NZXT Adamas Aluminum Case |
Date | November 3rd, 2006 |
Manufacturer | NZXT |
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NZXT is getting to be a regular here at PC Apex and since their start just two short years ago I've noticed a couple of things. One, they make a damn fine case; and two, these guys are going places. I'll admit I am not the target audience for over-the-top cases like the Nemesis or the Guardian, but the fact these "pre-mod" cases scored so well in reviews here, a website known for its modding community, impressed me. Even Brett "BigAkita" Rosene was won over, which is no easy task. The Lexa is one of those rare designs that caught everyone's eye; but still not quite my cup of Earl Grey. The Zero I thought was simply brilliant, nice lines and definitely well designed for the performance enthusiast, but it still didn't quite prepare me for what would come next.
With the new Adamas case, NZXT has turned a corner, drove right up my street and parked in my driveway. The Adamas is NZXT's first attempt at what I would describe as a "luxury" aluminum case and they didn't give up their focus on gaming performance to get there. I have to admit, I liked it before it even got here. In a conversation with NZXT designer Johnny Hou, I found out the Adamas was code named "the tank" case. From Johnny, "The usual way we demo this case is stand, and then jump on the case. The welding technology in it really makes it a monster." Needless to say, my curiosity was piqued.
Specs
Here are the specs on the Adamas as ripped from the product info page over at the NZXT website:
ADAMAS Classic Series
Premium Aluminum Chassis
Structural Masterpiece.
Latin adams, adamant-, from Greek, unconquerable, impenetrable, hard. A legendary stone of impenetrable hardness, formerly sometimes identified with the diamond.
Introducing the Adamas, the luxurious high end chassis from NZXT. Crafted from 3mm and 2mm aluminum, this chassis can support well over 300lbs. The Adamas features a patented tool-less technology for the front and side panels and unique finned drive bays for added cooling. Both the extruded chassis and four stock 12cm fans makes for a superior cooling system.
| MODEL | Adamas Series |
| CASE TYPE | Aluminum Mid Tower Chassis |
| FRONT PANEL MATERIAL | Aluminum |
| DIMENSIONS (W x H x D) | 190 X 435 X 490 mm |
| COOLING SYSTEM | FRONT, 1 X 120 mm fan (included) REAR, 1 X 120 mm Fan (included) SIDE PANEL, 2 X 120mm fan (included) |
| DRIVE BAYS | 10 DRIVE BAYS 4 EXTERNAL 5.25" DRIVE BAYS 1 EXTERNAL 3.5 " DRIVE BAYS 5 INTERNAL 3.5" DRIVE BAYS |
| MATERIAL(S) | 3.0mm Aluminum Frame, 2.0mm Aluminum Interior |
| EXPANSION SLOTS | 7 |
| POWER SUPPLY | 500 WATT PS2 ATX 12V 2.0 ( OPTIONAL ) |
| WEIGHT | 9.0 KGS (W/O Power) |
| MOTHERBOARD SUPPORT | MOTHERBOARDS: ATX, MICRO-ATX |
Features
- Aluminum midtower chassis
- Extra reinforced structure using welding technology
- 3 mm top and bottom aluminum frame
- 2 mm aluminum construction
- Patented screwless side and front panel removal mechanism four included 120 mm ultra silent fans
- Ac '97 and intel? hd audio support for 5.1 and 7.1 audio
- Ext. ports: 2 x usb 2.0, mic, headphone jack, and 1394 firewire
- Available in Silver or Black
Package
The package arrived somewhat the worse for wear, but nothing compared to what my old carrier, Attila the UPS guy, could do. Maybe it's because the new guy's knuckles don't drag on the ground. Outside, the package simply has a few photos of the case and minimal verbiage. Inside the case was safe and sound and ready for a little geek lovin'. :)
