Review: NZXT Noctis 450 ROG

by Parm Mann on 30 January 2017, 16:00

Tags: NZXT

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Conclusion

Re-styled to incorporate grey paintwork and RGB illumination, the chassis' defining feature is out-the-box integration with Asus's Aura lighting ecosystem.

The Noctis 450 ROG is an unexpected mash-up of an ageing NZXT enclosure and the Asus Republic of Gamers brand. Re-styled to incorporate grey paintwork and RGB illumination, the chassis' defining feature is out-the-box integration with Asus's Aura lighting ecosystem.

There's not a lot wrong with the hardware implementation - each RGB lighting zone is bright and easily configurable - but the aesthetic changes don't do enough to bring the Noctis 450 up to date in 2017, and the alterations certainly don't warrant a 70 per cent price premium over the standard model that's readily available for a far more attractive sum.

Promotional tie-ins certainly have their place, and I admit, I'd probably have been tempted had the Noctis 450 been given a Star Wars or Man Utd makeover, but at £180 the ROG edition doesn't make a whole lot of sense to anyone other than a die-hard fan of Aura effects. Underneath all those shiny lights there's a decent case offering good performance, ample storage capacity and a useful PWM fan hub. It's called the Noctis 450 and it's available for £105.

The Good
 
The Bad
Good performance
Aura integration, if that's your thing
Room for half-a-dozen hard disks
Integrated eight-way PWM fan hub
 
ROG premium is significant
Doesn't have a reset button
Rather large for a case with no 5.25in bays
No USB Type-C


HEXUS.where2buy*

The NZXT Noctis 450 ROG chassis is available to purchase from Scan Computers.

HEXUS.right2reply

At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.



*UK-based HEXUS community members are eligible for free delivery and priority customer service through the SCAN.care@HEXUS forum.



HEXUS Forums :: 13 Comments

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The inner layout dates back to early 2015, while the external appearance dates back to the early 1980s.

I'm sure it's all part of a sound business plan to make sure that the case ages so hard that within a couple of years the owner is obliged to buy a new one, or else hide this monstrosity away in a dark cupboard where it can quietly shed its plastic scabs in peace.

Cooling & noise performance aside (good but not when compared to the likes of Fractal Design Define S - though that's mysteriously disappeared from the charts), it's not a case I would buy or have.
As above. Far too gaudy for my tastes.
It's hideous IMO, but it adheres to the ROG philosophy perfectly i.e. create something 13 year olds will like but 30 year olds can afford.
ASUS's marketing is all backwards. I would pay good money not to have ROG styling.
“ROG premium is significant”
£75 worth of significant that is.