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From functional, but uninspiring, eggshell white cases that held your 486 or early Pentium CPU in the 90’s, to the modern enthusiast gaming case of today.  Granted, you can still get a super cheap case, that is barely functional, and yes, even eggshell white, but there is really no reason to do so, as there are far better choices out there.  Enter the NZXT Rogue, constructed from aluminum and steel, which features a removable motherboard tray, 3 included 120mm fans with room for 2 more, and a carrying strap(!).  This enthusiast gaming case has a full range of features, and a whole different look! Provided by: NZXT

Price: $149

Closer Look:

The packaging is straightforward, and what you would expect, displaying a picture of the color scheme for the model you have purchased (this one is black with blue LED’s, other color schemes are available).  Actually, because a courier must have been having a bad day, this box arrived a bit beat up, but this allows us to confirm that the styrofoam protection was ample enough to protect the unit from any damage.

 

 

 

Out of the packaging, the first thing to notice is the low profile, rectangular design, which differentiates the case from the traditional tower design.  The NZXT Rogue has a fine semi-glossy finish, and although constructed partly of aluminum, has enough steel in it as well to give it a nice weight (9.2Kg), which for me personally at least, allows for easier day-to-day usage.  I don’t like it when my cases are too light, for one they feel flimsy and for another, they don’t stay put when I am installing the third CPU cooler of the evening!  The top of the case sports a plexiglass window, so you have visual access to all the components of the motherboard. 

 

 

The sides are sleek looking and are fully finned to provide ample airflow through each included 120mm fan, one on each side.  There is room for another additional fan on each side as well.

 

The back is compact and functional, with another included 120mm fan, and the obviously needed space for power supply and expansion cards.  These are all accessible with thumbscrews to allow for quick and easy removal.  Also thumbscrew accessible is the motherboard tray.  More on this later.

 

 

The case comes with all the screws you will need, both for additional fans and for optical and hard drives.  It even comes with a screwdriver!  It also includes a carrying strap setup, so you can take your rig to a LAN party, sort of like a really expensive lunch kit!  An expansion bracket for larger power supply units is also included, really allowing for a lot of configurability.

 

 

Let’s take a closer look at some the features this case has to offer…

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