When the user is about to assemble a personal computer on his own, he usually devotes a lot of time to the component part. He carefully studies video cards, trying to find a balance between price and performance, looking for a processor that could cope with all the tasks. He is trying to find the right motherboard for everything that would not only accept everything bought, but also potentially could accommodate future “upgrades”.
So the user, having bought all the necessary devices, having assembled the system, faces two problems: either he has nowhere to put this entire platform, or his case is not as capacious as we would like.
What to do?
To prevent such situations from happening, it is worth considering everything to the smallest detail. The “box” for the PC is just as important as everything that will be in it. The case is such an object that everyone still forgets, as well as a quality power supply. But a careful approach to the container will not only avoid installation problems, but will also open up new possibilities and facilitate the operation of the system.
About company
Today it is worth paying attention to the NZXT case. But first, a few words about the company. This is a young company that has been operating since 2004. It was created in America and is now based in Los Angeles (California). The company is considered the best in its segment and is an excellent young manufacturer of cases, components and accessories for gaming PCs.
If someone has heard about the company's products, then it may recall the case for the PC. NZXT is known for the models created in conjunction with the Razer H440 and S340, as well as the phantom model Phantom. We will consider them today.
New
System units running NZXT and Razer are intriguing. Both models came out at the same time, so there is no point in somehow highlighting them: who is the first and who is the second, who is better and who is worse. So let's start with the NZXT H440. The case was delivered in a large box, which goes without saying. It is black with green graphic elements, which immediately reminds us of the manufacturer’s partner, Razer.
Design H440
Appearance justifies itself - the NZXT H440 case looks stylish and original.
Interestingly, the designers decided not to experiment this time with some unusual shapes and planes. This option, on the contrary, is “prosaic”, but it does not get any worse. Usually, a massive plastic base appeared on the American manufacturer, on which a metal sheet was attached. Now, the front and top panels are made of metal, which is covered with a soft-touch coating. It is very pleasant to the touch, so many find it difficult to tear themselves away from their new favorite.
The front panel is solid, but so that it does not look sad, the Razer logo indiscreetly flaunts in the middle. External ports, which are often found on the front panel, this time went to the top and are located on the front edge, which is quite convenient. On the left is a large matte power button, which, by the way, was not highlighted by anything. And above it the “button” of reboot is barely noticeable. From left to right, there are two headphone and microphone jacks that are shifted to the right end, also USB 3.0 ports highlighted in green, and a couple of USB 2.0 are nearby.
Despite the fact that no ventilation is observed on the top panel, it is actually very close: on the left and rear edges of the cover. This arrangement of the grill is associated with the desire to reduce noise from the system. The left end is occupied by a small window that stands out from the panel monolith. All this is removed and mounted on two screws. The right end got a monolithic panel, without any windows, but with a soundproof coating.
LED strips are hidden on the bottom of the system unit. In the off state, they are white, and in the on state they are green. Fastenings for the drive are immediately noticeable. The legs are made large and rubberized.
Inside H440
The NZXT chassis of this model supports ATX, MicroATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards. The processor cooler cannot be higher than 12 cm. Expansion cards cannot be longer than 30 cm if they are placed opposite the railway baskets, otherwise you can allow a length of up to 406 mm. Up to three 120 mm fans can be placed in the system unit.
For the location of the motherboard, you can see a lot of wires, cooler control boards, as well as the functioning of the backlight. In general, the assembly of the case does not take much time, everything is clearly written in the instructions, so no questions should arise with this.
H440 Reviews
Such a case NZXT (Razer) could not but please fans of gaming peripherals. This system unit is a great addition to a gaming PC. The chassis has collected many positive reviews. They praised everything that was possible: from the materials of the case, to the placement of all the holes, and, of course, the presence of lighting.
Model S340
The next model has become even more interesting in terms of appearance. Packaging and equipment are the same as the previous model, but the appearance is somewhat different. About the severity and conciseness of the model says the front panel, freed from all unnecessary details. In the middle is only the familiar logo of the green company.
Ports also remained on the case cover, but slightly changed their number and location. The power button has moved to the lower right corner, next to it are the illuminated USB 2.0 ports, then the headphone and microphone jacks and a small button to reboot the system. Interestingly, in front of these slots there is a large connector in the case - a cut-out, thanks to which air circulates inside the system unit.
The details on the cover did not end there. The ventilation grille is also visible from above , through which you can see a 120 or 140 mm fan. NZXT S340 equipped with a strict left side panel, which is represented by a simple metal sheet. The right end is almost the same, but equipped with a smoky window through which you can observe the system.
The rear panel also remained standard. The backlight button has moved to the middle of the top. You can see the ventilation grill, expansion slots are placed next to another ventilation grill. For the power supply, a special removable panel that helps to install the PSU, since this can only be done through the rear end. Green LEDs are again seen on the bottom of the case.
In general, the system is almost identical to the previous one in terms of interior and dimensions of the installed component. For the cooler, the height decreased by 2 cm, and the expansion cards can be 364 mm. Inside, you can notice the compartment where the power supply is located, as well as one or two removable drives.
S340 Reviews
The NZXT S340 case is distinguished by its appearance. It remains all the same strict, but at the same time it is stylish and bright. Users were delighted not only with the design, but also with thoughtful internal placement. The model of this chassis belongs to the middle price segment, so it is very difficult to find such models. The only questions regarding which may arise are the cooling of the railway and the absence of vibration isolation.
The Phantom
Well and one more not less cool NZXT case - Phantom. This model is not suitable for everyone, as it stands out for its design, which is quite extravagant. True lovers of the gaming industry will definitely appreciate this spacecraft. The system looks like a robot or a spaceship. It echoes the stormtrooper clones from the movie Star Wars.
In addition to the white version, red is available, which is no less extravagant, and black is more restrained and ordinary. The dimensions were solid, resembling a tower: almost 55 cm high. The front panel is not as boring as in previous models. Not only does it have an uneven surface, white is also diluted with black. And the main surprise lies in the opening “door”, under which there are black perforated plugs of five-inch compartments.
In general, the appearance of this NZXT case was very bizarre and it’s difficult to describe it in detail, it’s better either to see the system unit in person or to review a couple of reviews before buying. The connectors are on the top panel of the case, here are slots for headphones, a microphone, a pair for USB and eSATA. Next to the interesting shape is the power button, and on the opposite side there is a five-channel reobas.
The side panels also received interesting design solutions, thanks to which you can see a pair of fans at 120 mm and one for the motherboard at 200-230 mm. The main advantage, although for some it may seem like a drawback, is the depth of the system unit. It seems that more than one system can be installed here. There are a lot of places, perfect for installing an additional basket for railway.
Phantom Reviews
This NZXT case received positive reviews. Users praised the quality of workmanship, expandability and the spaciousness inside. Also, there were no difficulties with the assembly: all the components fit here, and not in one copy. They spoke only negatively about the installation of the railway, which is somewhat difficult, as well as the inefficiency of the cooling system compared to similar models of cases.