Shortly before Christmas, the German company Aqua Computer introduces a new 8-channel controller for PWM fans. The control with the name OCTO impresses with an enormous range of functions and this on a surface smaller than a credit card.

In addition to the core function of a fan controller, the device also offers two channels for digitally controllable LEDs and can control up to 180 LEDs with many effects. In addition to Aqua Computer's own RGBpx LED products, the OCTO can also be connected to LEDs from many third party manufacturers via optionally available adapters.The most important functions at a glance:

• Programmable 8-channel fan controller
• Eight fan outputs with up to 25 watts power per channel and speed monitoring, 100 watts total power
• All fan outputs with 4-pin plug and adjustable via PWM signal
• All fan outputs can be switched off completely
• Control parameters can be adjusted in many ways
• Four temperature sensor inputs
• 16 further measured values can be transferred from PC to OCTO via aquasuite software
• Flow sensor input
• Two RGBpx LED outputs for LED strips and fans with individually addressable LEDs
• USB 2.0 intterface
• aquasuite software for comfortable adjustment, analysis and visualisation of all sensor data
• aquabus interface: When connected to an aquaero 5/6, the fan outputs can be controlled via the aquaero

Fan controller
The eight fan ports of the OCTO can be configured individually. Thanks to the high output power of 25 watts per channel, it is also possible to connect several fans to one output of the OCTO via suitable splitters.

In addition to a manual adjustment of the fans, temperature-controlled operation is also possible. Both setpoint controllers and individually adjustable control curves are available for this purpose. Optionally, the connected fan can be switched off completely if the temperature falls below the set temperature, or it can continue to run with an adjustable minimum output. An intelligent start boost function with monitoring of the speed signal can be activated for each channel to start the fans safely.

All fan outputs are only suited for PWM fans with four-pin connectors and are protected against overload.RGBpx control device for addressable LEDs
The OCTO has two RGBpx outputs for the individual control of up to 180 addressable LEDs. Each LED can be individually adjusted in color and brightness. A total of twelve LED groups of variable size can be configured, to which visual effects can then be assigned.

The 23 available effects offer extensive setting options for further individualization. Many effects also offer the possibility to modify effect parameters (e.g. speed) depending on current sensor values. The available effects also include sound-to-light effects that react to the sound currently played by the computer.The AMBIENTpx effect deserves special notice, replicating the border area of the current monitor display on connected LEDs, allowing for an impressive background lighting surrounding the monitor.

As an alternative to the LED strips offered by Aqua Computer, Corsair and NZXT LED fans can also be used for lighting effects using the optional RGBpx Splitty4 adapter.

Adapters for the connector used by Asus and other mainboard manufacturers are also available.

Demonstration video of the RGBpx effects:

Usage as aquabus extension device possible
In addition to its use as an autonomous USB fan controller, the OCTO can also be used as an aquabus extension for an aquaero 5 or aquaero 6. In this case, the aquaero can use the eight fan outputs of the OCTO for its own control functions.

Technical data

• Dimensions without inserted cable: approx. 76 x 48 x 15 mm
• Supply voltage: 5 V, 12 V
• Fan output power: maximum 25 watts per channel, 100 watts total output power
• PWM control signal: 0 - 100 %, resolution 0.1 %

Scope of supply

• OCTO Controller
• one temperature sensor, length approx. 70 cm
• one internal USB connection cable, length approx. 100 cm
• mounting material

Price and availability
OCTO is available as of now at a price of 54.90 Euro.