Power Down Protector from PCMods
The "Power Down Protector" is one of the latest computer gadgets from PCMods. It is a tiny unit designed to protect the CPU from overheating after switching off the computer. How it does this is by continuing to run the HSF and a case fan for between 1 to 10 minutes after power down. With the system powered down and the resultant loss of the +12V rail, the unit kicks in and powers the fans from the motherboards +5V standby line by tapping into the WOL, (Wake On Lan), connector.
Here is how PCmods describe it... "This device addresses an issue that has long been overlooked: your chip is the hottest when you first power down your PC. This device keeps your HSF fan running after you hit the power button, draining the heat out of the chip safely. This is very similar to a turbo timer on cars. This could extend the life of your chip significantly, especially if you overclock your pc.
In addition, this slick little unit also controls a SECOND fan. A good use of this is if you want you can keep your blowhole fan "powered on on" so that it will continue to exhaust out hot air.
Lastly, the amount of time the fan runs can be customised to your needs." PCMods have produced a graph demonstrating the effects on CPU and case temperature when using the Power Down Protector. At switch off the CPU shows no immediate rise in temperature. The gradual increase of 1°C would appear to be due to the HDD, ram etc dissipating there residual heat in to the case resulting in a slight rise ambient temperature. Since no information on the test setup is available I can not be sure.
The Power Down Protector comes as a complete kit with all the cables required for installation.
The package contains:
1 Power Down Protector Unit
5 cables (1 WOL, 2 fan cables, 1 Molex-male, 1 Molex-female, 1 LED cable)
Velcro fastener (can also be attached to PCI cards)
Instruction sheet
Note: For this product to work your motherboard needs to have Wake On LAN capability. Since almost all new motherboards have WOL as standard, there should be no problem powering the unit. Either 2 pin or 3 pin connector case power LEDs can be used with the unit. An indication as to the completeness of the kit.
Maximum rating is 12W/fan which should cover just about any fan found in a PC. It is worth noting that most PSUs can only supply 2A for the 5V standby which, assuming you are not actually using the WOL facility, will limit the power to 10Watts.