The Basics:

Once unwrapped, the NZXT Sentry LXE proves to be a very nice piece of hardware. The outside is a brushed black aluminum similar to their high-end cases. The only other thing you'll see on the face is a small NZXT logo. The touchscreen is quite large at right around 5 inches; and it is nice, bright, and clear. Around the back, all we have is the connector for the controller interface cable and a product sticker. Also, you may be able to make out the two rubber strips on the base of the unit in the second image. Those strips keep the unit from sliding around during use. The weight of the unit, in addition to the strips, help to keep it upright while using the touchscreen.



The temperature controller board, the brains of the unit, came "pre-cabled" with the review sample. Alll of the temperature sensor cables and all of the fan power cables were pre-mounted for convenience. The Sentry LXE has five temperature sensors as well as five fan leads, and given the large number of connections, assembly could prove to be quite a time consuming task. The controller board is also powered by a standard 4-pin Molex connector. The internal cables are long enough and should not pose an issue for most users. On the outside of the card's expansion slot cover is a plug for the controller interface cable, which is long enough so it can be located on a shelf, even if you keep your machine on the floor.



In Use:

All that you have to do is install the battery (in order to retain the settings on the unit when the computer is powered down), mount a few of the temperature sensors using the included tape, plug in a few fans, install the card, and plug in the cable. If you have fans that do not have a 3-pin header, you may need to purchase a 4-pin adapter in order to power them with the Sentry LXE. Of course, you won't see the fan speed using this approach.



The hardest part of the setup is deciding where to install the sensors, and then running the wires. Once plugged in and powered up, the unit immediately provides fan speeds and temperatures. After a bit of configuration, we get the time and date set. While we have our Sentry LXE set to auto, you do have the option of setting each fan to a specific temperature or fan speed. The touchscreen is responsive and has audible feedback. The Sentry LXE also has the ability to instantly alert the user if their pre-set limits are reached, which is helpful if you're in the midst of a frantic fragging session. There is also a power button to turn the screen off if you'd prefer.