#rfc-03

Generally I tend to find them unpleasant to look at, and realistically with modern PWM fans, and motherboards do we even need them anymore? I think we do, and let’s see how this one did. At the time of writing Reeven products are as scarce as gold dust, so no firm word on availability, but I’ve been informed the MSRP for the product is about $40/£27  

  [Features and Specifications]

Four Eyes Touch make everything advanced. The evolution of touch panel leads every information on computer top visualized. With previously successful features of multi-color switch and high-wattage support (30W), it brings the best accessibility of computer to every gaming enthusiast.

Touch LCD panel fan controller

4 channels with individual setting

Up to 30W per channel

Clear view window with 7 colors selection

Model Number RFC-03 Dimensions (W)148 x (H)42 x (D)100mm DC Input DC5V & DC12V DC Output 3.7V ~ 12V(±10%) Output Ampere 2.5A per Channel Temperature Range 0~99oC Fan Speed Range 0~9990rpm Weight 200g

    [Packaging and Bundle]

  Reeven uses the same all black packaging, which they do on their other products. From the front side, you’re shown a glimpse of the product, and the key features are listed as:

Touch Panel

4 Channels

7 Colours

The backside of the box, is a how-to guide, the edges echo the specs and show the seven colours in use.

  Inside, the product in neatly and well packaged. You’ll find the controller, cabling, screws and user manual. I was delighted to see that all cabling is sleeved (braided) in black. What’s also appreciated here is that all channels are 4 pin, rather than 3.

[Closer Look]

  The product is 5.25″ in size, so  obviously it installs into an optical bay. The front bezel is broken down into segments, to show settings, fans speeds and temperatures. Theirs really very little else to say, other than the fascia and frame are made up from plastic. It matters not really consider that once installed, you’ll never see the sides or base, but the material is very flexible.

Looking at the PCB, the headers are self-explanatory. 4 are used for the fan connectors, a SATA power connector, powers it and the other small headers are for the thermal probes.

[Usage and  Final Thoughts]

  The approach is a simple one, given the nature of the product, and what it intends to do. We simply hook a selection of fans, and use the product. We’re looking for functionality, ease of use and anything extra is a bonus!

  As I explained above, the install and setup is user friendly, simply connect as many cables as you need *max of 4*, then hook them up to your fans. 99.9% of fans will be fine, but do check they are withing the products limit of 2.5A/30W per channel. Any higher can cause damage to one or both of them.

  The front face is broken down into smaller windows. The top four are dedicated for the corresponding fan readout. Showing RPM and temperature (from probe) In the bottom left a simply press on the display to swap from degrees C/F

To increase or reduce the fans speed, tap the window you wish (1,2,3,4) and slide you finger from right to left

The display can changed to suit your preference, or disabled all together.  Which ios Ideal for playing games at night for example. Any press on the display will cause the unit to beep, sadly Reeven offer no volume control, or even a way to disable this from the actual touch screen.

The unit does also provide a warning alarm, when a certain temperature limit is hit. This is controlled in the same manner as the fans, though you’ll need to hold the screen for three seconds, to active this setting.

This is only the second controller I’ve reviewed, but joins the long list of controllers I’ve used over the years. The transition from then to now, has been slow and steady.  The one thing I’ve never been keen on, with fan controllers is the simple fact, they tend to stand out. it’s rare to find one that blends into the case. As I’ve said in many reviews lately, we’re slowly seeing the move away from 5.25 bays now, with some brands offering cases with only one, or even none at all. That leaves the trusty fan controller in a tough spot, but let’s face it these are niche products anyway.

The Four Eyes Touch does a great job of doing “what I want most”, and that’s blending in with the case, because it has noabuttons or dials extruding from it! Touch screen is part of day-to-day life now, we’ve become used to it, and I suppose we almost expect it. Usage is simple, and the unit is very responsive.  I have no issue to report at all, the product performed as expected, even with four fans drawing 30w’s each.

There is perhaps only one single flaw, and that stems from the audio function. I’ll be honest I had hoped for a simple on/off function from the front. Yet the only way to tame the slightly annoying beeps is to remove the header from the PCB, which obviously must be done before installation. it’s not that big of a deal, but try it before you commit to installing and closing your side panel!

The Four Eyes Touch is visually pleasing product, with a fair amount of channels that should suit most consumers. The touch screen element is refreshing and elimates the one thing many of us dislike, pesky and old fashioned  buttons or dials. We’ll worth considering if you can locate one!

Worthy of our “Desing Award”

[taq_review]

We would like to thank REEVEN for sending the sample out for review. We look forward to seeing more from them, in the near future.