MODTHEBOX would like to thank Jeff from Xoxide
for sending the Xoxide Ultimate Fan Panel for review.
Introduction:
With the original introduction of the basic fan control solution by Cliff Anderson of Fanbus.com
fame, consumers are now able to bring new appeal and level of control to their modified or stock computer
systems. The original concept and base technology are constantly being revised as the case modification
market grows in order to provide a common bridge for a product which encompasses greater fan control
and aesthetics. There are several fan control solutions readily available all of which follow the same
concept but slightly diversify by incorporating their own twists and special features. In the past, MTB
has featured a wide variety of fan control devices targeted towards the enthusiast market. Today in MTB
Labs, we will be evaluating a new contender to the consumer market, the Ultimate Fan Panel unit from Xoxide.
Specifications:
The Ultimate Fan Panel is one of the newest fan control solutions being offered from Xoxide Modifications.
The Ultimate Fan Panel takes on the standard design and incorporates some additional features such as 6 ports,
LED knobs and three interchangeable faceplates. Here are some specifications taken directly from the
Xoxide website:
The Ultimate Fan Panel ships in a clear retail blister package showcasing the unit itself complete with the product
name boldly printed across the front cardboard inlay. Product specifications and highlights are neatly presented at
the rear or the package. Included inside the Ultimate Fan Panel are all the necessary items needed for a complete
installation which consists of a user manual, 2 interchangeable face plates, mounting screws & rails, three 4-pin
to 3-pin adapters and the Ultimate Fan Panel itself.
4-pin Molex fan cables
Click image for larger view
There are a total of 3 adapters included in the package which are to be used to connect 4-pin Molex based fans. Despite
the six available headers present on the Ultimate Fan Panel, only a total of three cables are included in the package.
In order to accommodate several color combinations, the Ultimate Fan Panel comes bundled with 2 additional acrylic faceplates
that can be easily interchanged to suit each consumers personal needs. A clear faceplate comes installed as the default
option upon shipping.
Click image for larger view
Click image for larger view
Out of the box, my initial impressions of the Ultimate Fan Panel were positive. Designed for 5.25" bay usage, the Ultimate
Fan Panel bears appearance to similar units yet manages to bring some new design elements such as LED knobs and interchangeable
face plates. The bulk of the design is constructed from an aluminum drive insert and measures 148mm (W) x 42mm (H) x 82mm (D).
A total of 6 LED knobs are capable of adjusting a fan each from 7V to 12V speeds with a rated maximum of 10 watts per channel.
