SunbeamTech 20-in-1 Superior Panel, LED Screws, and Anodized Fans
SunbeamTech has been specializing in modding accessories and cases for quite some time. They gained recognition after their first batch of modding accessories. Everyone should've seen their contests being held at several forums. They are dedicated in serving their customers and provide great customer service. We've reviewed a total of three things from SunbeamTech already, including the Samurai case, the Transformer case, and their assorted accessories pack. SunbeamTech has come up with several other modding accessories, which we'll go through here. The latest from SunbeamTech includes LED screws and several different colored anodized LED fans. Along with their accessories, I was sent a superior 20-in-1 panel. Supposedly, this thing crams together all the useful connectors of your computer and relocates them to the front. You won't have to bang your head anymore while struggling to search for the right port. I have high expectations for a useful accessory like this, so lets take a look at the goodies.
LED Screws and Anodized Fans SunbeamTech LED Screws: The accessories provided by SunbeamTech this time are LED screws and special anodized LED fans. First up we'll take a look at the LED screws. The LED screws feature four screws with built-in LED lights, receiving power from a Molex connector. In the middle are the individual LED pins to relay power. To install, simply unplug each corresponding red and black to insert into the screw hole of the fan, one at a time. Afterwards, just pull until the screw is right at the hole and twist it in. Quite simple and to the point, right? SunbeamTech Anodized Fans: What SunbeamTech did to their anodized fans was add a layer of paint which reflects light like a mirror to bring out nice effect. These fans are 80mm and rated at 1800RPM @ 23.08CFM for silent operation. These fans (only 19.85dBA) fit well with a silent system that is screaming for mods. These fans are packaged with four screws, a 3pin-to-Molex transformer, and plenty of stickers to put on your case. Like a regular fan, just plug it in and it'll work. Of course, be prepared from some vibrant light.
20-in-1 Superior Panel It's time for the feature accessory! The SunbeamTech 20-in1 Panel boasts more features than any previous panels. While a previous panel developed by Enermax offered 18 different features, the SunbeamTech 20-in-1 offers two extra SATA functions. This move was made for the fast growing development of SATA enclosures on the market. Included in the packaging were all the cables, the front panel itself, some zip ties, an instruction manual, and a driver CD. This panel comes in two colors, black and silver. For this review, we received a silver panel. I will be reviewing this with my Socket A, which is in a silver case. While SATA is offered, there are other functions which shouldn't be neglected. The panel also provides two USB connections, three audio connectors (microphone, line-in, line-out), video connector, fan controller, and multiple-format card readers. Supported card formats are: CF Type I/II (Compact Flash Type I/II), Micro Drive, MS (Memory Stick), MS PRO (Memory Stick Pro), MS DUAL PRO (Memory Stick Dual Pro), MS DUAL (Memory Stick Dual), SD (Secure Digital), MMC (Multi Media Card), SM (Smart Media). The fan controller features an LCD with a blue backlight that provides the RPM of the attached fans (two fans maximum). You can set the temperature settings between Celsius or Fahrenheit. There is a fan failure alarm and an overheat alarm, which works only if the jumpers are set for a specific temperature. You can connect any 1000-9000RPM fan. On the top left, you'll see a green and red LED. The green turns on when one of the cards are powered on and the red one turns on once there is activity. The back of the panel has the circuit board and the necessary connectors. All the cables will attach to these connectors and then stretch out through the provided PCI expansion slot bracket to the back of the computer. For the most part, you can consider this panel as an organized extension of connections to the back of your PC. It's pretty self-explanatory where each cable goes. If you're unsure, the instruction manual has a detailed image to help you out. Wherever the word UP appears, that side of the connector should be facing upwards. It's specifically labeled to keep you from having headaches later. It's well worth your time to take out some extra zip ties and manage the would-be mess that will enter your computer. The panel fits snuggly into the 5.25" bay of your computer. It is then secured with screws (or quick release bars) and will need to be powered by a Molex connector. During the first operation, if you set jumpers for the alarm, you must push reset once to activate it. Conclusion and Thoughts The accessories are sure innovative and more attractive than their previous ones. I personally found the LED screws to be a funny mod. The anodized fans are great and keep the system silent.
With the growing amount of products demands of productivity, there are several reasons as to why this panel is a good investment. It offers what no other panel currently does. When you argue that an extra two SATA ports aren't really much different from the Enermax panel, you have a point. However take a look at the price. SunbeamTech's 20-in-1 panel is about $13-15 cheaper than Enermax's 18-in-1 panel. It is also compatible with cases with a front door, since it does not have knobs for the fan controller.
SunbeamTech did a fantastic job with their panel. Everything comes with problems and the only one problem this panel might have is the cable management. It is inevitable for cables to become messy when you have a whole bunch of them in a tight area. Aside from this one distraction, the panel enables the user to just plug something in and get right to work, instead of struggling under the desk trying to find the correct connector. The panel therefore deserves InsaneTek's recommended award.
John's Addition:
While the LED Screws and Anodized Fans are nothing to really brag about, the 20-in-1 Superior Panel is definitely an accessory to consider. More and more enthusiasts are picking up new electronic toys that use all kinds of flash cards for storage, and the 20-in-1 panel makes the data transfer so much easier. Not only that, it has a fan controller, LED readout, ports for USB and IEEE 1394, and external SATA connection! I know there are some external SATA drives from Seagate but I don't think it's available as of right now. The panel is already future-proof. With such a panel in your computer, your life will be so much easier.
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We would like to thank Sunbeam Technology for providing us the sample. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to hit us up in the forums. You can also check out more of our latest reviews on the front page.
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