Lamptron CT070

Hands-on with Lamptron’s Latest Fan Controllers: CT070 and CT630 Review

As a long-time PC hardware enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of testing Lamptron’s latest offerings in the fan controller space – the CT070 All-in-One Controller and the CT630 v1 Auto-Controller. These devices represent an interesting departure from traditional fan controllers, offering sophisticated control options for modern PC builds.

Design and Build Quality

Both controllers share similar physical dimensions (121.5 x 72.5 x 21 mm) and feature a robust PCB design with high-quality components.

The CT070 comes in an fairly standard carboard box with the unit’s capabilities printed on the front.

The package includes all required cables, a remote control and a user manual. The user manual provides very limited detail on how to install the unit, so this is something Lamptron will need to revise in the future. The default package includes 7 thermal probes as well to ensure adequate coverage for your monitoring needs.

The CT070’s centerpiece is its 7.0-inch IPS touchscreen display (153.9 x 87 mm), housed in a brushed black aluminum case. The display unit includes a standard 1/4″ thread mount for optional stand or bracket mounting, making it highly versatile for different setup configurations. Interestingly the display panel has other inputs which are not discussed in the user manual, however opens up other possibilities if you like thinkering around.

Display and Interface

The CT070’s IPS panel truly shines when you dive into its various monitoring modes. During my testing, I was particularly impressed by the graph view, which presents real-time data through color-coded line charts. Each channel gets its own distinct color, making it easy to track voltage, current draw, and RPM trends over time.

The interface cycles through several useful views:

  1. The primary monitoring screen shows all six channels with detailed metrics
  2. A full-screen graph mode for trend analysis
  3. A striking clock display that doubles as a screensaver
  4. An innovative circular interface with an intuitive radial design

What really caught my attention was the RGB/ARGB control panel. Instead of the basic color pickers found in most controllers, Lamptron has implemented a full-featured lighting control system with:

  • Preset effects including gradient, flash, and breathing modes
  • Custom color creation with fine-tuned adjustment
  • Independent speed and brightness controls
  • Separate ARGB and RGB management
  • A full-spectrum color palette with visual preview

The interface’s depth becomes apparent as you use it – while there’s a learning curve due to the layered menu system, the functionality justifies the complexity.

Remote Control Functionality

The included remote control adds convenience to the CT070’s operation. Key features include:

  • Power button with display backlight control
  • Navigation pad with OK/Enter button
  • Directional controls (up/down/left/right)
  • Alarm activation/deactivation
  • Plus/minus adjustment buttons
  • Requires 2 AAA batteries (not included)

Features and Functionality

CT070 All-in-One Controller

  • 6 independent control channels
  • 30W per channel power output
  • Support for both RGB and ARGB
  • Built-in touchscreen interface
  • Compatible with remote control
  • Dual display synchronization capability
  • Support for up to 60 LEDs per strip
  • Both PWM and DC fan control options
  • USB and microSD card slots (though functionality appears limited)
  • IR sensor for remote operation

CT630 v1 Auto-Controller

  • Matches the CT070’s power capabilities with 30W per channel
  • 6 control channels
  • Similar LED support (up to 60 LEDs)
  • Designed for automated control
  • Can be linked with other controllers
  • Universal fan compatibility
  • Identical PCB design to CT070, minus the display interface


Installation and Physical Integration

Installation requires some planning, as both controllers are sized similarly to a 2.5″ drive, though slightly taller. Some key installation notes:

  • Controllers can be mounted in standard 2.5″ drive bays
  • The CT070 display connects via a dedicated cable to the controller
  • Power delivery supports both SATA and Molex connections
  • SATA power recommended for maximum performance (up to 54W)
  • Multiple controllers can be daisy-chained
  • No mounting hardware included, requiring creative mounting solutions
  • Double-sided tape recommended for CT630 mounting

Performance and Operation

During my week-long testing period, the monitoring capabilities proved comprehensive and reliable. The system excels at presenting complex data in digestible formats:

  • Real-time voltage monitoring with millisecond precision
  • Current draw measurement for each channel
  • Power consumption tracking
  • Temperature monitoring with hwinfo integration

One interesting discovery was the temperature monitoring accuracy. When cross-referenced with hwinfo readings, I noticed some variation in the external sensor readings compared to internal component temperatures. This is actually by design – the external sensors provide ambient temperature data rather than component-specific readings, offering a different but equally valuable perspective on system thermal performance.

The system boots quickly and initializes all channels automatically. The interface provides comprehensive monitoring:

  • Individual channel status with automatic/manual mode indicators
  • Real-time power consumption metrics
  • Voltage readings
  • Temperature sensor data
  • RGB/ARGB control status

The alarm system provides helpful monitoring, triggering alerts for events like fan failures. Users can adjust values using plus/minus controls, with separate RGB and ARGB lighting management sections.


Price and Value Proposition

At approx AU$250 for the CT070 All-in-One Controller and AU$80 for the CT630 Auto-Controller, these units position themselves in the premium segment of the market. While the pricing might raise eyebrows, especially for the CT070, the hardware quality and feature set help justify the investment. The total package price of AU$330 for both units reflects their positioning as enthusiast-grade hardware.

Final Verdict

After extensive testing, these controllers have revealed both impressive strengths and notable limitations.

Strengths:

  • Premium build quality and materials
  • Sophisticated monitoring capabilities
  • Extensive connectivity options
  • Expandable architecture
  • Comprehensive hardware monitoring through the 7.0-inch IPS display
  • Rich RGB/ARGB control options
  • No software dependency

Neutral Points:

  • Software-free operation (could be a pro or con depending on user preference)
  • Remote control batteries not included

Limitations:

  • Poorly translated and confusing English manual
  • Bulky display housing requires careful placement
  • Steep learning curve for beginners
  • Cable management challenges
  • Premium pricing
  • User interface complexity requires patience to master

For Whom Is This Ideal?

The Lamptron controllers are best suited for experienced PC enthusiasts who:

  • Value hardware-level control over software solutions
  • Need comprehensive monitoring capabilities
  • Want expandable cooling control
  • Appreciate detailed real-time system feedback
  • Don’t mind investing time in learning a complex interface

For beginners or those seeking a plug-and-play solution, these controllers might prove overwhelming. However, for power users willing to invest time in mastering their capabilities, they offer unparalleled control over system cooling and lighting.

Recommendation

For those building high-end systems with multiple fans and RGB elements, either controller would be an excellent choice. The CT070 is ideal for users who prefer hands-on control and visual feedback, while the CT630 is perfect for those who prefer a set-and-forget approach or want to expand an existing CT070 setup. Just be prepared to get creative with mounting solutions during installation.

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