Introduction

A while back, NZXT came out with their first mid-tower chassis, the Guardian. Many of our long-time readers recall that the Guardian was not taken in very well because of its transformer-like bezel. We did receive a few emails from some who just loved the look of the chassis and asked when NZXT would come out with an update to the Guardian. Well, to those few people, your day has come!


Nemesis

Nemesis Elite

NZXT released their Nemesis line a while back, which consists of two models: the Nemesis (steel), and the Nemesis Elite (aluminum). We were excited to see what the new models were like and how they differed from each other as well as other cases that we have reviewed in the past and we finally have our chance today.

External Design
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  • Lowcarb - Monday, January 28, 2008 - link

    I own this case.
    It may be screwless, but the retaining bracket for cards is so flimsy you can expect it break after a few days.

    NZXT customer support is horrid! Plain and simple.

    They don't respond to e-mail reliably.
    They do not have a phone number listed, so when they don't respond to your e-mail you have no recourse.
    When I had an issue with some missing parts for my case they sent the wrong ones even when I was very explicit about what was needed.
    Finally they never came through on a $40 rebate on the case, even after 7 months and multiple e-mails.

    They have made me really sorry I ever did business with them.
  • zoom314 - Friday, February 18, 2005 - link

    Well no matter what I do like this case, Sure the looks aren't for everyone, But then neither is a Suit of Armor from the Middle Ages.
  • SBGTF - Friday, February 11, 2005 - link

    Wow. Different things appeal to different people. I like the case, and I appreciate the review.

    Who buys them? Well I did. I bought their Guardian case and I'm very happy with it. I like the design.

    And in case you are wondering about my age, I'm in my 30s.
  • cryptonomicon - Wednesday, February 9, 2005 - link

    by the way, reviewing "functional cases" which may look plain is a fine idea. I think gaming cases are a joke. I mod all my cases anyways, for example plain Lian-Li cases are sweet for that.
  • LoneWolf15 - Tuesday, February 8, 2005 - link

    #48, Anandtech's site isn't targeted to the mainstream audience, it is targeted to PC enthusiasts. The mainstream folks out there buy a mass retail PC, or from a mail order retailer like Dell or Gateway. In a few cases they go to a mom-n-pop shop if they are well informed and know of one with a good reputation. But the mainstream audience doesn't build their own PC's, they buy them. It has been shown that the enthusiast crowd who reads here does not like cases like the Guardian, and others that look extremely pre-modded. Therefore, catering to the crowd you target makes sense, and continuing to review case after case that looks like this does not, which up until now seemed to be the norm here at Anandtech despite overwhelming reader opinion.
    Wanting a clean case isn't being a purist; it's wanting something that is quality inside and outside, and then if you're a PC-modding enthusiast, you can make your own changes later. The NZXT may have a decent inside, but its outside has limited enthusiast appeal. Sort of like the now-discontinued Pontiac Aztek; I'd guess the inside wasn't bad, but few were thrilled about its exterior looks, which ultimately doomed it.

    P.S. How many friends/relatives of yours would like a case that looks like these?
  • frocool - Monday, February 7, 2005 - link

    Okay, most of you really need to chill out. If you don't like theses cases don't buy them. If you like them being reviewed then don't read the review. It's that easy.

    I build computers as a hobby. Sometimes I build them from scratch, using a barebones case that I mod myself. Other times, when I'm feeling less-than-inspired or lazy, I use a premoded case such as this one. If I'm not happy with end result I'll usually end up seeling it to a friend or relative. As suchs, I appreciate the time Anandtech takes to review these types of cases so that I know which ones are good and which ones to stay away from. Judging by the review, the Nemesis Elite seems like another quality product from NZXT (although I'll reserve final judgement for when/if I purchase one myself). Again, if you don't like the case or review don't buy it and don't read the review.

    I hope Anadtech continues to take the time to review all different types of products, from those aimed at the purists among us, to those aimed at a more main-stream audience.
  • LoneWolf15 - Monday, February 7, 2005 - link

    Thank heaven, Anand for statment #4. I haven't seen a single person that wants to buy the cases Anandtech reviews. They just don't carry features or looks that enthusiasts want, and after all, this IS an enthusiast site. People want the simple-yet-sophisticated look of Silverstone or Lian Li, the function features of Antech or the Chenbro Gaming Bomb II, or the sturdiness and dependability of server cases like Chieftec and Chenming. What they don't want is something that looks like a robot, has fifty million blinky lights, 20 laser-cut biohazard grills, cheap plastic, etc., and then half the time bundles it with the cheapest power supply they can still wildly exaggerate specs to list as 400 watts. Remember the soup commercials awhile back that mocked people eating chicken and stars, saying "Come off it, you've grown up now." So have PC enthusiasts...and they want the cases to match.
  • BLHealthy4life - Monday, February 7, 2005 - link

    I just have to say again to Operandi (#18), what you said is HILARIOUS!!!

    Take care
  • manno - Monday, February 7, 2005 - link

    By the way

    #12 #18 #26 #29 #30
    ROLF

    Operandi, I went snowboarding this weekend, and I took some nasty spills I woke up today in total pain. After reading that comment I laughed so hard I fell on the floor because my chest hurt so much, and I couldn't stop laughing. Hysterical!

    To the developer: That would be great if you put out some tasteful cases. In fact I'm looking forward to it. How about doing an Antec Aria layout, only with better styling.

    http://aria1.notlong.com

    An exterior power brick would be cool... though I have no idea how feasable it is.

    Anand. I'll put my money where my mouth is PM me the address to send the case and I'll send you one.

    http://AMSGMO.notlong.com

    -manno
  • manno - Monday, February 7, 2005 - link

    WOW! Could those cases look any uglier? Please review cases that don't look like they belong in a 7-year-old's room. How about reviewing cases that could be featured in a modest, or contemporary setting, and not just a LAN-Party. I mean wow those cases are two of the ugliest I've ever seen. I'd rather have a 7' tall beige box than one of those monsters. You know some of us have girlfriends, that don't want to have to cover up the PC when we have guests over... Forget her I would cover up one of those eye-sores with a sheet if I had guests over. could we get at least one feature article on tasteful cases. Am I the only one who sees side windows as a bad thing? When I was 13 I though they would be cool. Now that I've seen what they look like I know better.

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