Following the detailed manual with schemes, installation is very easy and straightforward process. After the inserting the control panel in the case, fix it with four screws (I was only able to screw it in from one side). My recommendation is to connect all the cables already before inserting the panel in your case, as ZM-MFC2 is only 87 mm deep and you won't be able to easily reach it after mounting. Just connect fan cables with panel cables and fix the temperature sensors. Another part is nearly identical to regular USB port. This “Zalman port” will occupy one position in the backside of your case. This is to plug the CVS sensor serving to monitor actual power consumption.






Scheme of connection

After easy installation, let's have a short look at principle of operation, which is very easy again. MODE button allows you to select a fan channel, which you want to regulate. After the changing of fan speed values with round button, press the MODE button again, and the new setting will be saved. If you press the button for a longer moment, settings will change to default configuration. In case that there is one of four channels with no fan connected, you get an alarm. But don't panic, just press the round button for a longer moment and alarm will turn off. If the alarm is active, even after the connection of all four channels, try to control if everything is plugged correctly.



Panel parts description
1. Graphic Power Load Meter, which informs you about the power consumption. It displays power between 30 and 800W.
2. Numeric Power Load Display, which displays power between 30 and 800W.
The Numeric Power Load Display will read “LLL”when an overflow occurs.
3. Fan Status Display with stylish animated propeller images.
4. Fan channels, numbers of each connected fans.
5. Information about RPM displays an actual operational RPM.
6. Temperature Display, which displays temperature readings between -9 °C and +99 °C.
7. Round button, the Jog Wheel for adjusting Fan RPM.
8. Mode button for selecting a Fan channel and saving the Fan RPM setting.

Installation went smoothly, apart the fact that I was able to screw in the control panel only from one side. Finally I've got the information about my rig's consumption with Intel Core 2 Duo E4500 Processor, overclocked on 3.1 GHz, 1GB RAM overclocked on 840 MHz, Asus P5K and ATi Radeon X700 256MB. It uses 87W at idle (only the system was running), around 100W while surfing on Internet and around 142W while playing Gears of War.



To sum up, Zalman ZM-MFC2 is easy to install multifunction panel with many great functions. Nearly perfect device, however I have two major objections. Firstly, the Zalman panel together with all cables occupies loads of space, so get ready for little bit of mess behind your case. The only solution is to play with the wires and try to place it in order. Here I have to say, that this drawback is regarding all similar devices. My suggestion is to provide similar units with stretchy cables or find the cable management solution, which is obvious for more reputable brands.



Another downside is regarding the panel display. It looks great and cool, but I've found it little bit unpractical. If your case is placed under the table, you'll have some difficulties to manage to get some information, as it is not possible to read on a display from position above it. At the end, you'll find more practical to control your fan speed and temperature going the software way. At least I was fed up to get on my knees next to my case all the time. Here, privileged are those who have the PC case placed on the table.