Hiyatek Multi-Function Panel HY-CR-720-ES review

Gallery

Verdict:

With a fast memory card reader and a fan controller in a 3.5in bay, this is a great choice, but you can get cheaper readers.

Review Date: 1 May 2010

Price when reviewed: £15

Supplier: http://www.maplin.co.uk

Reviewed By: David Ludlow

Our Rating 4 stars out of 5

Review
Specs

Although it only takes up a 3.5in external drive bay, Hiyatek's Multi-Function Panel packs a lot in. In addition to its card reader, which supports all the common formats, there are also eSATA, USB, microphone and headphone ports, and a fan controller.

All of the cables you need are provided in the box, and the majority plug into your motherboard's internal headers. The only minor disappointment is that the front audio connector cables need to be routed out of the back of the case and plugged into the motherboard's 3.5mm outputs.

The fan controller provides basic speed control over two internal fans. Its bundled fan controller cables connect to both internal fans and the motherboard headers, allowing your computer to monitor fan speeds.

This was one of the fastest card readers we've seen, reading from our SD card at 14.29MB/sec and writing at 2.97MB/sec. Considering its low price, wide range of features and quick speeds, it's a great choice, but Akasa's Internal Multi Card Reader AK-ICR-07 cheaper reader is a better choice if you don't need the fan controller.

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