Vantec Vortex Hard Drive Cooler Review - Page 1 of 3 Posted:  January 05, 2004 Author:  JimBowy Manufacturer:  Vantec Source:  Jab-Tech Introduction: Computer enthusiasts are aware of the dangers associated with heat and electronics.  Prolonged exposure to high temperatures is known to decrease product lifetime.  Hard disks in particular are vulnerable to heat because they produce a great deal on their own.  To combat this heat, Vantec has released its Vortex Hard Drive Cooler (Model: VTX-COI-BK), provided to BigBruin.Com for review by Jab-Tech.  The Vortex has three primary functions, as stated on the packaging – to considerably reduce hard drive temperatures, vibration, and dust build up. Company Profile (taken from the Vantec website): Vantec Thermal Technologies Inc. was founded in 1994 with a commitment to develop and manufacture the latest PC thermal solutions. Since then the company has grown significantly, releasing products ranging from power supplies to cold cathode lights.  Located in Fremont, CA, Vantec concentrates on satisfying the needs of everyone – from personal to industrial computer users. Product Packaging: The Vortex came nicely wrapped in a sturdy box.  Packaging peanuts protect the box itself, while an extra layer of bubble wrap protects the cooler.  With packaging like this, there is no reason to expect any damage to the Vortex. Product Specifications & Features: Specifications: (taken from box) • Dimensions: 210 x 148.5 x 42.5 mm • Weight: 750 g • Rated Voltage: 12 V • Rated Current: 0.1 A • Fan Speed: 2,000 ~ 3,700 RPM • Airflow: 16 ~ 30 CFM • Noise Level: 28 ~ 38 dBA • Fan MTBF: 30,000 hrs • Bearing Type: Ball Bearing Features: (also taken from box) • Lower hard drive temperature by up to 40% • Unique mounting design to dampen hard drive vibration • Special design crossflow blower for superior airflow • Adjustable fan speed (High, Low, Off) • Temperature display (Celsius or Fahrenheit) • Replaceable filters to reduce dust build up • Compatible with all 3.5” hard drives • Fits in a standard 5.25” drive bay • Includes 3 dust filters Quality: The Vantec Vortex hard drive cooler is a great looking piece of equipment. It is currently provided in two colors: black and silver.  However, with this device we’re concerned with functionality, not appearance. You won’t see the fancy Vortex logo once the cooler is installed, but its still worth noting…  Without a hard drive installed the cooler weighs in at 750 grams and feels well built. With the exception of the plastic face, the remainder of this product is metallic and most likely functions as a very large heatsink.  The front of the cooler has a fan intake (with replaceable air filter) and an LCD that displays the current hard disk temperatures. Please read on to page two for more on the Vantec Vortex Hard Drive Cooler... Next Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Forum | Review Index Hits: