Today we are reviewing the Sentry 2 fan controller from NZXT, a company that is has been building computer products since 2004. The Sentry 2 is designed to be an all-in-one command center for keeping the heat from ruining your gaming pc. Let get right into the review!

Contents:
The NZXT Sentry 2 came in a small box, packaged with the information sheet, screws, adhesive strips, and 2 extra temperature probes. The unit itself came in a static bag, with foam packing on the ends of the unit to secure it in the box.




Features and Construction
The latest entry from NZXT is a complete system fan controller that installs with ease into any 5.25” bay and allows you to regulate any fan with voltage control. It is a well-built product that is feature-rich and is sure to please the most serious system builder. It is also an amazing looking product too! Here are the features in detail from NZXT:
• Touch screen interface
• Five fan control through an intuitive interface
• Ultra fast selection and response time
• Display temperatures in both F and C
• Light switch turns off the meter when sleeping
• Automatic and manual modes of control
• Full compatibility with all types of fans using voltage control
• With a minimum of at least 10 Watts per channel, the Sentry 2 will support almost all high end fans
• Tuned accuracy with only a tolerance of one degree
• Sound alarm to alert when the temperature is over
• Stored settings, the Sentry keeps your settings even after power off

Installation:
The installation went smoothly. It was nice to see the slimmed down redesign from the Sentry LX, which took up two 5.25” drive bays to just one with the Sentry 2. Cables were long enough to reach my existing fans on my Cooler Master HAF 932. I was also pleased to see the addition of the 4 pin molex connectors on the ends of each fan lead with the 3 pin connectors. This now gives you more options to connect different fans without needing to purchase separate adaptors. Bravo guys!



This is my system on the Cooler Master HAF 932 platform case. Notice the NZXT Sentry LX currently installed. Time for an upgrade!





We removed the LX and installed the Sentry 2. I moved my CD drive down and returned a bay cover.



Once installed, its time to start running the power leads and placing the temperature sensors.



After hooking up all the fans, I tested the unit with a simple molex power adaptor to make sure the fans worked properly before returning all the covers and reconnecting everything. That can be a bummer to have to start over if you missed something!



Here we see the placement of one of the temperature sensors. As you can see, the tape has a mind of its own sometimes. It will hold it in place, so not to worry. When I removed the LX, NONE of the sensors had come free and I did that review back in March of this year...


Performance:
This unit performed well. The touch screen is a very nice addition and makes this unit even more hi-tech than the Sentry LX I tested before. I used a GE digital thermometer with a corded sensor to compare the temperature zones with the case closed and the sensors were accurate. I also tested the sensors in areas that were cooler than others and heated them up with a 1200 watt heat gun. The fans responded quickly with an RPM increase along with the system alarm. Also I wanted to note the improvement on the display. I reviewed the Sentry LX some time back and found that after installing, I had a hard time reading the display from certain angles. This has been corrected with the new display of the Sentry 2 and I must say, it is much easier to read this time around! The only thing I would change on this unit would be to include the temp probes on the same leads as the fan power cables. It would make routing all these wires a little neater (I have 4 case fans in my HAF 932). That is simply a personal preference, and it does not affect installation one bit. I still might sleeve the leads together for a cleaner, more professional look. I will post pics of it if and when I do.




Final thoughts:

I have reviewed many products in the last year, and I must say that this is a first. I give the Sentry 2 a perfect score in all categories. If you have a hi-performance gaming machine with several case fans, YOU MUST GET THIS PRODUCT! I highly recommend it to everyone who wants to take direct control of your case temperature issues. Also, I would encourage you to install extra fans if you are having temperature issues and make sure to add this product to manage those fan additions. As many of you know, heat is your pc’s worst enemy. Beat the heat with the Sentry 2 from NZXT!


Performance 10/10 – Overall the best performing controller I’ve seen
Packaging 10/10 – Sleek looking package presentation is an eye catcher
Features 10/10 – Temperature sensors and automatic fan speed adjustment
Construction 10/10 – Well built and should outlast your processors popularity!
Price 10/10 – For $29.99 at that egg hardware site, you cannot beat the price!

This Product also earns the Xtreme Gaming Clubhouse Platinum Award!