Aerocool V12XT 4-Channel Touch Panel Fan Controller

 

 

Up Close  

The unit comes packaged in a colourful cardboard box.  The front of the box gives a representation of the unit inside, with the rear and sides detailing technical specifications characteristics and features.  

         

 

 

Internal packaging protection is provided by a clear plastic shell casing.  In fact the casing is actually made from 2 parts with one sliding neatly inside the other.  This may seem unimportant but it’s not.  Because it’s made this way as opposed to being made out of a single heat sealed piece of plastic it means you’re not going to be running the risk of losing a finger or gouging the unit itself as you attempt to cut your way in. 

       

 

  

Before we get to the head unit itself lets take a look at what else we get in the box.  First up is a set of comprehensive multi Language instructions.  The instructions give guidance as to how to install the unit and even make suggestions as to the placement of the temperature sensors which is a feature not always seen.      

       

 

 

You are also provided with a set of 2 replacement fan cables and 2 replacement temperature sensors.  Aerocool have also been kind enough to include a small pack of semi transparent yellow adhesive tabs to help in securing the sensors in place.  Of course, you are also provided with the relevant fixing screws.  A second smaller set of instructions are included that walk you through the process of removing and re attaching the replacement cables detailed above.

     

 

 

And so onto the star of the show, the V12XT itself.  As you can see the unit is designed to occupy two 5.25 bays, with the absence of any buttons on it’s fascia alluding to the touch screen nature of the device.  The fascia is made of a very high density plastic and is moulded to a high standard.  So high is the quality here that I originally thought it was Aluminium, taking quite a few minutes of close examination and tapping to determine this wasn’t in fact the case.

        

       

 

 

Round the back we meet the business end of the V12XT, the PCB and wiring loom.  Being a twin 5.25″ affair, the PCB is uncrowded and well laid out, having the temperature sensors and fan cables originating from different areas of the board.  Surface mount soldering appears to be of a good standard, with only a smattering of unused holes suggesting that this PCB is used for other models with additional functionality. 

        

 

 

The only thing not 100% in keeping with what certainly appears to be quite high quality are the Aluminium heat sinks.  They appear to have been glued on and are of a variety of differing lengths with sitting at it’s own slightly jaunty angle.  In practice I’m sure this will have no effect on the operation of the unit, it just appears out of place in what is otherwise a well executed piece of electronics. 

   

 

 

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Sections in this review

Introduction and Tech-Spec Up Close Operation and Testing Conclusion

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