There are three fans inside the VAN-520A, and the rear fan is the largest of the three. This 25mm fan spins a bit faster then the other two to ensure a negative case pressure within the powersupply.

In addition to the power on button which also controls the AC power socket, the VAN-520A sports a 115/230V power selector and a fan speed switch.

The default setting is for automatic quiet operation, and the other two are for sustained "low" and "medium" speeds for all three fans. When set to automatic, the fans will respond to the internal temperature sensor and rotate faster as the powersupply begins to heat up.

While this fan speed control button on the rear of Vantec's powersupplies is novel, it doesn't always work reliably. On each of the Vantec PSUs we have used continually for several months, the fan eventually stalls if the fan speed button is set to the quietest setting. This leads to the powersupply overheating, and that nice smell of burning electronics.

Thus far, we have not had a Vantec powersupply fail because of this, ie. blow up, melt, burn down, or shut off, but they do increase in temperature quite dramatically.

Therefore, PCstats DOES NOT recommend that you use the quietest speed setting; instead use the medium speed option.

Unlike the rear fan, the top and front fans each measure 80x80x15mm in size. Each of these two fans are controlled by the temperature sensors when the powersupply is set to automatic mode, just like the larger rear fan.

The ATX power cables are all wrapped in plastic mesh to help keep things neater inside the case. The chassis of the powersupply is aluminum, so it is a bit lighter than a standard powersupply.