BitFenix Hydra Pro Fan Controller Review
Introduction and Technical Specification
Published: 31st August 2012 | Source: BitFenix | Price: £24.98 |
Introduction
We can't really think of BitFenix as being the new kids on the block anymore. Although they've not not actually been around that long, they have brought more than a few products to market, some of which can be considered classics. For a manufacturer to enter such a competitive market place and stamp their mark is quite an achievement, and keep following up good products with more good products takes more than luck. With the Hydra Pro BitFenix are aiming squarely at the no frills end of the fan controller customer base. But in doing so, have they cut back on quality or features. I guess we'd better have a closer look and find out.
Technical Specifications
Materials | Steel, Plastic |
Dimensions (WxHxD) | 147 x 43 x 67mm |
Form Factor | 5.25" Drive Bay |
Channels | x 5 |
Watts Per Channel | 30W |
Fan LED Connectors | x 5 (compatible with BitFenix Spectre LED/Spectre Pro LED fans) |
Power Input | 4-Pin Molex |
Extras | SofTouch™ surface treatment, LED power indicator |
Most Recent Comments
Great review!
Looks good in the CM Storm Trooper
Looks good in the CM Storm Trooper
I have one of those. Cheap, simple and sturdy enough. I've used it for a moth or so. No problems, works as advertised.
^So how did it work with the moths? :P jk
Oh hilarious. And there is no way to edit? Oh well.
Looks good to me - I was in the market for a fan controller with at least 4x 20w channels. I ended up getting the Lamptron touch which I really like but it is nice to have more alternatives and this looks good at a much lower price.
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Originally Posted by Pholostan
Oh hilarious. And there is no way to edit? Oh well.
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Originally Posted by wassupdoc
haha it did make me giggle that, we do like to jest the newbies :P you'll be able to soon
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Anyway, the fan controller is a steal for the price. Sure, no fancy functions, but basic good ones. It can handle one of those monster 1,6 amp Delta fans just fine.
great review as usual...
i really like the simple look of it.
i really like the simple look of it.
I have one question on this as I contemplate my new build. Hopefully someone will have an idea...
Will be using a NZXT Switch 810 White. So, I have the issue of the front fan on my 360 rad being blocked by the plate in the 5.25" cage (As TTL shows in his review). I am planning to dremel out a bit of that to allow unrestricted airflow. But, with this fan controller, I wonder if it would fit in that 5.25 bay partially taken up by the rad and fan. Then just tuke all the wires in behind. I am wondering if the PCB board and connectors would have enough space. Be great use of that bay.
Thanks,
Whaler
Will be using a NZXT Switch 810 White. So, I have the issue of the front fan on my 360 rad being blocked by the plate in the 5.25" cage (As TTL shows in his review). I am planning to dremel out a bit of that to allow unrestricted airflow. But, with this fan controller, I wonder if it would fit in that 5.25 bay partially taken up by the rad and fan. Then just tuke all the wires in behind. I am wondering if the PCB board and connectors would have enough space. Be great use of that bay.
Thanks,
Whaler
I don't like the design - thanks for testing
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Originally Posted by Whaler_99
I have one question on this as I contemplate my new build. Hopefully someone will have an idea...
Will be using a NZXT Switch 810 White. So, I have the issue of the front fan on my 360 rad being blocked by the plate in the 5.25" cage (As TTL shows in his review). I am planning to dremel out a bit of that to allow unrestricted airflow. But, with this fan controller, I wonder if it would fit in that 5.25 bay partially taken up by the rad and fan. Then just tuke all the wires in behind. I am wondering if the PCB board and connectors would have enough space. Be great use of that bay. Thanks, Whaler |
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Originally Posted by Master&Puppet
Yea that would work - I have the lamptron touch which looks like it has a very similar profile. You should have 1-2" spare behind the fan controller's PCB to fiddle with wires. It will be a little bit tight to work with the wires whilst the radiator is in but I think it would work.
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Whaler
This is very similar to the NZXT Sentry Mesh that I have installed in my 400R - same 30w specs, # of channels, and price. If it works as well as the Mesh, the Hydra should be a solid value and good enough for 95% of systems with multiple fans. I only wish that they both came with a double handful of splitters so you can use the full potential of the design. As it stands, you're only able to use 1 fan per channel, and each channel can easily handle 4 to 12 fans (typical .25 amps (Corsair AF-120 Perf. Series). So thats 12 of Corsair's highest flow/static pressure fans on each channel (.25a x 12 = 3a - each channel handles 3.75a). That's a (theoretical) total of 60 fans! Yes, I'd say these are good for large water cooling setups.
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Originally Posted by hood6558
I only wish that they both came with a double handful of splitters so you can use the full potential of the design. As it stands, you're only able to use 1 fan per channel, and each channel can easily handle 4 to 12 fans (typical .25 amps (Corsair AF-120 Perf. Series). So thats 12 of Corsair's highest flow/static pressure fans on each channel (.25a x 12 = 3a - each channel handles 3.75a). That's a (theoretical) total of 60 fans! Yes, I'd say these are good for large water cooling setups.
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Thanks for the link, these look like high quality, and the 6-into-1 is perfect for 360/420 rads in push/pull. Never saw more than 4-into-1 before this. I am now using 2 of the cheap unsleeved 2-into-1 kind that look like they could short against something if you're not careful (all that's available locally). I will order some online soon and get my rig looking a little cleaner. Thanks again!
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Able to handle 30W and control 5 channels, the Hydra Pro forms part of the new range of fan controllers from BitFenix
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