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Product:
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PCToys System Maxx Fan Controller |
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Price:
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$31 (CAN) / $23 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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PCToys
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Author:
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Mantis
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Date:
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June 5th, 2003
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Rating:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Out of the box, my first impressions of the PCToys System Maxx Fan Controller were positive. Upon closer inspection, the
System Maxx Fan Controller is simply a re-badged Vantec NXP 201, which MTB previously covered here.
The unit comes pre-assembled in an aluminum PCToys branded 5.25" bay and is being marketed as a plug and play
fan control solution. The PCToys System Maxx Fan Controller is designed to give consumers the ability to manually
adjust the speed of 4 fans effectively reducing the amount of noise produced. A total of 4 channels are rated for a
maximum of 15 to 18 Watts per channel, which demonstrates the ability to handle higher performance fans such as the
80mm Delta, and the Vantec Tornado product line. Unlike a conventional rheobus, the potentiometers present on the
PCToys System Maxx Fan Controller are only capable of a minimum adjustment of 7 Volts, and naturally, a maximum of
12 Volts. The Printed Circuit Board is tightly attached to the drive bay via 2 brackets and 4 mounting screws, which
also slightly elevate the board to prevent un-wanted shorts.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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One of the key features of the PCToys System Maxx Fan Controller is the inclusion of backlit control knobs, a concept
originally engineered by case modders which has since been revised and implemented into the System Maxx Fan Controller’s
design characteristics. The concept and application is quite straightforward and proves to yield great results. A
small acrylic plate resides between the front of the potentiometers and the inner of the drive bay. A series of 4 larger
holes are then present in which the smaller control knobs have protruded through, effectively creating a ring around the
knob. A total of 5 small LEDs are then soldered to the PCB and are slightly inserted into the acrylic plate to provide
the necessary illumination. This feature will be covered a little later on in the review. As previously mentioned,
consumers are limited to a blue backlit color scheme, while replacing the stock LEDs may be an option, doing so will
require some planning and soldering skills.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Printed Circuit Board contains all the necessary circuitry in order for the PCToys System Maxx Fan Controller
to properly operate. The overall layout is clean with all the necessary headers boldly printed in white and
centralized running along the rear edge of the board. A 4-pin Molex header resides in the left corner of the PCB
and is the main power source for the System Maxx Fan Controller. The four labeled fan headers sit vertically and
all are 3-pin compliant for usage with the included adapter cables. While I prefer the screw down terminals
personally, the 3-pin headers and adapter cables provide more versatility and ease of use yet may pose additional
cable clutter. As previously stated, each channel is capable of a maximum of 18 Watts and can effectively dial a
fan down to a minimum of 7 Volts.
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