Review: NZXT Zero chassis

by Matt Davey on 14 February 2007, 08:40

Tags: NZXT

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Conclusion

The thermal performance, whilst impressive, isn't enough to save the NZXT Zero; there are just too many problems with the design features, headlined by the fan-obstructing PSU issue.

The NZXT Zero is a decent-sized chassis and the external appearance of the full-tower design is acceptable, even if the finishes is a little questionable in places. The odd thing, though, is that behind its bulk lies a chassis that’s not that easy to work with. The layout of the motherboard and the wasted space causes the building process to be much harder than it really should be.

When you look at the competition the NZXT Zero is up against, it starts to look a little bit out of its depth. For example, the Antec P180 offers a more logical layout and build and the Akasa Eclipse is a much better all-rounder.

If only the size and weight of the Zero had been put to better use. The restrictions on drive usage along with the irritating flaws such as the upper fan mount, overall noise, and lack of fan filters all add up to one problem too many for it to be recommended.

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HEXUS Where2Buy

The NZXT Zero chassis is availble to buy for around £85, including VAT, here and also at Yoyotech.

HEXUS Right2Reply

At HEXUS.net, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any of NZXT's representatives choose to do so, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.


HEXUS Forums :: 7 Comments

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I could swear the internals of this this exactly the same as my Gigabyte 3d Aurora…? Or am I just going crazy?

Edit: Except without the useful holes for water cooling tubes and with a couple of awkwardly placed fans.
I can't look at any inexpensive system case now without shuddering at the cheapness of the construction and looks. This means I am looking at a hefty £200 bill :crazy: for my next chassis, probably a Silverstone.

(I still have a Chieftec Dragon full tower which is capable of surviving a nuclear blast, and I use a Silverstone TJ-05 for my main system.)
If it is, as I strongly suspect, a re-shelled Aurora then the internals, despite not having the ‘best’ layout and a few too many fans, are of excellent quality and definately worth £85.
Looks completely identical to my Aurora, even the tabs in the 5.25" bays are the same.
Again, an Aurora owner here, expressing my familiarity with that layout. I don't suffer from many of the problems mentioned though. Maybe they both source components from the same place, but Gigabyte just did a better job of positioning them.

Also my Aurora was £75 (£10 less) and has no cheap looking shiny plastic on it.

£85, with horrible looking plastics, poor internal layout and no water cooling ability… no thanks. At least the styling is ok!