Installation:
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Installing could not have been easier, the case was incredibly spacious and everything lined up great. As with all cases that locate the power supply at the bottom, to properly utilize cable management, I would definitely recommend a modular power supply.
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The included fans are all wired up and ready to go once you give them power from a single molex connector. I cannot remember a time when a system went together this easily. I couldn’t find any sharp edges to cut myself on, there were no fatal flaws, or examples of where the factory forgot to put screws in.
As the box states the Included 200mm fan at the top of the case does glow blue. It gives the case a nice overall ambiance and goes nicely with the LED’s on the fan controller.
Conclusion:
This case is an awesome addition to NZXT’s Impressive Crafted Series. This is by no means the only tool-less case on the market, however a number of the innovations implemented with this case set it far above most of the ones I have encountered. It is a distinctive honor to be listed as distinctive, in a market with so many competitors. If you are looking for a superior case to house your power house system, this should be at the top of your list.
- Stylish Eye Catching design
- Durable craftsmanship
- Plenty of room for any hardware needs.
- Effective and easy to use cable management
- Built in design friendly fan controller
- room for two liquid cooling radiators
What more could ask for? With all of these features, and the fact that I’m stumped to find a drawback. I’m Awarding this TechwareLabs Awesome Hardware Award!
After additional consideration we have decided the NZXT Phantom is worthy of our Editors Choice Award. This makes the Phantom one of a select handful of products we have ever received to be awarded both the Awesome Hardware and the Editors Choice. Congratulations NZXT!
Editors Commentary:
As owner and Editor In Chief I rarely take the opportunity to comment on a particular product that a member of my staff has reviewed. The NZXT Phantom has received both our Awesome Hardware Award as well as the coveted Editors Choice Award. The Editors Choice award is not given lightly and it is given only with the agreement of our three editors.
In the situation of the NZXT Phantom I have recently had the opportunity to personally work with this case and install a system in it. Having personally built close to or more than a few hundred systems I can say with relative confidence that I have seen and worked with a LOT of cases. The Phantom is nearly a perfect design. It excels in all areas that a case should while making the job of installation a breeze and looking suave at the same time.
With a build time of just over 1 hour I was able to install my components, cleanly route cables, include some additional touches, and test the system. All of this was accomplished without breaking a sweat or having to push, tug, and force the system into the shape I wanted it. At every step I found features included to help with installation, cable routing and hiding, and airflow.
Some of the very useful features:
- Extra Space between the motherboard panel and rear panel for cables.
- Rear panel eyelets for tying down cables
- Inclusion of Black Zip ties
- Fully functional tool-less design
- Hard drive cages with built in vibration grommets
- Removable additional hard drive cage
- One of the nicest/prettiest built in fan controllers I have seen
- Airflow grating that allows users to showcase the internals
- 4 Large Cable Routing ducts with rubber grommets
I cannot stress enough the well thought out and excellent engineering that went into this case. Its evident from top to bottom and not only leads to a great performing product but also and most importantly a thoroughly enjoyable build experience. Hands down the Phantom is this Editors favorite case. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions as I would be pleased to explain why this case absolutely should be your next purchase.
How is the white case lit up, is that a special edition, the black version doesn’t seem as bright. I think a feature like that should be highlighted.
GOoooooooooooo NZXT Phantom Case My Choice