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Date: May 7th, 2009
Article by: Joe Anderson (Hardware Reviewer)
Edited By: Nathan Glentworth (Owner / Head Editor)
Product was submitted by: NZXT
<--CLICK FOR PRICES ON A NZXT GUARDIAN 921 CASE IN AMERICA
<--CLICK FOR PRICES ON A NZXT GUARDIAN 921 CASE IN CANADA

 

CONCLUSIONS AND AFTERTHOUGHTS

With their redesigned Guardian 921 gaming case, NZXT has updated the look and features of the original Guardian while managing to keep its feel and tone. The “armored” look is still there and the updated visual elements are tastefully done, giving the case a fresh, new look while paying homage to the original. I found the illuminated temperature display and eSATA port refreshing and, while not strictly necessary in a gaming case, both features should prove useful. However, the interior is as Spartan as the exterior is elegant.

Working in the 921 is a bit cramped and the cable management features are all but non-existent. Interior features are relatively plentiful and effective, but I fear for their longevity during heavy use. The HDD cage restricts airflow to the graphics area and the blue/gray interior is, in a word, boring. Placing the side fan in the exact center of the panel gives the 921 a balanced look, but doesn't do much for cooling performance.

Speaking of cooling, the Guardian 921 does pretty well in this department. However, as I mentioned earlier, I'm a bit disappointed that the cooling performance isn't better, particularly in the graphics area of the case. With the state of multi card graphics these days, airflow in this region is more critical than ever. Consequently, I couldn't recommend the Guardian 921 for a maximum effort gaming machine, but it would be perfectly serviceable for most any lesser application.

Browsing the web for a Guardian 921, I found plenty of retailers had it in stock at prices anywhere from $70 to $100 US. At the lower end of this range, I'd consider the 921 a very good value, particularly if you like the look and features and want a door on your case. You're unlikely to find a better case for the money (in this class, anyway) and the 921 does have a very distinctive look and some nice features.

In the final analysis, the Guardian 921 from NZXT is a gaming chassis with some cool features that won't break the bank. It deserves a look if you're in the market for a relatively inexpensive mid-tower gaming chassis.

Pros:

- Distinctive look
- Front temperature display
- Some tool-free features
- Good cooling
- Good value

Cons:

- HDD cage impedes airflow
- No cable management features
- A bit cramped
- Boring interior

 

 

If you have any questions about this case, please ask the HERE.

 

<--CLICK FOR PRICES ON A NZXT GUARDIAN 921 CASE IN AMERICA
<--CLICK FOR PRICES ON A NZXT GUARDIAN 921 CASE IN CANADA