Details
The Aquacomputer QUADRO Fan Controller for PWM-Fans (53256) is a four-channel fan controller for 4-pin PWM fans. It has four temperature sensor inputs, a flow sensor input and an integrated RGBpx output for up to 90 addressable LEDs. It connects over USB 2.0 and aquabus, runs with the aquasuite software, and is equally suitable for water-cooled and air-cooled computers.
Properties
- Channels
- 4, 4-pin PWM, speed monitoring
- Power per channel
- 25 watts
- Sensor inputs
- 4 temperature, 1 flow
- Lighting
- RGBpx output, up to 90 LEDs
- Interface
- USB 2.0, aquabus
- Size
- approx. 54 x 49 x 17 mm
Fan controller
Aqua Computer presents the QUADRO as a programmable fan controller with an outstanding range of functions. Its four fan connections can be configured individually, and thanks to an output power of up to 25 watts each, several fans can share one output through suitable splitters such as the SPLITTY9 splitter. Every output has a 4-pin plug, a PWM signal that can be adjusted and speed monitoring, and each is protected against overload. All fan outputs can also be switched off completely.
Control parameters can be set in a variety of ways. Next to manual adjustment of the fans, temperature-controlled operation is possible, with both setpoint controllers and individually adjustable control curves available for this purpose. Optionally, a fan is switched off completely when the temperature falls below the set temperatures, or it can continue to be operated at an adjustable minimum speed. An intelligent start boost function, which monitors the speed signal, can be activated for each channel to start the fans safely. The outputs are exclusively suitable for PWM fans with four pin connectors.
Sensors and data from the PC
Four temperature sensor inputs and one flow sensor input feed the controller, and one temperature sensor, length approx. 70 cm, is in the box. Eight further measured values, data the controller has no sensor of its own for, can be transferred from the PC to the QUADRO via aquasuite. The flow sensor and its special cable are optional accessories, not included in delivery.
RGBpx control unit for addressable LEDs
The RGBpx output allows individual control of LED strips and fans with individually addressable LEDs, up to 90 of them. Each LED can be individually set in color and brightness. A total of four LED groups of variable size can be configured, and visual effects are then assigned to each group. The 23 available effects offer extensive setting options for further individualization. Many effects also include the option of modifying their effect parameters (e.g. speed) depending on current sensor values, and sound-to-light effects react to the sound currently output by the computer.
An outstanding feature, in Aquacomputer's words, is the AMBIENTpx effect. The edge areas of the current screen content are reproduced on the connected LEDs, thus creating a very effective backlight around the computer screen. As an alternative to the LED strips offered by Aqua Computer, Corsair and NZXT LED fans can also be used for lighting effects through the RGBpx Splitty4 product (item code 53267, not included). If an RGBpx product has more than one connector, use the one marked IN; more RGBpx products may be added at its OUT connector.
Aquabus expansion device
In addition to use as an autonomous USB fan controller, the QUADRO can work as an aquabus extension for an aquaero 5 or aquaero 6, such as the aquaero 6 LT. In this case the four fan outputs are available to the aquaero for its control functions, and the temperature and flow sensor inputs are transmitted to it. A maximum of two QUADRO expansion devices can be connected to an aquaero. USB and aquabus can be used at the same time, and the 4-pin aquabus cable (53214) is sold separately.
Connections and mounting
Power comes from an HDD power plug of your PSU, which carries both 12 V and 5 V. The USB connector goes to an internal USB 2.0 header on the motherboard; check that the pin alignment matches before you plug it in. A red status LED blinks during error conditions, such as overload or a faulty supply voltage, and connected RGBpx LEDs then blink red as well.
The screws and nuts in the box hold the controller inside the PC case. To reach the mounting holes, bend the rubber insulation away from the top cover, remove the cover, and reinstall it afterwards. Alternatively, double sided adhesive tape secures the controller. Keep the electric connectors clear of metal parts and other electronic devices in the case.
Compatibility
Aquacomputer lists these devices for the aquabus, flow sensor, temperature sensor and RGBpx connectors:
- aquaero 6 XT (53146, 53206, 53250, 53251, 53262, 53263)
- aquaero 6 PRO (53145, 53253)
- aquaero 6 LT (53234)
- aquaero 5 XT (53089, 53125, 53249)
- aquaero 5 PRO (53090, 53252)
- aquaero 5 LT (53095)
- Flow sensor with 5.6 mm nozzle (53061, requires cable 53212)
- Flow sensor "high flow" (53068, requires cable 53212)
- Flow sensor high flow LT (53291)
- Flow sensor high flow 2 (53292)
- Temperature sensor inline G1/4 (53066)
- Temperature sensor inner/outer thread G1/4 (53067)
- Temperature sensor G1/4 (53147)
- Temperature sensor plug&cool (53025)
- Temperature sensor 70 cm (53026)
- RGBpx LED-Strip (53268, 53269, 53270)
- RGBpx lighting set (53271, 53272)
- RGBpx Splitty4 (53267)
- RGBpx Splitty12 ACTIVE (53300)
- RGBpx LED ring for ULTITUBE (34115)
- RGBpx LED ring for aqualis (53274, 53276)
- RGBpx LED ring for 60 mm reservoir (53277)
- RGBpx cable (53259, 53260, 53261, 53266, 53297)
aquasuite software
The aquasuite software gives convenient adjustment, evaluation and visualization of all sensor data. System requirements are Windows 10 or newer and an internal USB 2.0 port. Activating the controller gives you the current aquasuite version with an upgrade service for at least six (6) months. After it expires, you may keep using and reinstalling the latest version from that period with no time limit. The update service can be extended or renewed at any time for a fee, and installation and activation need an internet connection.
Technical details
| Dimensions without attached cables | approx. 54 x 49 x 17 mm |
| Supply voltage | 5V, 12V |
| Power supply | 12 V DC ±5 %, max. 8 A | 5 V DC ±5 %, max. 3 A |
| Maximum fan output power | 25 watts per channel |
| PWM control signal | 0 - 100 %, resolution 0.1 % |
Notes
- Note on the AMBIENTpx effect: screen content preventing analysis by DRM or similar methods cannot be utilized for the effect.
- Turn off the power supply completely, or unplug the mains cord, before connecting or disconnecting any cable.
In the box
- 1x QUADRO controller
- 1x temperature sensor, length approx. 70 cm
- 1x internal USB connection cable, length approx. 100 cm
- 4x M3 x 8 mm screws
- 4x M3 hex nuts
- 1x manual
The manual for the QUADRO covers every connector with its pin assignment and the aquasuite settings.
