|
Product:
|
Vantec Vortex Hard Drive Cooling System |
|
Price:
|
$53 (CAN) / $40 (U.S)
|
|
Supplied By:
|
Vantec
|
|
Author:
|
DrMobius
|
|
Date:
|
November 28th, 2003
|
|
Rating:
|
|
MODTHEBOX would like to thank Clare from Vantec
for sending the Vantec Vortex Hard Drive Cooling System for review.
Introduction:
As computer hardware continues to climb the ladder of electronic evolution, constantly becoming faster
and more efficient, the temperatures of the devices climb as well. The industry standard for hard drives
is currently rated between 5400 RPM to 7200 RPM, and newer models are being developed to increase this speed
to higher performance levels. As the hard drives spin faster they tend to generate more heat. If a hard
drive is not properly cooled, the risk for data loss and file corruption increases as well as the
potential for hard drive failure. In order to prevent this, many computer hardware manufacturers have
introduced devices where the sole purpose is to provide component cooling. Today in the MTB Labs, we
will be evaluating the latest hard drive cooling system developed by Vantec marketed under the brand
name of the Vortex.
Specifications:
The Vantec Vortex Hard Drive Cooling System is an all-in-one solution designed specifically for
cooling hard drive components. The product includes a full aluminum housing, adjustable fan speed,
digital temperature display, and Vantec’s special design crossflow blower. Here are some specifications
taken directly from the Vantec website:
|
Vantec Vortex Hard Drive Cooling System - Key Specifications:
|
| Vantec Vortex Hard Drive Cooling System: Manufactured by Vantec |
| Dimensions: 210mm x 148.5mm x 42.5 mm |
| Weight: 750 gm |
| Model: VTX-C01-BK |
| Rated Voltage: 12V |
| Rated Current: 0.1A |
| Fan Speed: 2000 ~ 3700 RPM |
| Airflow: 16 ~ 30 CFM |
| Noise Level: 28 ~ 38 dBA |
| Fan MTBF: 30,000 hrs |
| Bearing Type: Ball Bearing |
|
Vantec Vortex Hard Drive Cooling System - Key Features:
|
| Lower your hard drive temperature by up to 40% |
| Unique mounting design to dampen hard drive vibration |
| Special design crossflow blower for superior airflow |
| Adjustable fan speed (High, Low, OFF) |
| Temperature display in C° / F° |
| Replaceable filters to reduce dust build up |
| Compatible with all 3.5" hard drive |
| Fits in a standard 5.25" drive bay |
| Fan MTBF: 30,000 hrs |
| Includes 3 dust filters |
|
Click image for larger view
|
Click image for larger view
|
|
The Vortex Hard Drive Cooling System was shipped in a double-walled corrugated box sporting the Vantec
logo. The box was filled with polystyrene peanuts and included the Vortex in the retail packaging. The
front of the box shows a nice product shot of the unit with the digital temperature reading an extremely
low 23°C. The back of the box illustrates the features and specifications of the Vortex and also has a
few diagrams of the new crossflow blower.
|
|
Click image for larger view
|
Click image for larger view
|
|
Inside the retail box the Vortex was tightly wrapped in protective plastic bubble wrap. The first thing
I noticed when taking the Vortex out of the retail box was how heavy the unit was in comparison to some
of the other hard drive coolers on the market. This is because the Vortex is constructed primarily out
of aluminum as opposed to its plastic counterparts. Stuffed inside the Vortex itself was a plastic bag
that contained mounting screws, tape to secure the sensor to the hard drive, and 2 extra filters. Also
inside the Vortex was an instruction booklet with full color installation guide, display operation
instructions, as well as information on how to change the dust filter.
|
|
Click image for larger view
|
Vantec Vortex external casing
|
|
The external casing of the Vortex unit comes off easily by removing 4 screws (2 on each side). Once the
top casing is off, you can see Vantec’s special crossflow blower design which is mounted under a protective
cover that also helps direct the air flow. The aluminum casing is grooved, much like the casing on a
car stereo amplifier, to help keep the internal temperatures and the casing cool.
|
|
