NZXT Sentry 2 Review

Introduction:

If you consider yourself to be a PC enthusiast, then you've most likely got two things in common with every other PC enthusiast. You've got multiple fans cooling your rig, and you're extraordinarily particular about knowing your PC's temperatures. If this sounds like you at all, then NZXT has created a device you need to get. NZXT's Sentry 2 is, of course, a revamped version of the original NZXT Sentry fan controller. Like all fan controllers, the Sentry 2 will give you the ability to adjust fan speed. This can be done for a multitude of reasons ranging from, "My fans are so loud I want to shoot myself;" to, "My GPU just hit 120C. I better increase the fan speed." The Sentry 2 has two more features that made me, and will hopefully make you, fall in love with it instantly. You'll be able to view the temperature of 5 different pieces of hardware, and it's got a touch screen. Come on let's face it - every thing with a touch screen is super awesome! Don't believe me, just look at the trends. Apple's iPhone is super awesome. The Blackberry Storm is super awesome. Those touch screen things at stores are super awesome. For this reason alone, the Sentry 2 is super awesome, unless of course it doesn't work all that well. Then it isn't all that great. I guess before I can pass a judgment, I'll have to test it out. How will the Sentry 2 perform? Read on and find out.

Closer Look:

The Sentry 2, like most fan controllers, is pretty small. As a result the packaging it was shipped in is small as well. The front of the box shows a picture of what the Sentry 2 looks like when it is powered on. You'll also see a few of the Sentry 2's features. The Sentry 2 has a touch screen. It fits in a 5.25" drive bay. It can show 5 different temperatures, and control 5 different fans.

The back of the Sentry 2's packaging is much more detailed. In fact it is only writing. The back of the box gives you a full list of the Sentry 2's features. These basically say the same things the front did, only with a bit more detail. You will get some extra info. These include that the Sentry 2 is compatible with all fans; that it has a back lit on/off switch; and that it has a temperature alarm. I like the idea of the alarm, but the back lit off switch seems a little silly to me. Then again, I'm the kind of person that would want it on the whole time. If you like saving power, or avoiding bright lights, the light switch would be perfect for you.

The remaining sides of the box are completely black. That is of course with the exception of the NZXT logo.

Now that we've familiarized ourselves with the box, lets take a look at the Sentry 2 itself.