AeroCool CoolPanel 3 Color LCD Multi-Function Panel Review

Overview
The AeroCool CoolPanel 3 Internal Card Reader is small yet powerful. With a whopping 56-in-1 card reader, 2 USB ports, an eSATA port and HD audio connections it sure leaves the feature list a plenty. In addition to this standard card reader inputs the CoolPanel 3 offers a color LCD which displays up to three fan speeds and three temperature sensors. This LCD screen does allow you to switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit and even allows you to set a temperature alarm.

Starting on the left side of the panel there are the two USB ports stacked on top of each other with the eSATA port below them. In the center of the device we have the color LCD display on top of the 56-in-1 card reader (to see which cards are supported see the specifications). On the right side of the panel are two buttons which adjust temperature alarms and can switch between C and F. Below these are the HD microphone and headset inputs.

AeroCool CoolPanel 3 Color LCD Multi-Function Panel AeroCool CoolPanel 3 Color LCD Multi-Function Panel

A side view shows the small size of the device. The plastic siding is just long enough to attach up to four screws, included, to the case. A back view shows us that two sets of cables are already connected to the device; these would be the temperature sensors and fan attachments.

AeroCool CoolPanel 3 Color LCD Multi-Function Panel AeroCool CoolPanel 3 Color LCD Multi-Function Panel

Since there are two USB slots on the panel they have their own dedicated USB cable and the card reader has its own separate single 4-pin connection which be found closer to the middle of the device. I think they would have been better off with a single USB cable that would support the USB slot and the card readers rather than giving the extra cable to attach to the motherboard. The last available connection for this device is the HD/AC97 audio connector found on the left side.

AeroCool CoolPanel 3 Color LCD Multi-Function PanelAeroCool CoolPanel 3 Color LCD Multi-Function Panel