NZXT’s External Sentry LXE Fan Controller Available Soon

Where fan controllers are concerned, NZXT has been a popular choice due to aesthetics, performance, features, and of course, price. We’ve taken a look at a few of the company’s models in the past, and all have left us with a sense of satisfaction. The Sentry LXE aims to continue that tradition, as it’s NZXT’s most robust fan controller to date.

If you’re already familiar with NZXT’s Sentry fan controllers, the UI on the device itself is going offer obvious differences. The biggest difference for the product as a whole, though, is that the LXE isn’t designed to be mounted in one or more 3.5″ drive bays. Rather, it’s meant to sit on your desk, or your PC’s chassis. It’s a good thing also, as I noticed the display can’t easily be seen on an angle. On a desk or the chassis, there should be minimal issue.

The LXE can control five different fans at a modest 8W~10W each, and adjusting the speed of one is simple… you simply drag your finger along the respective bar and the fan will react accordingly. Because each of the fans can use a thermo diode, you’ll also be able to keep track of the varying temperatures inside of your chassis.

As the device uses a touch screen, everything can be controlled just with a finger. That includes the fan speeds of course, along with setting the date and time, toggling the alarm, and turning the fan controller on or off.

Because this controller is different than most, in that it sits outside of the chassis, a PCI slot card is included that must be installed in the PC. There is no interface on the card, as it is not meant to be plugged into an actual slot. Rather, it’s just meant to be installed in a free PCI slot, with all of the fans connecting to it via the various fan headers that come pre-attached.

Fan controllers are never plug-and-play, as there’s a bit of a setup required. The LXE isn’t too much different, but it looks to be worth the trouble since this is one of the most advanced fan controllers available. It’s a bit of a pity that the fans max out at 8W~10W per channel, however, but for regular desktop fans there will be no issue. NZXT has sent a Sentry LXE home with us from the event, so you can expect our review in the weeks to come.