Lamptron Announces ‘Steampunk’ FC10 Fan Controller

Lamptron has long been producing some of the most powerful and best-looking fan controllers on the market, and with its FC10 series, the company aims to take things just a bit further. For steampunk fans, Lamptron has implemented “nixie tube” displays that use bright orange cathodes. The result is a cool vintage look, and probably one of the most unique peripherals ever to be installed in a PC.

The FC10 comes in two flavors; original with just one matte black faceplate and then ‘Special Edition’, featuring a total of five. For those looking for the ultimate in vintage, it’s the Special Edition that must be considered, as the matte black faceplate of the regular edition is rather plain. Those interchangeable faceplates do tack onto the price, however. The regular FC10 will retail for $69.99, while the Special Edition will retail for $89.99. That’s right… nearly $100 for a fan controller. If I had to guess, those nixie tubes aren’t cheap.

The controllers feature a total of four channels at 30W a piece, and both editions include a wireless remote for fan control. The latter point is important to note, because while most fan controllers allow you to push knobs or slide dials, the FC10 does not. Instead, the nixie tube displays are for looks only, able to display either the RPM, temperature or voltage. The remote will allow you to choose between either of those and also control the fan speeds.

This is far from being a power users’ fan controller, but for those who want a truly unique look to their PC, the FC10 looks to deliver.