MODTHEBOX would like to thank Anand from ADPmods
for sending the Noise Isolator PWM Fan Controller for review.
Introduction:
The importance of good air circulation inside a computer case can provide some cost effective benefits in terms of
prolonging the life of system components and aiding in controlling high system temperatures. The consumer market
is currently saturated with a wide variety of "off the shelf" products available for improving air circulation.
While case modding traditionalists have always gone the DIY route and manufactured their own kits, a few
manufacturers have released some new low budget solutions that incorporate all the necessary function without
the labour process. As a side benefit these devices also allow consumers to vary the voltage on RPM speed and lower
fan decibel noise levels. Today in the MTB Labs, we will be taking an exclusive look at the Noise Isolator PWM Fan
Controller, a product that controls six fan devices and two 12V DC devices at 20 watts per channel.
Specifications:
The Noise Isolator PWM Fan Controller is pre-assembled and includes all the necessary components for installation.
Consumers have the option of selecting from two different colour variations (black and silver) available from the
ADPMods website. Here are some of the specifications taken from the ADPMods website:
Noise Isolator FC-525PW PWM Fan Controller - Key Specifications:
Noise Isolator FC-525PW PWM Fan Controller: Manufactured by Mitron Interlink Inc
Pulse width modulation fan speed control module
12V DC input
12V DC output x 2 (3A/12V DC power)
20W per fan speed control channel
3 channels controlling up to 6 fans
3 different coloured bezel versions: FC-525PW-S: Silver Panel, FC-525PW-BK: Black Panel and FC-525PW-B: Blue Panel
Click image for larger view
Click image for larger view
The Noise Isolator PWM Fan Controller arrived in a standard retail blister package. The front portion of the package
has the product logo, model number and Noise Isolator PWM Fan controller in plain view. The side and rear portions
of the package contain information on product specifications, features, parts list, and a mini 5-step installation guide.
Click image for larger view
Click image for larger view
Included in the packaging is the pre-assembled fan controller, 4 x mounting screws, 1 x LP4 4-pin Y-Cable, 2 x TX3 3-pin
extension cables and 1 x PWM power switch cable. The TX3 3-pin cables measure approximately 2ft and are primarly used
for extending the length of any 3-pin fan inside a case. The PWM power switch cable connects directly to any 12V DC
device using a 4-pin Molex connector. During my inspection of the package, I noticed that the package only contains one
PWM power switch cable instead of two required cables. Consumers looking for an additional cable have the option of
ordering this cable directly from ADPMods as an add-on accessory.
Click image for larger view
Click image for larger view
Out of the package, my first impressions of the Noise Isolator PWM Fan Controller were extremely positive.
The unit has a very clean layout and is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Black and Silver have been themed
around the design with 3 mid-sized chrome knobs which are centered on the included black 5,25" drive bay plate.
The chrome knobs have white accents, which indicate knob rotation (left to right) as well as identify which
knob is related to each channel. Two smaller chrome momentary switches have also been installed opposite the
center chrome knob. These chrome momentary switches control the OFF/ON status of any 12V DC device attached
to this unit. As a visual queue for the ON/OFF status, two smaller 3mm LEDs have been installed where green
represents OFF status and red represents ON status. Towards the left and right sides of the Noise Isolator
PWM Fan Controller are a series of pre-drilled mounting holes which allow this unit to be secured to any
free 5.25" drive bay using the included mounting screws.
