Installation
Installing the motherboard was simplified thanks to the inclusion of standoffs with raised insets. They were nice, as they allowed the motherboard to be partially secured before installing the mounting screws. Little things like this can make a big difference with ease of installation.
A majority of the test components fit neatly in the case without the need for awkward reaching and prodding. That was until it came time to install the video card. While the GeForce 9600GT used in our testbed is a large card, more and more cards are approaching this footprint that came dangerously close to the drive cages.
The description on the website says that “the Guardian 921 gives the user ample space for large, high-end video cards.” Unfortunately, this is simply not true, and for two reasons:
First, the hard drive cage is so close the edge of the motherboard that there was not enough room for the PCIe power cable and my fingers at the same time. Installation required me to remove the card and attach the power cable outside the case. Upon reinserting the card, I was displeased to see that the power cable was bent quite sharply. Everything still worked adequately, but this situation was hardly ideal.
Second, the quick clips for the expansion slots didn’t fit. Screwless clips for the expansion slots are typically touted as a feature, but they do have their flaws. In my case, the Guardian 921’s I/O clips were unable to secure the 9600GT as the card’s cooling assembly sits flush with the plate that would normally screw into the chassis. While this was not a huge issue, the fact that there’s no backup plan is a big deal. Cards that cannot be secured via the clip cannot be screwed down; the only solution in such a case would be to use a nut and bolt. In my situation, I was forced to leave the card unsecured in the chassis.
Everything fits nicely except for the video card.
Refreshingly, the hard drive was particularly easy to install. Not only was it screwless, it was also side facing which made it easy to change drives, cables and jumpers on the fly.
Like the Tempest we previously reviewed, the Guardian 921 lit up in blue when powered on. Like the Tempest, the Guardian also had no LEDs that jarringly hit the eye if the case is viewed from the wrong angle.
The muted blue LEDs do not adversely strike the eye.
Heat test
Using the same components I employed in our NZXT Tempest review, I set to work testing the thermal profile of the Guardian 921. To that end, Prime95 was used to load the system. Here’s the configuration of the testbed I used for this review:
- Motherboard: DFI Infinity NFS70-M2/G
- Video: Palit GeForce 9600GT 1GB Sonic
- RAM: 2GB Buffalo Firestix DDR2
- PSU: OCZ 600W
- HDD: Western Digital 30GB
I was surprised by how well the case performed when compared to its control, especially considering that it’s not advertised as a strong cooling performer.
Guardian 921 temps were significantly lower than the control case.
Recap
While this unit is billed as a case for gamers, that’s actually the only demographic we would not recommend this unit to. Many design decisions have gone to producing a case that just doesn’t fall in lines with the needs of a gamer.
But when it comes to any other buyer, we’re pleased to award the NZXT Guardian 921 the Icrontic Stamp of Approval as an attractive, functional, well built, and convenience-driven chassis for enthusiasts.
The NZXT Guardian 921 is currently available with an MSRP that’s a shade under $100. Careful shopping can bring the price down to $60 after rebates and free shipping.
Positives
- Door as a bezel hides mismatched optical drives
- Side-facing connectivity
- eSATA port on front of case
- Significantly cooler than control case
- Side-facing HD cage with lots of room for expansion
- Screwless internal fixtures for expansion cards and bays
- Attractive lighting
Negatives
- Subjective style and finish
- Trouble mounting some video cards
Other points
- Helpful stand-off bolts
- Temperature readouts on front panel
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