MODTHEBOX.COM - Canada's Premier Case Modding Source - Reviews - Vantec Nexus NXP-201 Fan Controller Review

Click image for larger view

One break from the traditional fan controller design is the absence of a panel-mounted LED for each channel. Vantec has instead breathed new life into the fan controller market with a new look: backlit control knobs. The knob is ringed by clear acrylic which sits just slightly behind the faceplate. When the unit is powered, a high intensity blue LED illuminates the acrylic backing, creating a visually striking effect. The knobs themselves are nicely designed, with a rough finish that gives them almost a pewter look, and a highly polished dash etched into it to act as an indicator.

The unit mounts very easily into an available 5 ¼ inch bay with four mounting screws. The PCB is fastened to each side plate with two additional screws. These screws, however, are recessed into the panel, obviously to avoid interfering with installation, particularly if drive rails are involved. Also of note in the side profile shot is that the knobs are low enough profile that they will not interfere with a door, so users of the popular Antec line of cases, or similar designs, don’t have to worry about looking for replacement knobs.

Click image for larger view

Looking at the base of the product, we see the printed circuit board attached to the brackets via four screws. Most users will immediately notice that there is no shielding or insulation on the base of the PCB. This might have been a concern if the PCB sat near the bottom of the drive bay, as most fan controllers do. This model, however, has the PCB centered evenly in the bay, so the risk of electrical shorts is negligible.

The top of the PCB reveals the 4-pin Molex connector which provides main power to the unit, along with four 3-pin power connectors for each channel. One thing that immediately stands out on the PCB is the lack of the huge heat sinks found on other units. Typically, these heat sinks absorb the heat created when a 12 volt channel is lowered down to minimal voltage. This is due to the lack of use of voltage regulators, which generate heat, in exchange for integrated circuits. One immediate advantage to this design is that it eliminates a great deal of bulk from the PCB. For advanced modifications, this means it would be relatively easy to detach and relocate the PCB from the drive cover and conceal it in a more inconspicuous part of the chassis.

Finally, one design feature to take note of is the orientation of the 3 pin connectors. Instead of being installed parallel to the board, they are mounted facing straight up. Since I normally pull all my wiring towards the drive bay and hook up the cabling before completely the installation of a rheobus, this isn’t a problem. However, for users who may try to plug or unplug a cable when the unit is installed within the case, this can be awkward, especially if the unit is installed below already populated drive bays.

Click image for larger view

Closer inspection of the rear portion of the drive cover reveals how the control knobs are backlit. A small piece of acrylic rests between the drive cover and the PCB. Small holes have been drilled out of the acrylic to allow the control knob to be connected. Five LEDs mounted between the knobs provide diffused illumination across the entire plate, and the result is a backlit control knob. One thing to note about the lighting scheme on this unit is that it is always on at the same intensity, regardless of fans connected or power applied. While I do like the effect the backlighting provides, losing some of the visual feedback of the fan controller with dimming or even powered down LEDs is a bit of a disappointment.

Finally, while users have the option of black or silver faceplates, the blue lighting is universal to the product line. While it may look like the PCB uses sockets for the LEDs, this isn’t the case; they are soldered directly to the board.