|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Install I installed my Intel build into the Guardian 921 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.
As always, start your build out with a solid power supply. The fit looks tight in the picture but the 921 left plenty of room for this 1000W monster. This angle shows the four rubber feet common on NZXT crafted Series cases.
The internal 3.5" drives use the rail system shown above.
The rest of the drives use a clip system. Simply line up the drive in the slots and then push the lock forward and down.
If we take a look behind the bezel you can see a typical set of knock outs for all but the top two drive bays. Since the first external 5.25" bay is the third bay down, you will be knocking at least one bay out for a typical installation.
With the internal components in place all that's left is to run the three temperature probes. NZXT has clearly labeled the runs and provided enough cable length to manage any typical installation.
As you can see there isn't much space left with everything installed. The Cooler Master Hyper 212 is a personal favorite for me but it is one of the largest heat sinks in the lab. Despite the large size of both the heatsink and the ATI 4000 series card, the airflow proves to be a non issue with the system closed up. All that's left is to add a couple cable ties and put the door on.
I discovered when attaching the door that my Cooler Master Hyper 212 heatsink is just high enough to keep the fan from fitting. rather than take the fan off the heat sink, I elected to remove the fan from the door. Here is a shot with the door almost in place to give you an idea of how a typical installation would look from the side.
And here is a shot of the finished build. The door mounting vents nicely and provides my heatsink with pretty good airflow without becoming an eyesore. As with many large windowed cases, the Guardian 921 shows nearly every nook and cranny to the world. Despite my attempts at cable management, some cables are going to show like the SATA cable seen here. I wish more cases would paint the internals to match so these windows don't show off an unfinished cage.
With the lights down the Guardian 921 looks great. Even the lighting from the front fan accents the door nicely. The two remaining fans are quiet and respond well to my motherboard controls. My only real complaint is the temperatures only show in Celsius. That's really getting nitpicky! Conclusion The NZXT Guardian 921 is a welcome refresh of the chassis that first introduced us and much of the world to NZXT. While some may miss the loud greens and oranges from the first Guardian, I found the classy black lines a welcome addition to the Crafted Series. The same quality of construction we have come to expect from NZXT coupled with the simple but functional temperature monitor make the 921 a top contender in the sub $80 range. The internal design of the 921 is consistent with most NZXT cases. Even with the side fan removed the the two remaining fans had no trouble moving air across the components. There is simply a lot to like about the Guardian 921. The style looks great and is not as polarizing as some of the more exotic NZXT designs. The performance is solid and the price is right. The additional spacers for watercooling hint at the enthusiast driven design decisions that make the Guardian 921 a great choice for both upgraders and enthusiasts looking for an attractive mid tower design.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
