Sandra reports 6000+rpm.

Much Much Much more quieter than AVC fan. Bios reports temps between 41 and 44c.

P4 1.8a running at 2.25ghz @ 1.60v./ Ga-8srx f8 / 512meg Corsair XMS PC2700 @ 189mhz 2-3-3 / Leadtek GF4 Ti4400

10,300 3d Marks / 5558-5283-1098 PC Marks.

Not bad for a first time system build eh?

04-21-2002, 06:59 PM	#1
TheMatrix Asus Aficionado Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Michigan - USA Posts: 106	AVC Sunflower inquiry I just bought the Sunflower today and can notice a definite noise difference from the Intel HSF. Since it does spin faster, I would expect the noise to be higher. However, the 8SRX cannot read the RPM of the fan. It had no problem with the Intel HSF. Just to be sure the fan header isn't the problem, I've retest the fan header with another HSF and it definitely functions correctly. My suspicions is that the wire that monitors the RPMs is defective. Damn. Any Sunflower owners out there have any thoughts on this? __________________ WinXP Pro SP3: Gigabyte EP35-DS3L with E8400 Linux PC - Ultimate Edition ver 1.8: MSI 975X PowerUp Edition with Q6600
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04-21-2002, 07:12 PM	#2
Prometheus_abx Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 2,917	My Sunflower doesn't get monitored on the 8SRX either, and stupid me thought it was a problem with the 8SRX and ALL fans. I just checked and the Arkua 8568 is feeding Fan RPM just fine. So, it is apparently a problem with all AVC Sunflowers and the 8SRX. the SIV Utility had a big red X over the fan with the AVC, but a speed and OK with the Arkua. I will be really interested if someone figures this one out - since the Intel and Arkua DO read on the Gigabyte, and the Sunflower reads on the Asus P4S333. Thanks for asking the question. That's how we learn. Last edited by Prometheus_abx; 04-21-2002 at 11:29 PM..
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04-21-2002, 09:08 PM	#3
TheMatrix Asus Aficionado Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Michigan - USA Posts: 106	Thanks for your reply Prometheus. You rock! I feel relieved and yet disappointed that the Sunflower and 8SRX don't act well together. I am relieved because I thought I got a dud fan and now find out it's not a fan issue, but a strange phenomena between the 8SRX and AVC. My first impressions were that it was a defective AVC HSF and I would have to go through the hassles of an exchange. I bought the fan at a local computer show today and it will be tough to track down a seller who doesn't have store front. I am going to test the AVC at work tomorrow on my Asus P4S333 just to make sure. This is the first time I've ever heard or experienced a fan's rpm not readable by a specific motherboard. Needless to say, I'm not happy with the fan's noise output, but am satisfied with the temp levels. After reading many of your (Prometheus') posts, I'm going to spend a bit more $ and test out the Arkua. With the RPM of the Arkua significantly slower than the AVC, is the noise level difference quite noticeable? I prefer less noise with moderate cooling performance. __________________ WinXP Pro SP3: Gigabyte EP35-DS3L with E8400 Linux PC - Ultimate Edition ver 1.8: MSI 975X PowerUp Edition with Q6600
(Offline)

04-21-2002, 11:11 PM	#4
Prometheus_abx Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 2,917	I thought my AVC was quiet, but then I have 7 fans in my tower Compared to the Thermaltake it was silent, but swannema also thought it was a bit noisey. In my case I found little difference in the noise level of the AVC and the Intel HSF. THe Arkua is - in my estimation - quieter than both. It uses a similar fan type to the Sunflower with many fins, but turns at a lower RPM. Camel is getting one on Monday, so perhaps he can also comment on noise, since I find fan noise a VERY subjective subject. For me, the frequency matters more than the quantity, and I find the Arkua easy to live with. The more opinions the better. Last edited by Prometheus_abx; 04-21-2002 at 11:31 PM..
(Offline)

04-22-2002, 12:21 AM	#5
TheMatrix Asus Aficionado Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Michigan - USA Posts: 106	I just verified that the rpms can be read on a different motherboards. I used an Abit VH6T & BX133. Both boards reported the fan speed of the Sunflower. On the VH6T fan speed was 4300 and on the BX133 it was 5100. On the VH6T, I'm using a Taisol fan that's detected spinning around the 4800-5000 rpm arena. When I have both fans spinning simultaneously, the AVC's fan noise drowns out the Taisol. :eek: I run only 1 extra fan in my case because of how I hate noticeable/intolerable noise coming from any of my PCs. At this point, I believe there is definitely a "strange phenomena" between the AVC Sunflower and Gigabyte 8SRX. I have never seen this before, and have no idea what could be the cause. Could a bios update after F8 help? Hmmm... It would be interesting to see others report on this phenomena. __________________ WinXP Pro SP3: Gigabyte EP35-DS3L with E8400 Linux PC - Ultimate Edition ver 1.8: MSI 975X PowerUp Edition with Q6600
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04-22-2002, 12:50 AM	#6
Jeff P SuperXperienced Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Southern California Posts: 311	I have 2 AVC Sunflower coolers for my P4s - 1 mounted on a P4-TE board and the other on an ABIT TH7-II board. Both cooler RPMs are detected by both boards. I am using Motherboard Monitor 5.0 for the P4-TE and ABIT's Hardware Doctor for the TH7-II. Very weird that your board is not detecting the fan RPMs. Please post what you are able to find out.. __________________ Jeff P P4C800-E BIOS 1022 P4 3.4E with Zalman CNPS7000B-Cu cooler 1 GB RAM Hitachi 180GXP 120GB (8MB Cache) BFG GeForce 6800GT OC SB Audigy 2 ZS Windows XP Pro
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04-22-2002, 06:16 AM	#7
Prometheus_abx Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 2,917	Just confirmed the Arkua and Intel fans do report RPM's on the 8SRX, but the AVC does not. The AVC does report speed on the Asus P4S333.
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04-22-2002, 06:17 PM	#8
TheMatrix Asus Aficionado Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Michigan - USA Posts: 106	Prometheus....ya beat me to the punch. I just finished confirming that the AVC does report RPMs on my P4S333 at work. I am curious as to why this specific HSF does not report it's RPMs on the 8SRX. Is this an "electrical" issue or a bios snafu? IMO...it's still much noiser than the Intel HSF. Gotta ditch this thing..... Time to order an Arkua from NewEgg. d0H! __________________ WinXP Pro SP3: Gigabyte EP35-DS3L with E8400 Linux PC - Ultimate Edition ver 1.8: MSI 975X PowerUp Edition with Q6600
(Offline)

04-22-2002, 06:23 PM	#9
SeaLevithan Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 40	Does the AVC unit pose any risk to damaging your motherboard hooking it up to the fan header on the motherboard? I know with some H/F units they recomend you hook it up straight to the powersuppy rather than the fan header. Is this a problem with the AVC? __________________ SeaLevithan[TeK] www.theelderknights.net
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04-22-2002, 06:50 PM	#10
oldgeek Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Rocky Mtn's Posts: 13	I put an AVC on my 2.0ghz setup and I think it is noisey as Hell... You know the thing is running..that's for sure. If the Arkua is quieter I'd grab one in a heartbeat. Where can I find one??? Of course the noise factor is a subjective issue...
(Offline)

04-22-2002, 07:05 PM	#11
Camel_abx Krusty Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Cleveland, Ohio USA Posts: 1,729	Oldgeek www.newegg.com has the Arkua for $26 + free shipping __________________ SinXP 2.4b@3.3 H2O Ehiem1250>Dtek ProCore>Maze4>Bayres> Someday a real rain will come, and wash all the scum off the streets.
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04-22-2002, 07:32 PM	#12
SeaLevithan Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 40	If the AVC is too loud for you and you have it installed already, why not just get a slower fan and stick it on the AVC. Much cheaper I would assume and easier as well (wouldn't have to remove the heatsink). Just a thought, __________________ SeaLevithan[TeK] www.theelderknights.net
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04-22-2002, 08:12 PM	#13
swannema ???????????????? Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 9,630	The AVC is very noisy. its not to loud, but the fan makes a very high pitching sound. I moded the AVC with an Amuzuma fan adapter, that made it possible to install a 92mm low noise Panaflo on it. By now I got rid of the Sunflower and installed a Swiftech MXC 478.
(Offline)

04-23-2002, 02:46 PM	#14
absurd_username Make it so Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Vancouver BC Posts: 242	For my Sunflower I am using the Intel fan that came with my cpu. I used a file to shave down the "lengthwise lip" until it was level with the pegs that rest on the heatsink. There was more pressure needed on the levers to close them down on the Sunflower than using the Sunflower fan but I heard that this is normal if you use the stock heatsink. My mobo reports the fan as running around 3000+rpm MBM reports 1200+rpm and Sandra reports 6000+rpm. Much Much Much more quieter than AVC fan. Bios reports temps between 41 and 44c. P4 1.8a running at 2.25ghz @ 1.60v./ Ga-8srx f8 / 512meg Corsair XMS PC2700 @ 189mhz 2-3-3 / Leadtek GF4 Ti4400 10,300 3d Marks / 5558-5283-1098 PC Marks. Not bad for a first time system build eh? Last edited by absurd_username; 04-23-2002 at 02:57 PM..
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