InsaneTek

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.