The New Zealand Extremes (NZXT) Phantom 820 is a full tower case that offers a plethora of features and improvements over its predecessor, the Switch 810. One of the standout aspects of this case is its design, which has been refined to provide an even more impressive build experience for enthusiasts.
The NZXT Phantom 820 boasts four Tula secure brackets for your optical drives, a very clever design for the hard drive cage, and an abundance of rubber grommets that can accommodate extra-large and extended ATX motherboards. This attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the case's construction. When looking at the back of the case, we find a very large CPU cutout available, plenty of Kabletown notches for clean wiring, and an inch of room to work with in the back, ensuring that cable management becomes almost enjoyable.
In terms of drive support, the Phantom 820 features a massive array of options. It includes four Tula secure brackets for your optical drives, allowing you to install multiple drives at once. The hard drive cage itself is divided into two sections: the top housing four drives and the bottom only two. This allows for an abundance of flexibility when it comes to installing your storage solutions. Additionally, the case supports triple 200 millimeter fans or a dual 140 millimeter fan setup, providing ample cooling options for even the most demanding systems.
One of the standout features of the NZXT Phantom 820 is its ability to handle water cooling. The drive cage can be completely removed to allow a dual radiator installation at the bottom, ensuring that your system stays cool even under heavy load. This level of customization and flexibility is unmatched by many other cases on the market.
The Phantom 820 also features an integrated fan controller, which always comes in handy when building a system with high airflow requirements. Furthermore, the case's customizable color system offers an impressive range of options, allowing you to personalize your build to suit your unique style. With plenty of room for expansion and a focus on cable management, this case is perfect for those who value organization and ease of use.
When it comes to hardware compatibility, the Phantom 820 stacks up well against its competitors. It supports graphics cards up to 13 inches in length, even with the additional fan installed, ensuring that your system can handle the most demanding workloads. The top is also fully removable by removing some screws, allowing you to mount a triple radiator setup if desired.
A unique feature of the Phantom 820 is its integrated fan controller and lighting system. This allows for a range of customization options, from simple ambient lighting to full-fledged RGB effects. Additionally, the case's internal design has been improved upon compared to the Switch 810, with an all-new layout that provides even better airflow and easier access to components.
When it comes to assembly, the Phantom 820 makes use of a standard ATX motherboard, which appears miniscule in this massive enclosure. However, getting everything set up is surprisingly hassle-free, thanks to the well-designed case and ample room for hardware. With plenty of space at the back, cable management becomes almost enjoyable, adding a new layer of enjoyment to the build process.
In terms of practicality, the Phantom 820 fits the bill perfectly. It's an excellent choice for those who value high-performance components and want a robust, feature-rich case that can handle their demands. With its customizable color system, integrated fan controller, and support for water cooling, this case is sure to appeal to enthusiasts and professionals alike.
However, when it comes to pricing, the Phantom 820 sits at $150, which may make it less appealing compared to some of its competitors. The NZXT Switch 810, for example, offers a very similar design but without the additional features and improvements that set the Phantom 820 apart.
In conclusion, the NZXT Phantom 820 is an excellent choice for those who want a full tower case with impressive cooling capabilities, customizable lighting, and a focus on cable management. While it may not be the most affordable option on the market, its unique design, high-performance features, and attention to detail make it a compelling alternative to other cases in the enthusiast category.
As for competition from NZXT's own Switch 810, while the Phantom 820 does share some similarities with its predecessor, the improvements made to the case's design, materials, and features set it apart as a more polished and feature-rich option. The new and redesigned hard drive trays are also improved upon compared to the Switch 810, which had flimsy and weak components.
Furthermore, there were some issues encountered during testing, such as faulty connections in the circuit board for the LEDs, which did not light up all of them. However, these issues are unlikely to be a major concern for most users, and NZXT's attention to detail and focus on quality ensure that the Phantom 820 is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-performance case.
Overall, the Phantom 820 from NZXT holds major grounds in the market competition for full towers and desktops. Its impressive design, feature-rich capabilities, and focus on quality make it an attractive option for enthusiasts and professionals alike.