Review: NZXT Guardian 921

[Eclecticos]

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Here it is. . the review you have all been waiting for. I would like to present to you the NZXT Guardian 921. From the moment I laid my eyes on this particular case design I was immediately intrigued by its shapely design, and the overly pleasant electric illuminecent glow. It features many unique qualities that have been combined to form yet another rock solid case design from NZXT.


NZXT, a company built upon gamer's dreams, hopes to create products that put consumers first. With the objective of designing unique products catered for hardware enthusiasts and gamers, NZXT has grown into a globally renowned brand recognized for dedication towards creating the next great gaming product. NZXT has won numerous awards from media and publications from across the globe with a product line spanning from gaming chassis, power, and gaming input devices. As a corporation formed by gamers, NZXT continues to expand into new horizons and push the limits further with each product unveiling.

Introduction:
The NZXT Guardian 921 is the successor of the original NZXT Guardian case. It is one of the 7 current crafted series cases. The packaging is similar to most cases with styrofoam on each end, with protective plastic coatings that prevent damage during shipping. It features a spacious interior and solid construction built from solid .88mm and 1.00mm steel, the Guardian 921 gives the user plenty of space for large video cards and space for (4) internal hard drives.

Retail Price: $89.99
Available at Newegg.Com Here (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146050) <=-

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Inside the black NZXT envelope you will find the electronic hardware. The have been neatly separated into separate bags. (9) Brass motherboard standoffs, (9) Motherboard screws, (7) Expansion card screws, (6) Hard drive rails, and other misc screws I have yet to find a use for.

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The side panel features an awesome window design. I like that fact that they have chosen to separate
the window into different sections for some reason or another. (1) 120mm blue LED has been installed
there as the air intake for the case, and to keep the video card at a reasonable temperature.

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There is (1) 120mm blue LED fan at the bottom of the front which serves as the hard drive cooler.
(1) 120mm black exhaust fan, and (1) 120mm blue LED fan on the side panel that illuminates the case.
The front of the case has (3) 5.25 drive bays and (2) 3.5 drive bays.

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They have included an attractive chrome NZXT badge which complements the front panel.

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Here are a few pictures of the illuminated NZXT Guardian 921 case.

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There are (2) 1" hose grommets on the back that allow you to route your
water cooling tubes out of the back of the case chassis.

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The power and reset buttons are located on the front below the LCD temperature display.
It includes temperature display that allows the user to monitor internal temperatures at all times to prevent overheating.

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There are a total of (3) temperature probes; provided leads from the front panel.
You may also notice the (3) attractive plexi stripes, they are lit from the bottom by (1) 3mm Blue LED.

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On the side of the front panel you will find (2) USB 2.0 Ports, (1) 1/4" Microphone Jack, (1) 1/4" Headphone Jack, and (1) E-SATA port. The SATA cable is included as a lead from the front panel.

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These are 7 total expansion card slots. There is 1 expansion card clamp for each slot. You simply push on the curved area with your thumb or fingernail and they rotate back out of they way so you can install your cards, then all you have to do is move the latch back and they click into place.

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The latches are all you'll need to the hold cards in place, but you still have the option to screw them down into place if you wish. I would also recommend caution when you remove the expansion card covers as they are really sharp, and I cut myself on one. So don't do that.

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The slide clamps allow you to mount and unmount the drives by simply sliding the plastic back and forth. You can lock them into place by pushing down on the thumb button. The 3.5" inch bay clamps work the same way they are just designed a little different.

Specs:
Case Type: Steel Chassis Mid Tower
Solid .88mm and 1.00mm Construction
Dimensions: 206mm x 459mm x 522mm
Reinforced ABS Plastic Front Panel

Cooling Fans:
(1) 120mm Blue LED Fan "Front"
(1) 120mm Black LED Fan "Rear"
(1) 120mm Blue LED Fan "Side Panel"

Drive bays:
9 Drive bays
3 External 5.25" Drive Bays
2 External 3.5 " Drive Bays
4 Internal 3.5" Drive Bays
Screwless Rail Design

Power Supply is Optional: 400w ATX 12V
Weight: 8.2 Kgs Excluding Power Supply.

Motherboard Support:
ATX, MICRO-ATX, BABY AT

Pros:
Unique in Design.
Three 120mm Fans.
Included Thumb Screws.
Cool Lighting Throughout.
Solid Front Panel Door.

Cons:
PSU Not Included.

GsfvXnJiRVc

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[billygoat333]

nice review looks like a pretty solid case :)

[blueonblack]

Great review. I have to say I'm surprised at the price with all the features included. Nice buy. +rep

[The boy 4rm oz]

A really good review, looks to be a pretty good case. Personally I still love the original Guardian, the green one just looks so bad ass lol :D.

[jhanlon303]

I really wouldn't put 'no PSU' as a con. How many cases at this price range include a decent wattage PSU? We all have our favorite choices for PSU manufacturers anyways.

It appears to be a decent case at a reasonable price.

john

[Eclecticos]

Yea. that's true. The ones that are included usually suck anyway.
I'm Currently reviewing the NZXT Performance Power 800 PSU.
Keep an eye out for that detailed review in the near future.

[The boy 4rm oz]

I believe it could be a con for someone wanting to save a bit of cash but if it is an NZXT branded PSU it should be ok.

[FuzzyPlushroom]

'Tis a good review, but I honestly don't get the case.

$90? Aside from having a thermometer and a decent screwless setup, this really isn't much different from a fairly standard $50 case. That is, unless you really like the Mile O' Plastic on the nose (see also: second- through fourth-generation F-body GM), the... uniquely... styled window, etc. And I'll admit that I don't... but I'm not really feeling the value here. For another $10, after all, you can get a less-polarizing Antec 900 with better ventilation, more options for drive location, and less-polarizing styling. Unless you want a temperature display and screwless mounting, that is.

On sale, though... that'd be a different story. I can overlook ugly when there's quality involved.