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NZXT Guardian 921 (Crafted Series)


Date
: 03/23/09 – 05:02:27 AM

Author
:

Category
: Cases

Page 1 : Index

Manufacturer
: NZXT

NZXT is known for their cases and other accessories which cater to gamers and hardware enthusiasts. Several months ago, I looked at their Sentry LX, a fan controller. I came to the understanding that NZXT products are both feature-filled and aesthetically pleasing – something gamers like.

In this review, we'll be looking at a mid-tower case, the
NZXT Guardian 921
from NZXT's ‘Crafted Series’ of cases. The Guardian 921 is a descendant of the original Guardian which was generally well-received as a good case.

Page 2 : Package & Contents

NZXT's packages always feature dark colors and the Guardian 921's box is no different. Mostly black, the package has a profile picture of the case along with a detail of the side fan with its purple LED. Text is kept to a minimum – only NZXT's logo, motto (Power for Gamers), and identifying information for the Guardian 921 are present.

Looking at the small sides of the box, we see that they are identical. The specifications and compatibility information for the case can be found here in four different languages.

The other side of the package has some features listed out.

Opening the package, we see the case cradled within two Styrofoam blocks. It is also protected by a plastic cover.

Before going further, let's take a look at the features and specifications of the NZXT Guardian 921.

Page 3 : Features & Specifications

I went to NZXT's well-organized website to find the web page for the Guardian 921 from which I am quoting the following features and specifications.

First, the description:

As we know already, the Guardian 921 is a steel mid-tower case from NZXT's Crafted Series.

The features, similar to what we saw on the package:

The specifications, also similar to those on the package:

It looks like the Guardian 921 is just another run-of-the-mill mid-tower case. However, NZXT has added their own flair to it with the side panel window, LED-equipped fans, unique front panel with door and integrated temperature monitoring system.

Let's have a closer look at the case.

Page 4 : Exterior

The front of the case is very elegant due to its gloss black surface. The drive bays are covered by a door which looks very futuristic. Near the top is a large area which is the temperature monitoring system. The power and reset buttons are found under this area. At the very bottom is a grill that allows air to be taken in by the front fan.

The door easily swings out, although not more than about a 100 degrees, to reveal three 5.25′ bays and two 3.5′ bays. A small metallic sticker is the only identification that this is an NZXT case.

Looking at the side of the case, we are greeted with a windowed side panel. The window has a unique design but half of the view is obscured by the drive bay area. A large clear 120mm fan sits in the middle. Near the groove that allows you to open the front door is the I/O panel. There are two USB ports, mic and audio out jacks, and an eSATA port.

The other side of the case is relatively featureless apart from the hinges for the front door. We can also see that the fan monitoring system juts out above the case a little bit.

At the back of the case is the usual layout with the PSU on top, a 120mm fan for exhaust, and seven expansion slots. There are also two holes with rubber grommets that can be used for watercooling setups.

The bottom of the case is nothing special and has four hard rubber feet.

Let's now take a look at the interior which is easily accessible due to the fact that the side panel is held on by two thumbscrews.

Page 5 : Interior

Once inside, we are greeted with an installation manual, a box containing screws and drive mounting hardware, and the front panel connectors wrapped for protection.

There are a lot of front panel connectors including USB, FP audio, power and reset switches, and LEDs. Also, there are three temperature probes labeled CPU, HDD, and SYS.

There is room for three 5.25′ drives, two 3.5′ floppy drives, and three hard drives. Screws are optional when installing the drives. The optical and floppy drives are installed using the rails which lock onto the drives. The hard drives have special mounts that are attached to the sides of the drive which allow the assembly to slide in and lock on to the cage.

The rear of the case has seven expansion slots, which are also tool-less.

Removing the other side panel, we see that the motherboard tray is not removable and there isn't much space to hide wires in the back.

We have looked at every nook and cranny of the case, except for behind the front panel, but we will do that in the next section when we install all our components into the NZXT Guardian 921.

Page 6 : Installation

Although a manual is included, everything is relatively straightforward enough that it won't be needed.

The first step in installation was to install the copper standoffs that are included into the appropriate spaces in the motherboard tray.

The motherboard was then secured to the tray, not forgetting the I/O shield.

I installed the power supply next by placing it in the designated area and using four screws to secure it. There is a small ledge that helps support the weight of the PSU.

To prepare for the installation of the video card, I removed a couple of the expansion slot covers. To do so, I had to release the plastic clips, which didn't feel too durable by the way. After removing them, I installed the video card and used the same clips to secure it. Although there is the provision to use screws if needed, I felt that the plastic clips did a decent job at holding the card in place.

To install the hard drive, I placed one rail that we saw earlier on each side – they do not need to be screwed on since the rails just slip onto the holes where the screws would normally be installed. After doing so, I just slid the drive into the cage where it secured itself with a satisfying ‘click’.

The optical drive was installed next by first gaining access to the front of the case. The front panel was removed by separating it from the case at its points of attachment.

I removed one of the metal shields and then replaced the front plastic panel.

The drive was then slid in and then the locking slides on the side were moved toward the front to secure the drive in the locked position.

At this point, I connected all the cables and replaced the side panel to complete installation.

After power on, my room was filled with a blue glow courtesy of the LEDs. The front panel's triangular design also glows blue. The temperature monitoring panel reported temperatures which seemed accurate. All in all, the case is aesthetically pleasing.

Page 7 : Testing & Performance

I will be testing the cooling ability of the NZXT Guardian 921 against that of the Cooler Master Sileo which is an extremely similar case.

Temperature measurements were taken under different conditions using Lavalys Everest Home Edition 2.20. SMART was enabled for the hard disk in order to allow temperature readings. Idle measurements were taken with the computer idling at the desktop for 2 hours and no CPU or hard drive intensive programs, such as antivirus software, running. Load temperatures for the CPU were taken while running SP2004 Orthos for 2 hours three times and taking the average. HDD load temperatures were taken while running HD Tach's ‘Long Bench’ test 3 times and taking the average.

The ambient temperature was approximately 23ºC throughout all the tests. Note that the Guardian 921's temperature probes were not used for any of the measurements.

The idle temperatures were both exactly 30ºC and the load temperatures differed by only 1ºC with the Guardian 921 at an advantage. This could be attributed to the Guardian 921's extra side panel fan and lack of sound dampening material but the results are inconclusive at best.

The HDD temperature measurements are similar, with the NZXT Guardian 921 at a slight advantage of 1-2ºC in the idle and load temperature measurements.

In terms of noise, the Guardian 921 was not silent but it is sufficiently quiet for most users. The bright blue LEDs will be more of a nuisance than the noise.

Page 8 : Conclusion

I really liked working with the NZXT Guardian 921. It has a unique design that will appeal to gamers and enthusiasts alike. Minimalists will not be pleased with the bright LEDs and design elements but everyone will love the tool-less optical drive bays, hard drive mounts, and expansion slots.

The integrated temperature monitoring system is also a great feature that allows you to monitor the temperature in three different areas. The case is no slouch when it comes to cooling either, with its three standard fans.

There are, however, a few points for improvement. The tool-less expansion slot holders are not as secure as I would like. Also, though the case is roomy inside, if the motherboard tray were removable, it would satisfy the gamers and enthusiasts at whom this case is aimed at.

All things considered, the NZXT Guardian 921 is worthy of a look if you are looking for a simple but functional case for your precious gamer hardware.

Advantages:

• Unique design, tool-less installation

• Integrated temperature monitoring system
• Quiet and roomy

Disadvantages:

• No removable motherboard tray

• Design could be refined

Overclockers Online would like to thank NZXT for making this review possible.