The NZXT Manta is a unique ITX case that prioritizes clearance and space for ease of assembly over space efficiency and compact features. One of its standout features is the cable management system, which allows for easy routing of cables through various points on the side and rear of the case. The dual SSD brackets on the side are secured with a single thumb screw and are designed to be removable without obstructing the radiator, should one be installed at the front.

The case also features a unique cable bar on the side of the motherboard that strengthens the entire frame while hiding most of the cables that pass through it for storage. This design element is particularly useful, as it allows users to store cables and components in a compact and organized manner. The 3.5-inch drive bracket on the other side can be removed without interfering with the SSD brackets, which is a convenient feature.

However, the case has some drawbacks. One of the most significant issues is the lack of compatibility with the Q Plus SSD mountings due to their installation requirements. These mountings require the user to install them forward into the cable bar and then secure them in reverse, which prevents the use of non-SSD form factor devices that are not height-wise compatible.

Fortunately, NZXT has acknowledged this issue and plans to make changes to the installation for those SSD mountings. They will be moved forward 5mm towards the front to allow for the installation of thicker 2.5-inch slot devices, such as the H Plus. This change is a welcome development, as it will enable users to install non-SSD form factor devices without having to remove the SSD brackets.

The back of the case features cable type points all around, ensuring that no cables are left unattended. Additionally, a Fan Hub is available, which provides eight fan headers with an extension cable and a PWM connector. This feature is particularly useful for ITX motherboards, which often have limited fan headers due to their compact design.

The inside of the case features a finished system that is similar to an ATX enclosure. Users can easily remove the top and front panels to route cables and mount radiators and fans as needed. However, the placement of the 8-pin and 24-pin connectors on the motherboard is located far from where they would typically be in a traditional ATX case.

Assembling the Manta was an enjoyable experience, thanks to its excellent cable management system. The finished build performed extremely well, with no issues or bottlenecks noticed during testing. However, the frustration of dealing with the motherboard's connector placement cannot be overlooked.

In conclusion, the NZXT Manta is a solid ITX case that excels in all areas, from building to airflow and cable management. Its unique design elements prioritize ease of assembly over compact features, making it an excellent choice for users who value these aspects. While there are some minor drawbacks to consider, such as the lack of compatibility with Q Plus mountings and limited RGB lighting options, overall, this case is a standout in its class.

The Bender rules slogan "No compromises" is particularly apt for this case, which pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved in an ITX form factor. The Manta's ability to accommodate full-out water cooling setups without sacrificing space or features is a testament to NZXT's dedication to innovation and quality. As with any case, it may not suit every user's needs, but for those who value ease of assembly, excellent cable management, and top-notch performance, the NZXT Manta is an excellent choice.

The only real question is why such a case exists, given its size and price point. It almost rivals that of mid-tower cases in terms of cost and feature set, which may be a concern for some users. However, this can also be seen as a positive aspect, as it challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding ITX cases and their limited capabilities.

Ultimately, the NZXT Manta is a refreshing take on the ITX form factor, one that prioritizes ease of use and assembly over space efficiency and compact features. Its design elements and features make it an excellent choice for users who value these aspects, and its commitment to innovation and quality sets it apart from other cases in its class.

In the end, this case is a great example of what can be achieved with ITX, pushing the boundaries of what is possible within this compact form factor. The NZXT Manta is an excellent addition to any enthusiast's build arsenal, offering a unique blend of features and performance that sets it apart from other cases on the market.

The Manta's finished system is a true testament to its quality and attention to detail. Users can easily remove the top and front panels to access the internal components, making it easier to assemble and upgrade their systems as needed. This feature alone makes the case an excellent choice for users who value ease of assembly and maintenance.

In terms of cable management, the Manta excels. The use of cable type points on the side and rear of the case ensures that no cables are left unattended, making it easy to route and manage cables in a clean and organized manner. Additionally, the Fan Hub provides eight fan headers with an extension cable and a PWM connector, which is particularly useful for ITX motherboards.

Overall, the NZXT Manta is a standout case that offers a unique blend of features and performance. Its excellent cable management system, ease of assembly, and top-notch airflow make it an excellent choice for users who value these aspects. While there are some minor drawbacks to consider, such as the lack of compatibility with Q Plus mountings and limited RGB lighting options, overall, this case is a must-consider for any enthusiast looking to build or upgrade their system.

As a final note, the NZXT Manta is an excellent example of what can be achieved in an ITX form factor. Its commitment to innovation and quality sets it apart from other cases on the market, offering a unique blend of features and performance that makes it an excellent choice for users who value these aspects.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enthis video is brought to you by nc.com great technology selection and service seriously okay the new mystery NZXT case is finally here this is the Manta Mini ITX bend the rules as they say and who better to introduce a curvy frame like this there's an obvious shift towards a powerful ITX systems and I love that but you got to ask whether the larger form factor is worth it to you because right next to a mid Tower something like the h440 the Monta doesn't seem so small and actually NZXT is proud to introduce a chassis this big tailored towards ITX it is priced at $139 so the target audience here are obviously enthusiasts and the reason behind this price point are the curves you notice the Manta isn't your ordinary ITX enclosure with curved metal plated panels all around to give it an elegant design with a faint NZXT logo at the front I personally love this Frame structure it's a nice evolution of this unique NZXT character and the only thing people will be asking now is when are we going to see an ATX version of the chassis the top is fully covered with two beautiful curved indentations where we also find a pair of USB 3.0 audio jacks and the power button with an illuminated power strip that also acts as your hard drive activity led the ventilation ports running down the top and front of the case are very well implemented that are both almost hidden from the user thanks to the coverage of the side panels but they also adequately spaced out to allow front fans to do the job properly with intake and exhaust Air at the top to exit without much resistance you can achieve fantastic air flow inside the Manta with dual 120 M fans included at the front with 140 mm mounts available as well but the dust filter here is also deep enough to house a set of fans outside of the frame for Push Pull scenarios and the same goes for the top in terms of fan options which are supposed to be mounted above the frame with the radiator just below and so now you can appreciate why this enclosure is actually so large a few words on the side panels first NZXT is proud to say the window is the largest in size for an ITX case so far which is understandably so given this is one of the largest ITX cases that we've reviewed to date second the thumb screws are attached to both panels so you don't misplace them and third they are curved for a reason to give extra clearance for cable management while still minimizing the total footprint of the frame and while it may seem as if the window panel can be mounted at the back they are not reversible as not all hatches aligned properly and with regards to the window itself be careful as it's not as resilient to normal handling marks so if you want to keep it clean make sure to peel off the protective film after you're finished with the assembly on the inside we find an almost mini version of the s340 I would say with a totally enclosed power supply chamber that will support any ATX power supply and as you can see there's nothing in this chamber to limit compatibility there's a dust filter underneath the power supply the top of the power supply chamber is vented and it was also slightly angled so your GPU doesn't choke and a small square cutout is perfect for BCI Express cable routing and if you're thinking of a radiator mounting at the front you have full 5 cm of clearance from the fans until you hit the frame which is already fully open for you to utilize now one strange factor missing here are rubber grommets which for a139 enclosure is odd especially with this many cutouts but the unique cable bar on the side of the motherboard allows to strengthen the entire frame while also hiding most of the cables that pass through it for storage we have dual SSD brackets on the side there that are secured with a single thumb screw and they are not on the way of your radiator if you decide to put one at the front however they need to be removed in order to install the 3 and 1/2 in Drive which is on the other side it would be super convenient to have an independent hard drive bracket that you can access without having to worry about removing those ssds first also the 3 and 1/2 in drive as you can see sticks out quite a lot which is why the side panel is also curved the one disappointing find for me was the lack of compatibility with the Q Plus due to the nature of installation of those SSD brackets that first have to go forward into the cable bar and only then back to secure the hinges this prevents anything that is not an SSD form factor height-wise to be installed but luckily NZXT is aware of this and they will be changing the installation for those SSD mountings uh that will be moved forward 5 mm towards the front to allow the installation of something like the h plus or any other thicker 2 and 1/2 in slot device but regardless of that they will all be upside down which is super unfortunate taking a look at the back NZXT has made sure no cable will be left unattended with cable type points all around plus a Fan Hub is available which is a must for or an ITX case as many ITX motherboards have only two fan headers this one has eight with an extension cable and a pwm connector so you don't need to worry about fan connectivity and finally here's the Finish system on the inside it's practically like working inside an ATX enclosure as you can take off the top and the front panels and easily route everything and mount your radiators and fans and Etc the case performed extremely well in this record and this was the most Pleasant ITX experience for me the frustrating part however was the motherboard and where the 8 Pin and the 24 pin connectors are located which are way off from what this case is designed for so I would highly recommend choosing a motherboard whose layout mimics a more traditional ATX for easier cable routing on the flip side of that coin however NZXT should have made larger cutouts at the top which would let me route the giant 24 pin cable through there and instead of it Crossing it through memory like I did this build but overall Manta opens new possibilities for water cooling in an ITX form factor one that prioritizes clearance and space for the ease of assembly over space efficiency and compact features and with regards to Cable Management this was such a quick cleanup at minimal effort you have cable type points running on the side the cable bar a ton of space on the other side of the power supply and the entire front section is fully open and this is where a dedicated hard drive cage could have come in handy but they've opted for just a single mounting points for either a 3 and 1/2 or 2 and 1/2 in drive on the floor and lastly the built-in lighting features are very basic that allows you to cycle between the side NZXT logo and the rear IO LED and turn them off individually or both on I find the lack of RGB lighting to be disappointing even though the white illumination looks clean and modern it might be very difficult to color coordinate with the rest of the hardware unless you plan ahead or at least it would be great to have the Q Plus connector which can be part of the system you would install yourself in conclusion NZXT Manta is a solid ITX case and I mean that on all fronts with fantastic build the right airflow perfect cable management and is geared towards full out water cooling with no compromise they will be fixing the SSD bracket placement which is awesome and the only real flaw here is the mounting system for that single vertical mechanical Drive which I wish was on some rails so you don't need to remove both SSD brackets to get access to that 3 and 1/2 in drive but the real question is why a case like this even exists it almost the size of a mid Tower it's actually more expensive than something like the h440 and it's going against all the attractive ITX features like space efficiency and compact footprint but I feel the Bender rules slogan doesn't only apply to the design but the mentality of what can be done with ITX which is very refreshing and that is it for this review of the NZXT Manta ITX thank you so much for watching I'm Dimitri with h KN don't forget to subscribe for more case reviews in the future and we'll see you in the next videothis video is brought to you by nc.com great technology selection and service seriously okay the new mystery NZXT case is finally here this is the Manta Mini ITX bend the rules as they say and who better to introduce a curvy frame like this there's an obvious shift towards a powerful ITX systems and I love that but you got to ask whether the larger form factor is worth it to you because right next to a mid Tower something like the h440 the Monta doesn't seem so small and actually NZXT is proud to introduce a chassis this big tailored towards ITX it is priced at $139 so the target audience here are obviously enthusiasts and the reason behind this price point are the curves you notice the Manta isn't your ordinary ITX enclosure with curved metal plated panels all around to give it an elegant design with a faint NZXT logo at the front I personally love this Frame structure it's a nice evolution of this unique NZXT character and the only thing people will be asking now is when are we going to see an ATX version of the chassis the top is fully covered with two beautiful curved indentations where we also find a pair of USB 3.0 audio jacks and the power button with an illuminated power strip that also acts as your hard drive activity led the ventilation ports running down the top and front of the case are very well implemented that are both almost hidden from the user thanks to the coverage of the side panels but they also adequately spaced out to allow front fans to do the job properly with intake and exhaust Air at the top to exit without much resistance you can achieve fantastic air flow inside the Manta with dual 120 M fans included at the front with 140 mm mounts available as well but the dust filter here is also deep enough to house a set of fans outside of the frame for Push Pull scenarios and the same goes for the top in terms of fan options which are supposed to be mounted above the frame with the radiator just below and so now you can appreciate why this enclosure is actually so large a few words on the side panels first NZXT is proud to say the window is the largest in size for an ITX case so far which is understandably so given this is one of the largest ITX cases that we've reviewed to date second the thumb screws are attached to both panels so you don't misplace them and third they are curved for a reason to give extra clearance for cable management while still minimizing the total footprint of the frame and while it may seem as if the window panel can be mounted at the back they are not reversible as not all hatches aligned properly and with regards to the window itself be careful as it's not as resilient to normal handling marks so if you want to keep it clean make sure to peel off the protective film after you're finished with the assembly on the inside we find an almost mini version of the s340 I would say with a totally enclosed power supply chamber that will support any ATX power supply and as you can see there's nothing in this chamber to limit compatibility there's a dust filter underneath the power supply the top of the power supply chamber is vented and it was also slightly angled so your GPU doesn't choke and a small square cutout is perfect for BCI Express cable routing and if you're thinking of a radiator mounting at the front you have full 5 cm of clearance from the fans until you hit the frame which is already fully open for you to utilize now one strange factor missing here are rubber grommets which for a139 enclosure is odd especially with this many cutouts but the unique cable bar on the side of the motherboard allows to strengthen the entire frame while also hiding most of the cables that pass through it for storage we have dual SSD brackets on the side there that are secured with a single thumb screw and they are not on the way of your radiator if you decide to put one at the front however they need to be removed in order to install the 3 and 1/2 in Drive which is on the other side it would be super convenient to have an independent hard drive bracket that you can access without having to worry about removing those ssds first also the 3 and 1/2 in drive as you can see sticks out quite a lot which is why the side panel is also curved the one disappointing find for me was the lack of compatibility with the Q Plus due to the nature of installation of those SSD brackets that first have to go forward into the cable bar and only then back to secure the hinges this prevents anything that is not an SSD form factor height-wise to be installed but luckily NZXT is aware of this and they will be changing the installation for those SSD mountings uh that will be moved forward 5 mm towards the front to allow the installation of something like the h plus or any other thicker 2 and 1/2 in slot device but regardless of that they will all be upside down which is super unfortunate taking a look at the back NZXT has made sure no cable will be left unattended with cable type points all around plus a Fan Hub is available which is a must for or an ITX case as many ITX motherboards have only two fan headers this one has eight with an extension cable and a pwm connector so you don't need to worry about fan connectivity and finally here's the Finish system on the inside it's practically like working inside an ATX enclosure as you can take off the top and the front panels and easily route everything and mount your radiators and fans and Etc the case performed extremely well in this record and this was the most Pleasant ITX experience for me the frustrating part however was the motherboard and where the 8 Pin and the 24 pin connectors are located which are way off from what this case is designed for so I would highly recommend choosing a motherboard whose layout mimics a more traditional ATX for easier cable routing on the flip side of that coin however NZXT should have made larger cutouts at the top which would let me route the giant 24 pin cable through there and instead of it Crossing it through memory like I did this build but overall Manta opens new possibilities for water cooling in an ITX form factor one that prioritizes clearance and space for the ease of assembly over space efficiency and compact features and with regards to Cable Management this was such a quick cleanup at minimal effort you have cable type points running on the side the cable bar a ton of space on the other side of the power supply and the entire front section is fully open and this is where a dedicated hard drive cage could have come in handy but they've opted for just a single mounting points for either a 3 and 1/2 or 2 and 1/2 in drive on the floor and lastly the built-in lighting features are very basic that allows you to cycle between the side NZXT logo and the rear IO LED and turn them off individually or both on I find the lack of RGB lighting to be disappointing even though the white illumination looks clean and modern it might be very difficult to color coordinate with the rest of the hardware unless you plan ahead or at least it would be great to have the Q Plus connector which can be part of the system you would install yourself in conclusion NZXT Manta is a solid ITX case and I mean that on all fronts with fantastic build the right airflow perfect cable management and is geared towards full out water cooling with no compromise they will be fixing the SSD bracket placement which is awesome and the only real flaw here is the mounting system for that single vertical mechanical Drive which I wish was on some rails so you don't need to remove both SSD brackets to get access to that 3 and 1/2 in drive but the real question is why a case like this even exists it almost the size of a mid Tower it's actually more expensive than something like the h440 and it's going against all the attractive ITX features like space efficiency and compact footprint but I feel the Bender rules slogan doesn't only apply to the design but the mentality of what can be done with ITX which is very refreshing and that is it for this review of the NZXT Manta ITX thank you so much for watching I'm Dimitri with h KN don't forget to subscribe for more case reviews in the future and we'll see you in the next video\n"