NZXT BETA EVO Classic Series PC Case Review

Posted by: David Mitchelson (Mishima) on: 11/09/2009 05:26 PM [ Print | 0 comment(s) ]

Exterior
The NZXT Beta Evo comes in a rather plain looking box made of recyclable cardboard. But we have no qualms with this; it allows the end user to benefit from the cutback with the low RRP. It’s also better for the environment. The packaging should be functional, and it is. It doesn’t need to be flash, it’s what’s inside that we are concerned with.

The NXZT Beta Evo box

Taking the Beta Evo out of the box we are met with quite a nice looking case. There are 4 outlets for 5.25” devices. The front bezel has mesh behind it to encourage better airflow. Behind this mesh there is a 120mm blue LED fan.

The front control panel has a headphone/mic jack, two USB sockets as well as an eSATA port. These ports are easy to get to and quite correctly at the top of the case, making them more accessible. It’s quite annoying when manufacturers place these ports at the bottom of the case.

Our first look at the NZXT Beta Evo

The front control panel with USB, audio and eSATA support

On the side panel there are two mesh cut outs, allowing you to draw out excess heat from both the GPU and CPU. Later on I will be adding a Noctua S12B onto the side for some additional airflow gain. Similar to the side, on the very top of the case there are two mesh cut outs for mounting a dual radiator. I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen a case for this price that supports water-cooling. If you were to choose not to mount a unit here there is quite an opening for dust to enter. This would be the only thing that concerns me about the design. Most of the components are quite exposed, so if you do have this on the floor next to your desk, do not spill your drink!!

Double fan support on the side panel

If you want to install some water-cooling the Beta Evo is ready

Moving to the rear of the NZXT Beta Evo the format is fairly standard. The PSU will be placed at the bottom of the case – as seen on most of the newer ATX cases on the market. There is a space for a 120mm exhaust fan to be installed, although there isn’t one provided with the package. Again, there are two loop holes for water-cooling.

To secure the side panel there are some nifty little thumbscrews to make the removal of the panel easy. Rather than these being made of metal they are plastic, which in my mind makes more sense. Metal on metal results in damage. So with the plastic screw it fits snug without making any marks whatsoever.