Installation:
Installing the motherboard was very easy. It was just a matter of screwing in the motherboard standoffs and then screwing the motherboard itself into place. The hinged motherboard tray was not that much of a help because large video cards and heat sinks may get in the way when trying to move the motherboard tray back into position. However, if that scenario does not apply to you, then the hinged motherboard tray can be quite useful. By far my favorite part of installation, was removing the 3.5″ HDD drive cages. Since installation for these was simply screwing things in and out of place. It also creates for a much more organized look. One of the issues I had with installation, was the PSU. The PSU brackets did not line up correctly with the screw holes on my actual PSU. The PSU I am using is the In Win Commander 850W. Though, after a little bit of work, I eventually got the PSU into place. Another issue I had, was with the provided optical drive face plates. My optical drive open/close button did not line up with the one provided on the face plate. To solve this problem, I just left the entire face plate off of the case.
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| Motherboard installation | Removable HDD cage/HDD installation |
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| Full installation view | Full installation with both panels removed |
Conclusion:
All in all, the overall durability of this case is outstanding. The exterior features look very menacing, along with the sleek black paint job. The 3x120mm fan bracket is a great concept, but had poor execution since it was very flimsy, and moves around at even the slightest touch. I was a bit disappointed in how quite a bit of the hardware (optical drive, PSU) did not line up to be screwed in place for the provided spaces. The 3.5″ HDD drive cages are also a very interesting concept, and were well executed, and are quite possibly my favorite part about this case. Currently you can find this case on Newegg for $439.99 and on Amazon for around $399.99. For that price, you may want to take a look at some other case options, but overall this is a very sturdy and fairly decent case. Although it is expensive, it is the best of an already awesome line up of computer cases from NZXT making it definitely worthy of the TechwareLabs Awesome Hardware Award.
Excellent review Erik. This is what case reviews should look like IMHO.
I personally like this case looks and the features I see. The larger cases appeal to me for their ease of installation and roomier interiors which lend themselves to cleaner layouts. I would like to see a bit more refinement on the panel corners and edges but otherwise the design and features rock! Two thumbs up from me.
The panel corners actually flow very well with the entire layout of the cases exterior. The sides that curve actually give it a menacing, “dark tower” look.