ThermalTake Hardcano 13

5.25 bay fan controller and card reader

Today we will be looking at Thermaltake’s accessory line up the 5.25 bay Hardcano 13, this is the follow on from the highly successful Hardcano 12 which we reviewed here. The title gives away the extra feature for this device as it says built in card reader, anyway lets get on with the review.

Part-1 Packaging

The Hardcano 13 is packed just as well as you would expect as standard from Thermaltake, securely and protected from scratches. Opening the box reveals the manual and a driver CD( for the card reader ) The box gives a lot away including the specs, so I am going to list the specs first.

Detail Specifications
P/N	A2259	Alarm Temp. Setting	40 °C ,50 °C,60 °C,70 °C (60 °C default) 104 °F ,122 °F ,140 °F ,158 °F(140 °F default)
Device Space	5.25”
Material	Plastic and Steel Alloy	Function List	Temp. alarm setting Each thermal sensor should be corresponded to its own fan °C / °F: Celsius and Fahrenheit Fan speed setting Display Color Select Time clock Display Function Operating Mode : Manual/Auto 6 in 1 CardReader (CF/IBM Microdrive/SM/SD/MMC/MS)
Size	148 x 40 x 168 mm
Net Weight	800g (1.77lb)	CardReader	3.5” size internal 6 in 1 USB R/W Full support windows XP/NT/2K/ME/98 and Mac Support:CF,SM,MMC,SD,MS,MS Pro,Microdrive Provides power link and active LED indicator
Backlight LCD Display	4 sets of temperature display 4 sets of fan speed display 4 sets of fan failure display Alarm item flash Alarm with RED back light 8 colors dazzling LED display Card Reader In-Use Indication Time Clock Display

Now you would have to agree with me here when I state this is the most feature packed fan contoller out there, not only does it have the features you expect from its predecessor it also includes a built in 6-1 card reader. I for one think this is a great idea and turns 2 purchases into 1, any way enough of the chatter lets get it out of the box.

Taking everything out of the box reveals the whole package with the unit itself and the rest of the package which included 4xFan 3 pin cables, 2x fan adaptor cables, 1xinstruction manual, 1x driver cd, 1x USB header cable and 4x temp probes  nothing was damaged in anyway and everything was in order. Time to take a closer look at the main unit…

As you would expect the main unit has the front panel protected with film, this assures you that unit arrives with no damage on the faceplate here you can also se the 4 card slots underneath the display. The unit  still has the same Car Stereo look as the Hardcano 12 but it looks nice, Thermaltake have opted for a digital dial to control the fans and buttons around the dial to switch functions.

As you can see the dial buttons include a fan selection, Celsius or Fahrenheit, color change, alarm, auto/manual and a clock as well as the dial itself. Let me show you around the rest of the unit.

The rear end sports the connection side of things the 4x 3pin connectors are for the fans, the 2pin for the temp probes and of coarse the power for the unit. These are easy to arrange as the fan and temp probe cables are numbered.

You will have to agree this fan controller/Card reader is looking good at the moment. Lets hope it doesn’t get let down when I install it, speaking of which before I do I will take a look at those cables.