NZXT Phantom 530 Full Tower PC Casing Review

Casings come and casings go, some are memorable while others are forgettable. The NZXT Phantom 530 is one that falls under the MEMORABLE category, and I must say it’s the most impressive casing I’ve come across.

The Phantom 530 most certainly gave me an enjoyable time when it comes to setting it up, which of course includes detailed inspection of what’s within and without of the casing.

Starting from the top, the casing’s shape is as if it was from some sci-fi movie (Think : Alien) and even the power button and fan speed adjustment switch is in pure white, so pure that I had to under-expose the image to show their placement.

Underneath the grill on the top lies a spacious attic where one could consider converting it to a hamster’s den. I wouldn’t do that but I think that aptly describes how spacious the area is.

On the other side of the fore area of the top panel are the I/O ports for USB 3.0, audio out and mic. The reset button is there too, careful not to press it when fiddling with the I/O ports. The upward facing ports are a hotbed for dust and dirt collection, this is probably the only negative point for the Phantom 530.

With the top panel removed, we see a well thought of mounting possibilities for various fan configurations (Up to 2x200mm, 2x140mm or 3x120mm) and it looks like it could accommodate water cooling radiators as well.

Here’s the power switch.

And here’s the I/O panel.

The front comes with a door panel that covers 5.25″ drive bays. Solid as it is, the door panel moves flawlessly with no hint of hinge noise nor friction. If I were still a kid, I’d probably open and close the door panel repeatedly just to feel good. 😀

Just below the door panel lies a grill and behind the grill is the humongous 200mm fan.

Here’s the view of the 200mm fan, mounted on an area that supports multiple fan configurations (2x140mm, 2x120mm or 1x200mm)

The rear view of the casing may not seem spectacular but once it’s powered up, beautiful white LED lights the I/O ports on the motherboard and those from the PCI-E expansion slots.