Introduction

Hey folks. I'm back again with another product review from VantecUSA. A few weeks back we take a look at the Nexus Multi-Function Panel, which provides temperature readings via an LCD and also CPU fan speed control, and also USB2.0 and Firewire ports. Now most of us would have more than just a single fan and we all know what type of fans a crazy modder would have in his case. But at certain point of time, we would like to quiet them down to have some peace of mind or when we're sleeping. The idea of controlling our fans to quiet things down isn't new, so with the availability of various kinds of control devices out there, how will this newcomer from VantecUSA fare? Well, that's what we're about to find out!

Black and Silver

PCB on the unit

The units we received are sort of prototype units so the retail versions might be a little different. VantecUSA currently has two different colours of the unit, black and silver. Also, we did not receive any cables with the units but VantecUSA assured us that the final retail version will be shipped with the following standard cables;

• 1 power cable
• 2 pcs 4 pin to 3 pin fan power cables
• 2 pcs 3 pin to 3 pin fan power extension cables.

Full frontal shot

Close up on knobs

Specifications

• 4 Channel Fan Controller
• Adjustable Fan Speed Knob
• Aluminium "U" Type Housing
• Blue LED Light
• 15 - 18 Watts per channel
• Fits in Standard 5.25" Bay
• 3-Pin Fan Connectors
• Great for Vantec Tornado or Other High CFM Fans

Features

The Nexus Fan Controller is basically a rheobus but unilke other units out there, VantecUSA does it in style and typical Vantec fashion. While the lot of the rheobuses out there either requires you to drill your own faceplate for mounting or has plain housings, the "U" type housing of the Nexus came with nicely done markings, showing you the Nexus and vantec logos and also the speed markings for each knobs. I know the exterior look is subjective but Vantec goes the extra mile and it shows their professionalism in their products. The control knobs looks like something of a Hi-Fi set and it has clear linings around it to let the LED backlight shines thru.

The PCB

Looking at the rear of the unit, you'll find the PCB assembly that houses all of the electronics components. There are capacitors, potentiometers, resistors and also what looks like an IC Chip. The Nexus's circuitry is based on a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) design. This type of circuit is much better than the normal voltage regulator circuits as there are no energy loss, thus no heat generated. For more info on PWM, read the NatriumTech Digital Rheobus Review that I did not long ago. Another great thing about this unit is the LED backlight. Instead of having LEDs mounted up front next to the knobs, the unit has LEDs mounted on an acrylic sheet and dispersing the light from the LED to the front of the unit, giving it a nice blue glow. Power is supplied via the 4 pin Molex connector on the PCB.

PCB view

Capacitors and other electronics stuff

Molex connector and Control IC chip?

LEDs

3-pin fan connectors

Back of PCB

However, like most of the control devices out there, the unit suffers one drawback and that is the power connectors for the fans are situated on the PCB itself so if you're planning on removing/changing your fans, you'll have to remove the unit first. Also you'll need to splice your fans cables and make them longer in order to connect them to the unit. VantecUSA counters this however with the inclusion of the extension cables that will come standard with the retail package. Definitely a nice addition although I'm not sure how long the cables would be. I hope it'll be long enough though. Or alternatively, you can make your own cable extension like the one I've shown you here.

 

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