New cases by Gigabyte, NZXT en Recom reviewed

NZXT Apollo

If you are looking for a new case to store all your hardware in you might be interested in this article. We received three models by NZXT, Gigabyte and Recom, and we think these are definitely worth a look at.

The three cases reviewed in this article differ quite a bit; the NZXT Apollo is a case clearly aimed at the gaming community, the Gigabyte 3D Aurora is meant for users that like to spend a lot of money on their machines where the Recom Powerstation is the ideal case for enthousiasts that constantly change their hardware and like to fiddle around inside the case.

NZXT Apollo

NZXT's newest addition to their case line is called the Appollo and is available in four colors; orange, blue, black and silver. We received the silver edition to review, and the first impression is that it is a futuristic looking case, especially the front panel looks different. When the PC is powered on the front panel will glow with a blue light and the sidepanel comes standard with a windows and a 12cm LED fan. The case is mainly made out of steel, but the front panel is plastic. This is the Apollo's only disadvantage, the case does look good on a picture but in real life the materials used are not of the highest quality. We think the front of the case does look to much like plastic. Connections for USB, FireWire and front audio can be found on the right side of the front panel.

Behind the front panel we find 5 spaces for 5,25" drives and one for a 3,5" drive. More 3,5" drives can be placed internally, of whihc three can be put in a removable bracket. Drives are secured through a click system, no screws are needed. Also all add-on PCI -cards can be secured in the case without the need for any screws. Next to the 12cm fan in the side panel there is a 12 cm outtake fan at the rear and space for an intake fan at the front of the case, however that one is not supplied. The fans that come with the case are reasonably quiet due to the fact that they operate at low RPM's.

The USB, FireWire and audio ports on the side of the case.

The NZXT Apolla is not a very expensive case and can be found for around £ 55. Apart from the odd and plastic looking front panel we could not find anything wrong with this case, so if you like the design it is definetely worth considering.

Click here for the NZXT Apolla product pages.