NZXT is a top contender when it comes to PC components – especially cases. The company promises innovation, and constantly delivers with each new creative design they come up with.
The original Phantom originally launched in 2010 with a timeless design that is well-known in the industry. Today, following releases of the Phantom 410 mid-size tower in 2011 and the Phantom 820 ultra+ tower in 2012, comes the Phantom 630 ultra-size tower that doesn't fail to live up to the Phantom name.
Specifications
List Price: $179.99 Type: ATX Full Tower Power Supply Mounted: Bottom Dimensions: 9.65" x 24.69" x 23.62" Weight: 27.12lbs Motherboard Compatibility: ATX/MicroATX/XL-ATX External Drive Bays: 4 x 5.25" Internal Drive Bays: 6 x 3.5" HDD/2 x 2.5" SSD behind motherboard Expansion Slots: 9 Front Ports: 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, Audio I/O External Electronics: SD Card Reader and Single-Channel 30-watt Fan Control (3 speeds)
Cooling System
Top: 1 x 200mm (supports 2 x 200mm or 2 x 140mm or 3 x 120mm) Back: 1 x 140mm (supports 1 x 120mm) Front: 1 x 200mm (supports 2 x 140mm or 2 x 120mm) Side: 1 x 200mm Bottom: supports 2 x 120mm or 140mm
The design of the Phantom 630 fits the Phantom's usual stylized look, but only comes in white, black and gunmetal grey. It can be compared to its larger and more expensive predecessor, the Phantom 820, with the only differences being the dimensions, the lack of a HUE lighting system, and the four-channel 15-watt fan controller being reduced to a single-channel 30-watt fan controller.
The 630, however, is actually 10mm wider which allows for better cable management with more space behind the motherboard tray. There is also the addition of a fully modular hard drive cage and two 2.5" sleds behind the motherboard tray. Overall, this new design is an upgrade from its more expensive predecessor.
The front of the case features the same wedge shape with a door that hides the four 5.25" bays and the SD card reader as previous Phantom installments. There is also a fan filter that slides out of the bottom for easy cleaning.
At the top of the case are the power and reset buttons, four USB ports, mic and headphone inputs, fan controller, and LED toggle. This design features a new grill design in addition to the black mesh above the fans that was first implemented on the 820. Each of the ports are clearly marked, a detail that was severely lacking in the original Phantom.
The side panel behind the motherboard is plain and flat while the other has another new design with both a window and a large mesh vent. It is personal taste when it comes to liking this new design for the side panel or not.
The back of the case has the rear exhaust fan and the nine expansion slot vents. One thing notably excluded are the external liquid cooling holes, instead replaced by another vent. However, most modern liquid cooling systems are internal which makes this fairly irrelevant.
Inside the case is a breath of fresh air for enthusiasts. With a motherboard tray that is slightly more inward than the rest of the case, the right side featuring routing holes that are angled, and the fully modular drive cages, builders should love the cable management potential.
The modular drive cages are split into three separate cages, 1 x 1HDD cage, 1 x 2HDD cage, and 1 x 3HDD cage, meaning you can include just the cage you need and leave the rest out improving the airflow from the front 200mm intake fan.
On the other side of motherboard tray are the last of the internal features. The internal part of the fan controller shows support for up to ten three-pin fans. There are two trays for 2.5" drives behind the motherboard tray where the expansion slots would be, meaning there isn't much airflow that will reach these drives, but for SSDs this is adequate.
ATX standoffs are pre-installed, making installation of the common motherboard simple. The 3.5" drive sleds are a little flimsy and don't lock in well without a drive installed, which makes for a minor inconvenience. The 2.5" sleds behind the motherboard, however, are much more stable, as are the 5.25" bays.
The best feature of the Phantom 630 is the cable management. The routing holes are large and placed smartly, and there are plenty of clips and zip tie rungs behind the motherboard tray. Coupled with the large opening available once the unused drive cages are removed, there is a lot of room for cable management.
Overall, the Phantom 630 is a great choice for gamers and enthusiasts and has notable upgrades from the previous 820 including fully modular drive cages and more width (while costing $70 less).
Check out www.nzxt.com for more information on NZXT products.
via Examiner National Edition Gadgets & Tech Channel Articles http://www.examiner.com/review/nzxt-phantom-630-review?cid=roadrunner