Front view of the BitFenix Recon, the first internet-capable fan controller.
The BitFenix Recon is a 5-channel, 10 watt per channel manual/automatic fan controller. It has an LCD touchscreen which is used to monitor and control the system’s fans, fits in a 5.25″ drive bay, and retails at around $40 (the current Amazon price as of this writing is $39.80). If these were the only features of the BitFenix Recon, you would probably think it worthy of consideration. But the BitFenix Recon also has a feature which, to the best of my knowledge, no other fan controller boasts: BitFenix’s website claims that the Recon is “the world’s first internet-connected fan controller.” Once setup, the Bitfenix Recon allows the user to monitor and control their system using “any internet connected device, including smartphones, tablets, laptops.”
The Recon comes in a black box with a lime-green background and white lettering with a photo of the fan controller in the foreground and center. The rear of the box lists some of the specifications of the Recon. Opening the box reveals that the front of the BitFenix Recon is dominated by the LCD touchscreen, and the rest of the front is coated with black rubber (the Recon will look good in any black case). It should be noted that the Recon also comes in a white version. Looking at the back of the Recon reveals that the unit is connected to the PSU with a single Molex connector, and there are 5 fan connectors, one for each channel. There are also 5 temperature probes, which can be placed anywhere in the case. There are also two USB connectors which enable you to communicate with the Recon by means of another device such as a remote computer or a cell phone. The circuit board of the Recon has 5 aluminum heat sinks (one for each channel) and a built-in speaker for the temperature alarm. Also on the PCB are two specially-designed microprocessors that continually interact with the motherboard, providing you with real-time status while monitoring and controlling the temperatures and fan speeds. The PCB is well-secured with screws in all four corners. In the far right corner is the ribbon cable that connects the LCD touchscreen. All fan and temperature cables are already connected to the PCB. Included are 4 screws to mount the controller in the case, several pieces of double-sided adhesive (for the temperature probes), and two fan extension cables.
Once the Recon is installed in the case, the cables are connected and the probes are in place, you can boot the system and see the Recon in action. The LCD touchscreen is accurate and responsive, and thus configuring the Recon is relatively easy. In manual mode, changing the fan speed is as easy as pressing the fan icon to select the right fan, and then pressing the plus and minus icons on the touchscreen to increase or decrease the fan speed. It can take quite a few seconds, however, for the fan to actually change speed.
The controller is accurate, with a slight gain on voltages at the low end (5.7V instead of 5V). The temperature probes are accurate, as are the reported RPM speeds of the fans.
Yes, it comes in white as well.
Accessing the device remotely becomes possible once the Recon software is installed on the computer on which the controller is installed. This software is Windows-based, so if you are running a non-Windows OS, you will still be able to use the fan controller, but you won’t be able to take advantage of the remote access capabilities. On the plus side, the mobile interface is browser-based, so it is compatible with virtually any mobile operating system, including iOS, Android, or Windows.
The software is easy to install, and the mobile interface is easy to use while giving access to the Recon’s advanced functionality. One of the nice features is the ability to store up to three user setting profiles. For example, you may have one for gaming, which would likely require more cooling, and one for normal desktop usage, which would require less cooling. Once the profiles are saved, you can switch between them with the press of a button. The interface also displays current temperatures and fan speeds, as well as a means of switching between automatic and manual mode, and between Celsius and Fahrenheit on the temperature display.
Overall, the BitFenix Recon is a well-designed and well-constructed fan controller. Still, there are a few drawbacks. The power output per channel is 10 watts, which should be enough for most users, but may not be enough for a handful of more powerful fans. In addition, the back of the case does not have a clip for guiding the cables, which is a minor issue but is still worth noting. Nonetheless, the pros far outweigh the cons. Moreover, as far as I know, this is the only fan controller that can be adjusted via the internet. And all this functionality is available at a relatively low price. If you only need a basic fan controller, this may be overkill for you and you may be better off buying a budget-priced controller; otherwise, the Recon is an excellent choice and a good value.
BitFenix Recon Specifications:
SpecsMaterials: SofTouch™, ABS Plastic, Steel
Dimensions (WxHxD): 147 x 43 x 67mm
Form Factor: 5.25″ Drive Bay
Fan Channels: x 5
Temperature Channels: x 5
Max Watts / Channel: 10W
Measurement Frequency: Every 0.1 – 0.4 Seconds
Temperature Alarm Range: 30?-90?
Temperature Range: 0-100?
Screen Size : 4.7″
Recon™ Black: BFA-RCN-KS-RP
Recon™ White” BFA-RCN-WS-RP
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