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Product:
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Vantec Nexus NXP-205 Fan Controller |
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Price:
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$41 (CAN) / $30 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Vantec
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Author:
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Shennon
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Date:
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July 10th, 2003
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Rating:
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Nexus NXP-205 3 to 4-pin fan cable
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Like the power supply extension, Vantec included a set of fan extension cables. These cables have a three
and four pin connector on one end to facilitate either style. Depending on the type of fan used, consumers
can connect multiple fans to one channel or chain them together using the four pin connectors. If you want
to monitor fan speeds, the yellow wire each three pin fan can be split off using another three pin
connector end from a dead fan, and plugged into a spare motherboard header.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Once the Vantec Nexus NXP-205 Fan Controller is powered, the blue LEDs shine around the knobs. From my observations,
the light looks evenly distributed around the knobs. Connecting four UV based LED fans, I noted that there was no LED flicker that
some rival Rheobus products suffer from in their design. Vantec assures that the NXP-205 will work with the any type of high performance
fan. To test the NXP-205, I hooked up a Vantec Tonado fan which worked on each channel with no problems. The Vantec
Tornado requires 9.1 watts of power and as previously mentioned the NXP-205 can handle up to 18 watts per channel.
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Conclusion:
The Vantec Nexus NXP-205 is a solid unit, and with the blue back-lit knobs, should please those who want to add an
appealing look to the front of the case. The NXP-205 offers a generous 18 watts per channel that should satisfy
the cooling configurations of most mid-tower and full tower cases. Consumers who have cases with swing away doors
such as the Antec, Cheming, Chieftec and Enermax should not have any issues since knobs are shallow enough to allow the door
to close with ease. The biggest benefit of this product is that it elimates the need to use a standard
5.25" drive bay and fits conveniently into a 3.5" drive bay.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The only possible issue that might cause some room for concern is for consumers who have cases in which the 3.5"
drive bay is integrated into the front bezel itself. I have only come across one specific case that has this
type of configuration and that was the Platinum XP and
Nikao Zizon cases that MTB reviewed back in 2002.
The NXP-205 looks right at home in an aluminum or silver based case such as the TurboCase X-Dreamer. Another
point to note is that the lowest fan setting on this unit is 7 volts, which means that you cannot turn your
fans completely off. For my purposes, I do not need the fans off and prefer them on at the 7V setting.
This configuration guarantees that when I am away or sleeping, there is still constant air flow in the case which can be adjusted when needed.
Overall, like the NXP-201, I’m rating the NXP-205 an 8 out of 10.
and would recommend this product to users looking for a mid-level performing fan management system that looks
fantastic and fits a 3.5" drive bay. If you have any questions regarding this review be sure to visit the
Vantec website for more information or discuss
them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Easy installation
- Fits a 3.5" drive bay
- Great aesthetic appeal
- Supports up to 18 W per channel
- Unique backlit knobs
- Fits cases with bezel-mounted doors
- Cable extensions provided
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Cons:
- Only drops voltage to 7 volts
- No functional use of lighting
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