So, how does the Zero 2 compare to the original? Is this an update or a downgrade? After playing with the Zero 2 for about a week, I'd have to say that it is a bit of both. NZXT kept the form factor but changed the case material from aluminum to steel, making it much more robust and almost six pounds heavier. The fit and finish is still excellent, but some of the premium features (such as the case feet) have been replaced with less costly options. The front façade lost the aluminum accent in favor of a very glossy plastic finish and the buttons and lighting are a bit different. Inside, the case is very similar to the original Zero, but NZXT has omitted the tool-free feature at the expansion bay and incorporated something rather clumsy in its place. NZXT also includes only three 120mm fans with the Zero 2 and cooling performance suffers for it. The interior is just as cramped as the original, and moving the I/O ports to the top of the case without regard for cable length results in frustratingly short cabling. NZXT also neglected to add any cable management aids and the new Zero is just as hard to work in as the original. While 80mm fans have gone the way of the dinosaur in modern cases, NZXT would have you install two of them, provided your PSU doesn't block the top one.
On the positive side, NZXT has incorporated one very admirable feature, a lower price. Widely available online for around $90US, this chassis is a pretty good value for what you get. A full-tower case with excellent fit and finish like this is hard to come by for this kind of money. The interior, however, is getting a bit outdated and could use a revamping. If you're considering the Zero 2, don't forget to get a couple of extra fans, you'll be glad you did.
Pros:
- Full tower
- Very quiet
- Excellent fit and finish
- Good CPU cooling
- Good cooling potential
- Tool- free drive installation
- Relatively low price
Cons:
- Poor GPU cooling
- Only three fans included
- Expansion card area could use some work
- Cramped, dated interior
- No cable management aids
- Short front panel cables
- Green HDD LED looks out of place
- Heavy
If you have any further querstions about this case, please feel free to post them in our forum HERE.
