The bonus round
After installing the previously mentioned parts, it was determined that one of the RAM modules had died. That system’s original role was a home server/network store with a 6x1TB RAID array. This called for a decision: Move the RAID array into my gaming system, or merge everything into the Beta EVO.
The gaming system was housed in an Antec Nine Hundred, which would not have successfully held the drives and completely closed at the same time–all the drives and cables would have prevented the drive cages from being completely inserted. So, everything went into the Beta EVO.
I must say that I have not experienced an easier installation, especially considering the sheer amount of hardware that was installed. Even the heatsink (a Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme), which usually gives me trouble with its retention clips, proved no issue. It took less than one hour to get everything installed and running.
Yes, this really is my system in its current state. Admit it - you're amazed.
What you’re looking at is a case packed near to capacity:
- Antec TruePower Quattro 850W PSU
- MSI P6N Diamond motherboard
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
- Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme w/120mm fan
- 8GB (4x2GB) OCZ Blade DDR2-800
- 2x NVIDIA 8800GT 512MB video cards
- Areca 1230 PCIe x8 RAID card
- 2x HDTV Tuners
- Blu-ray burner
- 300GB SATA HDD (in a 5-¼” bay)
- 6x 1TB SATA HDD (five in the 3-½” bays, one in a 5-¼” bay)
- 3x Gelid Wing12 120mm fans
Two of the fan grills were blocked by the heatsink, and I just didn’t have anything to occupy the final 5-¼” bay. Other than that, everything fit perfectly. Cable routing was surprisingly easy thanks to the channel in the motherboard tray.
Obviously this install was not quite as clean as the more traditional test bench install, but this was to be expected. With this much hardware, I expected difficulty getting the side panels back on. This was not the situation as the case closed easily.
Though a lack of proper gear precludes acoustic measurements, I can say that there is a noticeable increase in sound due to the volume of air being moved with all fans at their maximum settings. It is not a distracting level, however, and it is easily masked by the sounds from gaming, music, or movies. Headphone use also covers the sound nicely.
Cost & Conclusion
The NZXT Beta EVO currently sells for $59.99, which is $20 more than the original Beta (this includes a $10 instant rebate that online retailers are offering), and I would absolutely recommend spending that extra cash.
Considering the improvements that have been made, the added cost is well worth it—especially if you want/need the additional cooling from the new fan mounts and improved cable routing.
If there were a case at this price point that is superior to the NZXT Beta EVO, I would love to see it, because it would have to be pretty amazing. NZXT has done an outstanding job of improving an already excellent case.
Pros:
- Improved cable management
- Improved stability
- Greater airflow
- More room for fans
- Able to handle large heatsinks
Cons:
- Still only one fan provided
- Long SATA HDD connectors can be a problem
- Useless “floppy bay”
P.S.
NZXT: If you guys are looking for ideas for the next revision, I have a couple suggestions.
- Move the 3.5” bays slightly to the left – this will solve the SATA connector issue
- Get rid of the floppy bay and replace it and at least one of the 5-¼” bays with more 3.5” bays
Pages: 1 2
Articles RSS