| NZXT Sentry 2 Touchscreen Fan Controller |  |
| Reviews - Featured Reviews: Accessories | ||||||
| Written by Tim White - Edited by Olin Coles | ||||||
| Thursday, 20 August 2009 | ||||||
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NZXT Sentry Final ThoughtsI think the Sentry 2 is a huge success for NZXT. With the change from the Sentry LX's actual RPM to the Sentry 2's speed percentages they've opened the door to double your fan options, or just flat out save you money eliminating the potential need of buying new fans. While I really did like the Sentry LX despite it's downfalls but the Sentry 2 simply outperforms it both in simplicity of operation and reliability. I miss the aluminum but consider it a fair trade off for the intuitive design and reliability.
Sentry-2 Fan Controller ConclusionThe retail packaging is full color and very clear and understandable. Less is more in this case, no overwhelming technical specifications that most people will not read, just clear and precise descriptions. The Sentry 2 has a colorful touchscreen panel. Much more attractive than the Sentry 1 with it's single color LED readout. The Sentry 2 appears more hi tech than any mechanical fan controller I've ever seen. Made mostly of molded plastic it's not as solid as the Sentry LX or Sentry 1 but it is definitely strong enough to deal with some fingers touching on the screen. I'm not afraid of it breaking but aluminum would be nice. Functionally speaking the Sentry 2 has been easy to operate and has been absolutely smooth and responsive. I have no complaints. Initially I was a bit put off when the fans would not operate below 40% but when I thought about it I realized that is the way it will be for most 12v rated fans. Currently available at NewEgg for $29.99 I feel you get a solid deal. Much more affordable than many fan controllers, throw in the touchscreen and intuitive and reliable operation I feel it's a pretty decent value for your dollar. Given the relative short amount of time I've had with the Sentry 2 it has been a pleasure. Except for the poor instructions I've had no issues at all except deciding which bay to install to. I can easily recommend this to anyone wanting easy operation and control of your case fans. Although I like the cool factor of the Sentry LX, if I had to pick just one I'd pick the Sentry 2 touchscreen. It just works and the touchscreen controls are very cool. Pros:
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Comments
If it's not too difficult, can you tell me how long are the probe cables?
Thanks
I measured the few extra leads I had in the box and they measure approximately 30 inches long. Sorry I missed that in the review, I agree that would be good info to have. I use this controller in the third from the bottom bay on a Thermaltake Spedo Advance full tower (it sits ON my desk) and all leads are plenty long enough.
Thanks,
Tim
Thanks
Yes the question referred to the temp probes. Again, I use the full tower Thermaltake Spedo Advance case (#benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=304&Itemid=61) and the fan controller is in the third from the bottom slot. The Spedo Advance is a huge case and has two top rear 120mm fans and all my leads reach them just fine. I just removed right case side and I see one of the fan leads reaches the whole way to the rear of my case on the backside of the motherboard.
I guess it would depend also on the length of your fan leads and fan location. I have some spare Scythe fans and Lian Li fans to compare and with their 3 pin cords measuring approximately 10" for the Scythe and 12" for the Lian Li. If your fans have at least that cord length I'd guess you'll have no issues in an at least similarly sized case or smaller.
##hardwarecanucks.com/forum/air-cooling/31345-nzxt-sentry-2-widespread-bug.html
Mine came with all the fans marked "FAN1"
The sensors weree also ALL marked "TEMP1"
It's gonna take me a while to work out what really is what and the web site is a joke for help with the only other documentation being for the touch screen use itself.
Emailed em so lets see if they are on the ball or not ?