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Vantec Nexus Review Introduction to the Vantec Nexus In the past few years, Intel and AMD have started releasing faster processors at record speeds and intervals. Combine that with overclocking becoming more popular and the need for fans has increased dramatically. Many people (myself included) need high airflow periodically when their processors and video cards are at full load, but need a blissful silence occasionally. Enter the Vantec Nexus NXP-205. The Vantec Nexus NXP-205 follows Vantec’s pattern for aesthetics and functionality at an attractive price. Initial examination showed that the Vantec Nexus NXP-205 was built very well and was extremely sturdy; I also noticed that the PCB was very thick. Vantec Nexus Packaging The Vantec Nexus NXP-205 came packaged nicely in clearly labeled box on which the directions were printed.
• 4 Channel Fan Controller Vantec also states that the Nexus can adjust a fan’s voltage from 7-12 volts. Vantec Nexus Instillation Instillation of the Vantec Nexus is very simple and can be completed in four easy steps. 1. Unpack the NXP-205 and take the included wires and plug them into the Vantec Nexus. While you are doing that, plug a four-pin Molex connector into the NXP-205.
Vantec officially states that the Vantec Nexus NXP-205 only supports one fan per channel up to 18 watts. I emailed tech support looking for the unofficial answer. They said that while connecting multiple fans to one channel will increase the risk of frying that channel, many users do that and have not had any problems. I tried it, connecting six 80 mm fans to the first last channel, and it fried it. I think I went a watt or two over the limit. As you can see, when the NXP-205 is installed, it looks great. The LEDs are bright and light up the area around the knobs. Vantec Nexus Testing Since I do not have a multi-meter to test the voltages of each individual channel, I have recorded the NXP-205 with all the fans at 7 volts (first half of the WAV file) and then all of them at 12 volts (second half of the WAV file). The microphone was placed about a foot away from the computer case window. Click Here to listen to the WAV File Temperature will not be measured as in my setup, fans do not really affect CPU temperatures that much. In My computer, there are 21 fans, but only five of them are controlled with the NXP-205. Analysis of the Vantec Nexus NXP-205 As you can hear from the WAV file, the NXP-205 cuts down on fan noise. While it is a noticeable difference, there is some room for improvement. I would like to have seen the NXP-205 be able to turn a fan off completely as opposed to turning it down to 7 volts. Conclusion With the NXP-205, Vantec has once again made an excellent product combining aestics and functionality. The NXP-205 is able to control power hungry beast and turn them into a whisper. Pros Because of the quality and stunning looks of the NXP-205, its quality, and the value I give this an 9 out of 10. |
Vantec Nexus Specifications
