Vantec Nexus (NXP-305-SL) Review

Nexus 305 Features

3 Channel Aluminum Fan Controller

18 Watts per Channel

Control Voltage From 0V to 12V

Manually Adjust From Full Speed to Off

Great For Vantec Tornado Fans and Other High CFM Fans

Built-In Dual CCFL Inverter With Light Control

Adjust CCFLs To On, Off, or Sound Activated

Compatible With Vantec Spectrum Cold Cathode Lights

Stylish Aluminum Housing With Ultra-Bright LED Lights

Fits In A Standard 3.5" Drive Bay

A Closer Look

The Nexus 305 Package

Here you see the box that the Nexus 305 comes in, everything is packed away nicly inside.

The Nexus 305 Package

The Goodies

Included in the Nexus 305's package was:

* 3.5" Nexus Fan & Light Controller * 2x Blue CCFLs * 1x Power Extension Cable * 3x 3 Pin/4 Pin Universal Fan Cable * 4x Double Sided Tape * 4x Screws

Here we can see all the wires, and other items that come with the nexus. - One of the draw backs to the previous models of the nexus, is it came with a couple 4 pin connectors and a couple 3 pin connectors. Vantec has rectified that problem, by making all of the fan connectors a 3 pin/4 pin mix.

Here you can see a close up of the 3 pin/4 pin connectors. In the instruction booklet, Vantec states to use only one of the ends. Meaning use the 3 pin or the 4 pin, not both. I used both, and as long as you don't hit the 18W mark, you should be safe.

The 3 pin/4 pin Connector

The nexus we are looking at today is the NXP-305-SL, which as you might have deciphered is the silver model. There is also a NXP-305-BK, which uses a black aluminum face plate.

Front View

Back View

On the back view, you can see the 5 connectors. They are for (left to right) 2x CCFL, 3x Fan, and lastly power. The PCB is a pretty blue, and runs the entire length of the aluminum housing. At the very end of the PCB is the power inverter used by the CCFLs, notice it's protected by a plastic shell. You do not want to touch this.

Angled View

Top Down View

Here we see the knobs to the Nexus. The fan controller knobs are all painted silver, while the CCFL controller knob is chrome. This was probably done to help identify it better, but in my opinion it takes away from the look. It says "Light Control" under the CCFL controller knob, that's the only thing I need to identify it. The two small holes next to the CCFL controller knob is for the sound sensor.

Both Knobs

Around each knob is a plastic ring. This ring in addition to the 5 super bright LEDs helps produce a brilliant, even glow.

LEDs