More Gadgets?
For those of you that leave your PC on overnight or just require a quieter PC, we have looked at the Vantec Nexus Multi-function Panel. This device fits into your 5¼ inch drive bay and has many useful features. Temperature monitoring via 3 sensors, Fan speed control, USB 2.0 and Firewire ports. Along with these features there is also an LCD screen which displays the temperatures of the 3 sensors and the RPM of the fan.
Functionality
When I first saw the Nexus panel I was quite impressed by the number of functions the panel can do. Not only is it a fan controller but its also a port replicator and temperature monitor. Included in the contents are 3 temperature probes. These are intended to monitor the temperatures of the CPU, Case and Hard Drive. The temperature probes are easily installed by plugging them into the back of the panel and positioning them near the devices you wish to monitor. Vantec also supply 3 small stickers which can hold the probes in place.
To view the temperatures you have to cycle through the list
using the button next to the LCD screen. This cycles through the CPU,
HDD and Case temperatures. On the other half of the LCD screen is the
RPM read out. The Nexus panel is only capable of controlling 1 fan within
the case. This is ideally intended for use with the CPU fan. Also if the
CPU temperature goes above 65°C or the fan RPM drops below 1500 RPM
an alarm will sound to alert you of a problem.
To make use of two USB 2.0 and Firewire ports you simply plug the cables
which come with the device into the back of the panel and plug the cables
into the suitable ports on your motherboard. This means having to route
the cables through an empty PCI slot (or similar) to be able
to plug them into the ports on your motherboard. What I would have liked
to have seen is the option of being able to plug these cables directly
onto the motherboard's additional USB and firewire headers.
Appearance
Included within the pack are 3 interchangeable faceplates. Grey, Green and a Blue. These are easily changed by using the allen key (supplied) and allen key screws (supplied). For people with Aluminium cases the faceplates can be totally removed and left with an aluminium finish which doesn't look to bad.
Recently Vantec have also released extra additional faceplates. The extra colour faceplates come in 3 colour's, Black, Clear and Light Green. Within the faceplate pack also comes an allen key and allen screws.
The interchangeable faceplates add a unique touch to the product and also look great along side the large chrome fan control dial and green backlit LCD screen. The LCD screen is very clear to read from most directions apart from looking down onto it.
Installing the device was extremely easy. All the cables which Vantec supply have printed labels on the connecters. Although I find it strange they supply a manual in PDF format on their website but don't include it within the contents of the Vantec controller. (PDF file manual is available to download here.)
Movies
I've taken a couple of short movie so you can see how the device works in comparison to the noise from the fan and how the temperature sensors alter.
What happens if the fan falls below 1500 RPM? See Below..
Features
- Adjustable CPU Fan Speed Control
- Automatic CPU Fan Speed Detection
- Temperature Monitoring Switch & Display
- Audio alarm Warning (CPU overheat & Fan Failure)
- 2 USB & 1 Firewire ports
- 3 Stylish Interchangeable Faceplates
- 1 Year Warranty
Specifications
| Dimension: |
148.5 x 41.5 x 62.0 mm |
| Weight: |
350 gm |
| Rated Voltage | 5V ± 5% ~ 12V ± 5% |
| Input Power: |
5V - less than 0.5W 12V - depends on the type of fan |
| Panel Temperature Range: | 15°C ~ 70°C |
| Sensor Temperature Range: | 15°C ~ 90°C |
Contents
- Faceplates (3 pcs)
- Nexus Panel
- Cables
- Temperature Sensors (3 pcs)
- CPU Fan Cables (2 pcs)
- Power Cable
- USB 2.0 Cable
- Firewire Cable
- Tools
- Allen Key
- Allen Screws (8 pcs)
Pro's
- Ready to use. (Straight out of the box)
- No drilling of case face plates required.
- Looks Impressive
- Interchangeable Faceplates
- Extra Colour Faceplates available
- Spare screws
- Cheaper compared to Digidoc's
Con's
- Can only control 1 Fan
- Only displays 1 temperature at 1 time
- Loss of a PCI slot for the cabling
Conclusion
This is defiantly a very good device if you need something to monitor and control your temperatures/CPU fan. Its a cheap alternative to a Digidoc, although the Nexus has the USB 2.0 and Firewire ports. Not only is the product functional but it also looks great with the changeable faceplates, which are easy to match up to any computer case. :)
