Final Thought
The Guardian did well in our noise tests at 49dBA, but this was mainly due to the lack of case fans where they were necessary. The temperature readings were extremely high and could have been reduced by adding more fans or even replacing the ones included with larger 120mm fans to increase air flow. Though NZXT has chosen not to include extra fans, they have designed the Guardian so it can be expanded on.The Guardian, however, does feature a tool-less design when it comes to installation of drives and add-in cards, which shaved precious time off of the total installation time. Using screw-less mounting stand-offs like what Thermaltake uses would have saved about 2-3 more minutes off the total time.
NZXT has done a great job in designing a chassis in the area of expandability. They provide ample drive bays for additional storage as well as precut slots to add extra case fans. Many times we see manufacturers put more effort into making the case look good, but at the same time, perform under the average compared to other cases in its class. NZXT incorporated good looks and performance in the Guardian. If used with the right components, the Guardian can truly be a unique gaming case.
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segagenesis - Tuesday, July 6, 2004 - link
OK design, terrible exterior (I wont say worst!). I think we dubbed this case the "Transformer Case" at the shop.firtol88 - Wednesday, April 7, 2004 - link
:o :o :o OMFG ROLFMAO!!!!17'5 50 1337!!!
:| ????????
TrogdorJW - Tuesday, April 6, 2004 - link
The problem with case mods is that they just emphasize the geekiness of the owner/creator. At least when you do it yourself, you're being a true geek and not just some poser. Personally, I like my cases to have as few lights as possible and to be quiet. Of course, my computers are all in the living room, which has something to do with my tastes. If you're watching some show on TV, you don't want to hear the whine of the fans and power supplies. Even more important, when it's bed time and you're stuck sleeping on the couch (hey, it happens), its really hard to fall asleep with glowing cases illuminating the room, and the data-centeresque turbine whine doesn't help either.Basically, that Lian Li kicked ass over this.
GonzoDaGr8 - Tuesday, April 6, 2004 - link
Icewind....Nice case pal. Nice case.Icewind - Tuesday, April 6, 2004 - link
Yeah, if I was 10 years old, I might be going insane to have that for a case, but seeings how im pretty seasoned case modder, I must laugh. The thing just reaks of quality!Not.
I'll show you how its done right.....
http://www.cp4g.com/bryce/
Operandi - Tuesday, April 6, 2004 - link
"NZXT incorporated good looks and performance in the Guardian."hahah, I'm sorry but this thing is anything but "good looking".. Am I the only one sick of these increadbly cheap and tacky looking cases? I used to think Thermaltake cases look like *&%@ till i saw this thing...
Lets get some reviews of cooler masters, silverstones, or Lian Li's...
Praeludium - Monday, April 5, 2004 - link
You know, I have a plain metallic grey Antec 1080 server case, and I game just fine.I do have a red neon fan in there, but I don't even see that because the door it's installed in is facing away from me. Am I just destined for prosaic attitudes already at the tender age of seventeen? Or am I just too unimaginative to case mod?
I dunno anymore.
retrospooty - Monday, April 5, 2004 - link
LOL !It looks like one of those old transformers from the 1980's ... Only uglier
medfly - Monday, April 5, 2004 - link
/aolyeah that thing is butt ugly!
aol/
Verdant - Monday, April 5, 2004 - link
i'm going to go ahead and say it...its ugly