|

The Install
I installed my Intel build into the Zero 2
case utilizing an
Asus P5E3 Deluxe
WiFi-AP @n Edition
Motherboard based on the X38 chipset.
The build includes an Intel Q6600, a Sapphire
HD4870 Toxic Edition video card and a 4 GB kit of OCZ Intel Extreme
Edition PC3-12800 in the 1600 XMP
configuration.
Storage was provided by both 250 GB and 750 GB Seagate SATA II
drives and a Plextor 16x DVD burner all powered by an Antec
TruePower Quattro 1000W power supply.
|
Hardware |
Model |
|
Operating System: |
MS Windows Vista Ultimate
(64-bit) |
|
Motherboard: |
Asus P5E3
Deluxe WiFi-AP @n Edition |
|
CPU |
Intel
Q6600 |
|
Memory |
2x 2 GB kit of
OCZ PC3-12800
Intel Extreme Edition |
|
Graphics |
Sapphire 4870 Toxic Edition |
|
Power Supply |
Antec TruePower Quattro 1000W |
|
Drives |
250 and 750
GB Seagate SATA II, 16X Plextor PX755SA DVD Burner |
With any good performance build you need to
start with a solid foundation. Here we will be using an Antec
1000W TruePower Quattro. The Antec is pretty typical for a
four digit power supply in size and you can see here the mounting
screws for the top 80 mm are blocked from use buy the back edge.
This minor design flaw could be easily remedied by moving the vent
up an inch or so. With so many other cooling options its hard
to knock things too much.. NZXT engineers, are you listening?

All of the included fans can be powered in two
ways as we mentioned before, but the front lighting requires a
single 12 V run. Trust me the trade off is a good one.

The drives are installed using a rail system as
seen here. The rails are simple to use and snap firmly into
place. NZXT provides enough rails for every drive slot right out
of the box.

To get to the front bays simply unsnap the front
panel as shown here. The metal bay covers snap out as needed
with a little coaxing. The front intake 120 mm fan has a nice
removable mesh cover that can be washed for easy cleaning.
The black panel covers snap out from the inside to reveal any
installed drives or accessories.

And here is a look at the finished install.
The spacing is deceptive as there is a good couple inches of open
space above the cards. The extra space between the motherboard
tray and the power supply helps with air circulation as well.
The Cooler Master Hyper 212 heatsink fits easily in the space
provided but did come pretty close to blocking two of the door 120
mm fan locations. Now to install the included wire ties and get
everything nice and clean.
Conclusion
The NZXT Zero 2 chassis is a solid attempt to
channel the award winning attributes found in the Zero into a sub
$100 case. About the only thing I missed after working with
the Zero 2's over 10 pound bulk was the lighter aluminum
construction. The quality of the construction brings meaning
to the Crafted Series name made famous by the stylish designs NZXT
is known for. The huge amount of cooling options makes
scaling the Zero 2 to your high performance build easy and the
space of a full tower makes nearly any build a possibility.
As always, buying a new case for your latest
build is a highly personal decision. I liked teh look of the
Zero 2 and can easily overlook a few missing upgrades for the
price tag. In the zero 2 I find a lot of potential that gets me
thinking about exotic cooling options and massive overclocking on
air. You simply have to add those things on as you need them.
|
 |
| Performance: |
4 out of 5 | |
Innovation: |
3 out of 5 | |
Quality: |
5 out of 5 | |
Stability: |
N/A |
| Aesthetics: |
4 out of 5 | |
Software/Drivers Pack: |
N/A |
|
Overclocking: |
N/A |
|
Value: |
4 out of 5 |
|
 |
 |
|
 | Project Skill Level (5 being most difficult) | 3
out of 5 |
|