| Quick Look | |
| NZXT Guardian | The Good |
 Click to enlarge. |
+ Front Panel USB/Audio + "Fade Motion LED" light show + Screw-less design + Five exposed 5-1/4" drive bays + Five 3-1/2" drive bays (2 exposed) |
| The Bad | |
| - Only 2 included case fans - No removable motherboard tray |
|
Case modification has become a well-known hobby in the computer community during the past few years. From simple neon lighting to custom chassis designs, case modifications are becoming a standard in the industry. Many manufacturers keep this in mind when designing their cases, by either allowing add on modifications from third parties or as NZXT and many other case companies have done, including them by design.
The Guardian, which is the first and only product from NZXT so far, looks like something from Transformers with its armor-like front bezel and lighting effects. It stands out when it comes to looks, but can it perform better than the competition? We will take a look at the Guardian's features and functionality and compare it to other cases that we have reviewed.
More information on the Guardian is available at NZXT's website.
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segagenesis - Tuesday, July 6, 2004 - link
OK design, terrible exterior (I wont say worst!). I think we dubbed this case the "Transformer Case" at the shop.firtol88 - Wednesday, April 7, 2004 - link
:o :o :o OMFG ROLFMAO!!!!17'5 50 1337!!!
:| ????????
TrogdorJW - Tuesday, April 6, 2004 - link
The problem with case mods is that they just emphasize the geekiness of the owner/creator. At least when you do it yourself, you're being a true geek and not just some poser. Personally, I like my cases to have as few lights as possible and to be quiet. Of course, my computers are all in the living room, which has something to do with my tastes. If you're watching some show on TV, you don't want to hear the whine of the fans and power supplies. Even more important, when it's bed time and you're stuck sleeping on the couch (hey, it happens), its really hard to fall asleep with glowing cases illuminating the room, and the data-centeresque turbine whine doesn't help either.Basically, that Lian Li kicked ass over this.
GonzoDaGr8 - Tuesday, April 6, 2004 - link
Icewind....Nice case pal. Nice case.Icewind - Tuesday, April 6, 2004 - link
Yeah, if I was 10 years old, I might be going insane to have that for a case, but seeings how im pretty seasoned case modder, I must laugh. The thing just reaks of quality!Not.
I'll show you how its done right.....
http://www.cp4g.com/bryce/
Operandi - Tuesday, April 6, 2004 - link
"NZXT incorporated good looks and performance in the Guardian."hahah, I'm sorry but this thing is anything but "good looking".. Am I the only one sick of these increadbly cheap and tacky looking cases? I used to think Thermaltake cases look like *&%@ till i saw this thing...
Lets get some reviews of cooler masters, silverstones, or Lian Li's...
Praeludium - Monday, April 5, 2004 - link
You know, I have a plain metallic grey Antec 1080 server case, and I game just fine.I do have a red neon fan in there, but I don't even see that because the door it's installed in is facing away from me. Am I just destined for prosaic attitudes already at the tender age of seventeen? Or am I just too unimaginative to case mod?
I dunno anymore.
retrospooty - Monday, April 5, 2004 - link
LOL !It looks like one of those old transformers from the 1980's ... Only uglier
medfly - Monday, April 5, 2004 - link
/aolyeah that thing is butt ugly!
aol/
Verdant - Monday, April 5, 2004 - link
i'm going to go ahead and say it...its ugly