[magik_missles]

I am thinking of getting a temp gauge for my rig. One that would fit in an empty bay. I see a lot of the fan controllers have temp gauges built in. I don't really have a need for a fan controller, but don't mind if it's included. I know NZXT makes a cheap one that is touchscreen. But I am willing to pay more for better accuracy.

Any and all opinions for and against and suggestions on temp gauges will be appreciated.

[m0r7if3r]

what's wrong with software monitoring?

[Bobnova]

It really depends on what you want the temp of.
If you want core temps on the gauge, you could build a microcontroller setup and write some software to manage that.
If you want a gauge that displays the temp of a sensor you put in your case, that is much easier.

[magik_missles]

Originally Posted by m0r7if3r

what's wrong with software monitoring?

I unlocked my Phenom II, so software monitoring will not read the temps of the cores.

Originally Posted by Bobnova

It really depends on what you want the temp of.
If you want core temps on the gauge, you could build a microcontroller setup and write some software to manage that.
If you want a gauge that displays the temp of a sensor you put in your case, that is much easier.

Core temps is what I am after, but I have never built a microcontroller or written software for that matter. You have a good point though - a sensor in the case really isn't going to do much for accurate temps of individual components.

[m0r7if3r]

make a post in the amd section about monitoring core temps...i seem to remember there's a way to do it.

[Bobnova]

Here's the work around:

Re-lock the cores so you can read core temps.
Load the cpu at maximum (IBT, or linpack), let it set and chew on itself for half an hour.
Now look at the CPU temp and the CORE temps.
Odds are the CPU temp will be lower, but how much?
Write the difference between the CPU temp and the core temps down.

Now you can unlock the extra cores, and by adding the number you wrote down to the CPU temp (which will still be shown), you know the core temp, roughly speaking.

That's the only way to get a core temp with an unlocked cpu, there is no other way that I know of (including microcontrollers, you still need a functioning core temp sensor).

[magik_missles]

Originally Posted by Bobnova

Here's the work around:

Re-lock the cores so you can read core temps.
Load the cpu at maximum (IBT, or linpack), let it set and chew on itself for half an hour.
Now look at the CPU temp and the CORE temps.
Odds are the CPU temp will be lower, but how much?
Write the difference between the CPU temp and the core temps down.

Now you can unlock the extra cores, and by adding the number you wrote down to the CPU temp (which will still be shown), you know the core temp, roughly speaking.

That's the only way to get a core temp with an unlocked cpu, there is no other way that I know of (including microcontrollers, you still need a functioning core temp sensor).

Sounds like a plan to me! Thanks for the input.