NZXT Phantom 820 Case Review

1. Introduction2. NZXT Phantom 820: Packaging & Bundle3. NZXT Phantom 820: Exterior4. NZXT Phantom 820: Interior5. System Installation6. Testing Methodology and Thermal Performance7. Acoustic Performance8. Closing Thoughts9. View All Pages

The NZXT Phantom 820 is a chassis which is built from the ground up with enthusiasts in mind. Excellent cooling capabilities, support for enthusiast-grade hardware configurations, and a powerful style are all strengths for the Phantom 820.

Enthusiasts can build an extremely powerful system inside the NZXT Phantom 820. The case has the ability to house XL-ATX motherboards, 4-way graphics configurations and plenty of storage drives. Large dimensions and a sensible design ensure that clearance options aren't a problem; the Phantom 820 can easily house the market's largest CPU coolers, graphics cards and power supplies without interference issues.

Unique in its design, the Phantom 820 shows resemblances to the original Phantom – a case which was well-respected for its distinctive angles and curves. NZXT has carefully balanced the case design's exclusivity with a sensible appearance that will still be appreciated by consumers. A choice of three attractive colours and an integrated LED lighting system further add to the Phantom 820's positive aesthetic appeal.

Cooling performance is a particular strength for NZXT's Phantom 820. The chassis features nine fan mounts which can be used to hold a mixture of 120, 140 and 200 mm variants. Four supplied fans give the Phantom 820 impressive out-of-the-box cooling capacity.

Watercooling support is equally as impressive with space for roof-mounted triple and bottom-mounted double radiators. Both of these mounting locations are given enough clearance for push/pull configurations, while further single-fan units can be installed in the rear and interior positions.

NZXT has made the Phantom 820 a feature-rich case by supplying it with worthwhile add-ons. The four-channel, 15W fan controller allows users to control their system's noise output and cooling capability. Six USB ports and a SD card reader located in the front IO area can help to save time when making quick file transfers. A number of colour-definable LED strips are thoughtful features which can boost a system's attractiveness.

The Phantom 820 does have some shortfalls. Flimsy drive trays struggle to secure and protect a SSD or HDD during movement, never mind shipping. The fan controller is a unique system but has also been made overcomplicated by the LED brightness indication method. Fortunately for NZXT, these inconveniences are minor enough to be overlooked by users that won't post a system or can adapt to the unique fan controller.

At £198.60 from Scan, the NZXT Phantom 820 is a solid contender in the high-end chassis market. The Phantom 820 is priced appropriately to make it a viable purchase to enthusiasts building a high-end, multi-VGA powerhouse.

Pros:

• Plenty of fan mounts.
• Four fans included.
• Good watercooling options.
• Very good expansion options.
• Sensible side panel window positioning and size.
• Excellent cable management options.
• Attractive and unique style.

Cons:

• Very flimsy drive trays.
• Fan controller requires patience and practise.

KitGuru says: Extensive expansion options, good watercooling support, impressive cable management, and a unique style make the Phantom 820 an excellent choice to an enthusiast wanting one of the best cases that money can buy.

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