Hardware temperature monitors

[Lordbob75]

Hey all,

So this is something I have searched far and wide for, and have yet to find any really good products.
I am looking for a way to monitor various component temperatures through a physical temperature probe placed on (or near) the component.
The reason for this is that software monitors tend to be inaccurate, the CPU temperature sensors get stuck, and there are just other random issues.

I would really like to get a front mounted LCD panel (1 or 2 CD trays thick) that I can output the temperatures too (yes, I know this will require some hardware/coding), as well as a bunch of physical temperature probes that I can place throughout the case and components (such as on the CPU heatsink, back of CPU, water pump, GPU, radiator, etc) that I can then output to the LCD screen.

Not sure if this is easily possible, or if there are already products out there for this.
I was also curious to hear how everyone else monitors temperatures, because I have decided that software like RealTemp, SpeedFan, etc just are not accurate enough (nor would they look as cool as a front LCD panel with updated temps).

~Lordbob

 

[Anak]

Found this at Tom's Hardware: Front Mounted Ports: Take a Joy Ride On The Fan Bus : Get On The Fan Bus
#'s 4 through 9 may be of interest. Scroll down a bit on some of the reviews, and it will show the kit parts.

 

[Lordbob75]

Found this at Tom's Hardware: Front Mounted Ports: Take a Joy Ride On The Fan Bus : Get On The Fan Bus
#'s 4 through 9 may be of interest. Scroll down a bit on some of the reviews, and it will show the kit parts.

Great link, though I was hoping to get a dedicated temperature monitor. I have speed controllers (custom made) for now, though I am contemplating buying a premade one for ease of use.

~Lordbob

 

[Mike Connor]

You can install extremely accurate temperature sensors, or make and calibrate your own. This is a great deal cheaper. Any standard transistor can be used as a temperature sensor, and if you calibrate properly, will be very accurate.

http://www.micro-examples.com/public/microex-navig/doc/098-temperature-sensor.html

http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/showthread.php?t=14720

http://www.sensorsmag.com/sensors/temperature/temperature-sensor-tips-and-tricks-1439

You can also buy dedicated temperature sensors and set them up as monitors;

http://projectsworld.wordpress.com/2009/10/04/digital-temperature-sensor/

DIY Temperature Sensor + Arduino - TBCS Community Forums

Some other info;

microcontroller - Good board for DIY temperature control/readout - Electronics Design - Stack Exchange

Dorkboard | DorkbotPDX

QKits Electronic Kits: QK145, Serial Temperature Sensor Kit

http://www.uchobby.com/index.php/2007/09/23/arduino-temperature-controlled-pc-fan/

http://www.oocities.org/kiwi_36_nz/tlog/tlog.htm

http://www.cytron.com.my/attachment/Details%20Description/PR11_DD.pdf

there are very many options and possibilities. If you search around the net, you will find lots.

Regards....Mike Connor

 

[Ciara]

This looks cool ... no pun intended

USA Lian Li TR-5 Thermometer 5.25 inch Black or Silver

UK Kustom PCs Lian Li TR-5B Thermometer Black

 

[TVeblen]

This guy had fun:
Tutorial: Connecting DS18B20 Temperature Sensors to the 633 - Crystalfontz LCD Forum

 

[jebuchanan]

That is a sweet little project, TVeblen.
Cool.

 

[Lordbob75]

Wow, thanks for all the links guys.

This right here is EXACTLY what I want to make
lukemiller.org» Blog Archive » A thermocouple datalogger based on the Arduino platform

Now I just need to figure out what it would cost to make (hell, I would pay $150 for this).

~Lordbob