NZXT Nemesis Elite Edition

Heavy metal protection for your PC

It’s not often we see a case with a totally unique feature or design trait, but we have to admit that the plate of solid stainless steel that covers the upper half of the Nemesis Elite’s front bezel is certainly new to us. It’s kind of cool too, and should protect your PC from arrows, errant dog toys, and all kinds of household dangers. The only strange thing about the steel plate is that it’s painted black, so instead of standing out, it blends in with the black plastic bezels. A non-Elite version of the case features an unpainted stainless steel plate, and we think it looks more interesting.

The feature that earns this Nemesis its “elite” status, is a flip-up LCD display/fanbus on top of the case. The fanbus, which features rudimentary fan-speed control, comes with several probes you can use to monitor the temperature anywhere inside the case. The LCD/fanbus enclosure also sports jacks for USB, FireWire, and audio.

Like most mid-towers, the interior is cramped, and the close quarters are exacerbated by the motherboard tray, which isn’t removable. Fortunately, both optical and hard drives are installed via slide-in rails. We dig the removable toolbox mounted in the 3.5-inch drive bays—yes, it takes up two of four hard drive bays, but it conveniently holds all the easy-to-lose drive rails and screws. Nicely, the case’s tool-less design is maintained throughout the case—even I/O cards can be installed without screws.

Three blue-light 120mm fans handle cooling—one front intake, one side intake, and one rear exhaust. Each fan spins at a slow-‘n’-steady 1,800rpm, which provides sufficient cooling without a lot of noise.
Although this case didn’t leave us drooling, it certainly didn’t make us curse. With more-than-adequate cooling, excellent features, and a light, portable design it’s a decent enclosure for the money.
—Mark Behnken

SCOOP: Lightweight, great cooling, and useful LCD display.

SNOOP: No removable motherboard tray, slightly crowded, painted shield.

Month Reviewed: July 2005
Verdict: 8
URL: www.nzxt.com