NZXT Zero Full ATX

Examination:

The NZXT Zero is part of the crafted series, which among the others in the series is the previously reviewed Apollo, Guardian, and Nemesis. Making up NZXT's Classic Series is the Adamas, Lexa, and Trinity. On the front of the NZXT Zero is a large silver X shape, while the majority of the case has a black gloss finish. Covering the top half of the front bezel is a magnetic door to conceal the five external 5.25" drive bays. On the door is the power switch and reset button. The placements of the buttons are nice so the system can be turned on without needing to open the door. On the lower half of the bezel is the 120mm intake fan with blue LEDs to provide a nice accent. On the right hand side of the front bezel is two USB 2.0 ports, one IEEE-1394 Firewire, and two audio ports. While this case is full ATX, it is surprisingly light due to the aluminum construction. Its weight is 7.35kg without the power supply or other hardware installed and the dimensions for the case are 210.5 x 532 x 520 mm.

On the side panel are four 120mm fans. These fans are positioned to push air into the expansion slot area -- primarily to help if you are using dual or quad GPUs. Covering the fans is a black mesh. There are no windows on this case, and the remainder of the side panel is very simple. At the rear of the case are two 120mm exhaust fans along with seven expansion slots. The optional power supply is a 500W ATX 12V 2.0 product. At the top of the case is an 80mm exhaust fan. The remainder of the case's exterior remains very simple yet elegant.

Opening up the chassis we certainly have a better understanding for the amount of room offered in this full ATX case as well as the tool-less features. On top of the five external 5.25" drive bays, the NZXT Zero also supports two external 3.5" drive bays and six internal 3.5" drive bays. All of these bays offer a screw-less rail design. The motherboards supported are ATX and smaller. On top of the eight case fans, at the bottom of the case is another vent for additional airflow. Along with the drive bays, the expansion slots are tool-less. Overall, the case is very well designed but let us load it up with some hardware and see how it can perform.