FireAlarm! by Gemini Software

My Viewpoint

I think FireAlarm is a great idea, and this product seems to have every feature I think would be needed. It is very easy to install and very configurable.

FireAlarm takes up very little of the system. The supplied Y-connector means your game port is still free for your joystick. As I had FireAlarm running, my joystick ran fine. No problems. The software takes up a little bit of the system resources like any program would. It is constantly checking the sensors for readings. The software takes up very little processor power and system resources. But, your system will slow down a bit. On most machines, its operation will go unnoticed. Also, although the FireAlarm board does not require a slot on the motherboard, it does require a slot on the case but you can also have the board hanging somewhere else in the computer or outside the computer as i had.

I know that one question crossed my mind on this product: What's the point? Who cares to know the temperature inside their PC? My first thought: overclockers. Anyone who overclocks knows that the prime consideration is the heat generated by the overclocked chip. With FireAlarm, can you accurately measure the temperature of the chip (the system is accurate to about a degree Celcius, and, yes, I tested that). It can then be assessed whether you need additional cooling, or need to tune down the settings. Since you can measure anything in the system, even the air, you can track any hardware component.

For the rest of you who choose not to overclock, FireAlarm basically adds peace of mind. With a proper fan, you can track CPU fan failure and automatically shut down the system if it fails. The readings can also allow one to properly tweak a system's configuration or location. Do you fear your system may be getting too hot down on the floor against the wall? FireAlarm will either justify your fears or put them to rest.

For the small cost you spend on this ( 39.95 $ ) so do I think that you should really order this heat detection system. You can get it from Gemini Software ( that is where we got it ).