Final ThoughtsWith most computer products, especially cases, the looks and overall aesthetics are the main priority with functionality coming in a close second. Now the looks are going to come down to personal preference, which is an odd one for me indeed. I say this because I’m a HUGE fan of cases from Lian Li due to their elegant styling and I’m not normally a fan of plastic made, glitzy, colourful cases but with the Phantom I’ve certainly made an exception.
The Phantom is a case that I could look at all day long and not get bored with the styling and though the majority of it uses plastic, it doesn’t have the same cheap feel that other similar cases have. The chassis doesn’t have a tacky feel to it and I think a lot of that comes down to the way the metal and plastic meet together seamlessly.
Feature wise it belongs in the no frills zone and simply works. It doesn’t have any complicated mechanical features that no one wants or needs and simply does what it says on the tin in terms of installation and operational purposes.
Being an older case, sadly no USB 3.0 functionality is present, but after all this time we feel that NZXT could have implemented this in, and brought out a version 2 Phantom maybe? Either way, it’s not the most important feature to me, as I’m happy with my rear I/O USB features, but others may have this as a deciding factor. This aside, the in-built fan controller is a nice touch and the implementation of an ample area for watercooling coupled with the watercooling grommets is going to be a big hit with the extremists.
Pricing wise, a respectable $139.99 at Newegg and £104.62 at Scan sees the American market getting the slightly better deal on this chassis but still a reasonable amount for a case of this sheer size and we can’t see many people comparing other brands products against it as it is simply unique in each and every way.
Pros:
- Unique design
- Fantastic cable management
- Sufficient storage allocation
- Futuristic looks
- In-built fan controller
Cons:
- No USB 3.0 functionality
- Bit expensive in the UK market
Finally. I was waiting so long for eteknix made a review of this case. Great review.
Indeed, I like the style of this one, I just have one question, how is the white version? How easy would it be to get dirt on it (fingerprints mainly) ?
It attracts dust like a magnet haha
lolDoes it have dust filters too?
Beautiful case, the outside reminds me of the combat gear in the Star Wars The Old Republic trailer .[video ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0RuR3FREFw[/video]
no usb3.0? pft!