Hardware Review
NZXT Alpha Case
Nowadays, mainstream chassis has often been overlooked for higher end cases. NZXT has been developing and designing PC cases since 2004. They have recently released a mainstream case that would really appeal well to gamers out there, the NZXT Alpha. We would like to thank the NZXT team for making this review possible.
When we review cases here at Uniquerigs, we have a lot of fun with them. Especially when NZXT releases a new case, we just can't wait to take a look at their new designs. As we mentioned before, the Alpha is a mainstream chassis. But do not get any idea that this case is just a plain case from NZXT. NZXT has placed several features on this case that is really very well thought of. Let's take a further look at the case.
Below is a more detailed specs sheet for the Alpha:
| MODEL | Alpha Series |
| CASE TYPE | Aluminum Mid Tower Chassis |
| FRONT PANEL MATERIAL | Plastic |
| DIMENSIONS (W x H x D) | 218 x 500 x 545 mm |
| Power Supply | 500 WATT PS2 ATX 12V 2.0 ( OPTIONAL ) |
| COOLING SYSTEM | FRONT, 1 X 120 mm (optional) REAR, 1 X 120 mm Fan (included) SIDE PANEL, 1 X 120mm Blue LED (optional) |
| DRIVE BAYS |
4 EXTERNAL 5.25" DRIVE BAYS 2 EXTERNAL 3.5 " DRIVE BAYS 5 INTERNAL 3.5" DRIVE BAYS |
| MATERIAL(S) | Steel Construction |
| EXPANSION SLOTS | 7 |
| I/O Interface | USB x2, Fire wire, Audio input & output |
| WEIGHT | 6.25 KGS (W/O Power) |
| MOTHERBOARD SUPPORT | MOTHERBOARDS: ATX, MICRO-ATX |
Click the image to see it full view...
The Alpha is a mid-tower chassis constructed with steel. The sample we received came with the clear side panel window and no PSU. The outer finish is very glossy on the Alpha. The front panel is mainly made up of plastic and blends well together with the glossy paint finish with the rest of the case. The clear plastic trims of the front panel lights up once the PC is turned on and the cables are plugged in. NZXT has also provided two flip panel bays for optical drives. On the right hand side of the front panel, are the available front panel ports you're able to connect. Notice the e-sata; this is the first case I've seen that has an e-sata connector.
Click the image to see it full view...
Let's take a look at the interior of the case, despite of the case being a mid-tower; there is plenty of room inside the case. Installation of the board was a hitch and installing other components was also very easy, especially with the screw less installation for the hard drives and optical drives. We didn't need to take out the front panel to install the drives. The case can support up to four internal 5.25" drives as well as five internal 3.5" drives. The expansion slots are also very sufficient with 7 slots available and it also supports NVIDIA 8800 GTX video cards.
We really liked the design of the case. The included fans were also very silent when we turned our unit on. The blue lighting also makes the case really stand out. Overall, we were very impressed with NZXT's newest mid tower offering. Not only it's very affordable, it would also look great on a desk whether it's for the office or for home desk. We here at Uniquerigs give the NZXT Alpha a score of 9 out of 10 and our recommendation.
Pros:
Nice glossy finish
Clean design
Screwless locking system for the drive bays
Affordable price
Cons:
No removable motherboard tray
Manufacturer Link:
