Date: January 18th, 2005
Article by: Joe Anderson (Hardware Reviewer)
Edited by: Nathan Glentworth (Owner, Head Editor & Hardware Reviewer)
Product Submitted by: Thermaltake
<--SHOP FOR A THERMALTAKE HARDCANO FAN CONTROLLER HERE

PRODUCT COMPOSITION AND PICTORIAL (cont'd)

And finally, we have the device itself. Designed with a fully enclosed black steel case and black plastic bezel accented with silver controls and display frame, the Hardcano 13 has a simple, elegant look relatively unmarred by the four card slots. The device controls are grouped together on the left side of the front bezel and I really like the design. Considering the many functions this unit can perform, the controls are very intuitive and user-friendly, something not easily done. Controlling all its functions with just three buttons and a rotary knob, the Hardcano 13 is a big improvement over its predecessors in my estimation.

The rear of the device is unremarkable with relatively easy access to the fan and temperature headers and power connector.

Removal of the case top (it snaps off and on easily) facilitates making the various connections and battery installation. In the foreground, from left to right, are four fan headers, four temperature probe headers and the power connector. Just to the left of the ribbon cable is the coin cell battery holder. This battery allows the Hardcano to save your settings when the PC is powered down. You must remove a plastic tab to activate the battery and Thermaltake has thoughtfully enclosed an extra battery.

Connecting the USB cable for the card reader is not sufficiently covered in the manual, but after some research at the Thermaltake website I found this to be the correct configuration. This connection must be made before the device is installed in the PC. As with most internal USB card readers, you must connect the other end of the cable to a USB header on your motherboard. It's always a good idea to double check your motherboard manual to assure compatibility. Now, let's put the Hardcano 13 into a machine and see how it performs.