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Vantec Vortex Review |
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Manufacturer: Vantec |
| Author:
Duke3d87 |
Introduction
It has
been said that as the speeds of hard drives increase, so does the heat output. Vantec seems to think so too: which is why they designed the Vantec Vortex, which is a
combination of performance and ascetics.
Vantec
Vortex Packaging
I
originally bought the Vantec Vortex primarily because it looked nice, but I also wanted
to cool my hard drive. Thus, when the package arrived from Xoxide, I blissfully
tore the box apart and pulled out my new Vortex.
As you can see, even the case of the Vortex looks nice.
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Vortex
Specifications |
| Model: |
VTX-C01-BK |
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Dimension: |
210 x 148.5 x
42.5 mm |
| Weight: |
750 g |
| 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 |
Special Features
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Lower your hard drive temperature by up to 40%
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Unique mounting design to dampen hard drive vibration
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Special design crossflow blower for superior airflow
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Adjustable fan speed (High, Low, OFF)
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Temperature display in C / F
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Replaceable filters to reduce dust build up
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Compatible with all 3.5" hard drive
- Fits
in a standard 5.25" drive bay
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Includes 3 dust filters
Vantec claims that using the Vortex can reduce your hard
drive’s temperature buy up to 40% we will see if the Vortex lives up to their
claim.
The Vantec Vortex uses a crossflow blower, which is not your typical fan. It is also
known as a “squirrel fan” which blows air straight, into the drive thus cooling
it off better then normal fans. Because of the way the crossflow blower is
designed, there is no dead spot in the fan, allowing your entire hard drive to
be engulfed in cool air.
Installation
Installing the Vantec Vortex was a simple task.
1.
Remove the four screws (two on each side) that hold the top cover of the
Vortex, and remove the top of the cooler.
2.
Take the thermal sensor that comes with the Vortex and tape it onto your hard
drive. I chose to tape it onto the back of the motor because it is the
hottest spot of the hard drive, but many people like to tape it on the top
of the hard drive. Tape is included to hold the thermal sensor to the hard
drive.
3.
Lay your hard drive on the four rubber mounts. These are the vibration dampers
that Vantec says reduces hard drive vibration, and a decrease in vibration means
less noise. Turn the Vortex over and insert four screws, which will secure your
hard drive and put replace the top of the Vortex and reinstall the four screws
that you removed in step 1.
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