Installation:

Installation is mostly a tool-less job with this case, but there are a few quirks to be aware of. The PSU installs in a straightforward manner, being held in place simply by four screws. Even though there's plenty of room in the Zero 2 case, it's still a good idea to install the PSU first.

PSU slides into place.

Affixed to chassis.

None of the motherboard standoffs have been preinstalled; it would have been nice to see standoffs in position for the ATX holes, which is by far the most common motherboard formfactor. However, installing them isn't too hard since the holes in the motherboard tray have been appropriately labeled for the different formfactors, so there's no guesswork in determining which to use. However, as mentioned before there are exactly nine standoffs/screws included, so don't lose any! Placing the motherboard into the case was made easy by the ample clearance and room afforded by a full tower case like the Zero 2.

Only 9 standoffs.

Motherboard mounting holes labeled.

Motherboard mounted.

Installing expansion cards is also fairly straightforward, though it isn't tool-less. The first thing you're likely to notice is that there is a significant lip on the case that seemingly blocks access to the expansion slot screws, but thankfully NZXT cut out holes in the lip to allow a screwdriver to properly access the screw holes. A tool-less system might have been nicer, but in general I've found that they are not as secure as old fashioned screws. This is especially important with today's bigger and bulkier videocards.

Holes in lip facilitate access.

Card installed.

HDD rails.

HDD installation is a simple affair, thanks to the included rails. The rails just snap onto the drive, with metal pegs going into the screw holes; the HDD then slides into position in the cage. It ends up being relatively secure. The 5.25" drives have rails as well, making installation a similar procedure, though you'll have to take a slight detour in the way of removing the front bezel and tearing out the metal drive shields before installing the drive. This is a step we could all do without.

Overall, installation was relatively easy, with a few quirks along the way.

Conclusion:

The NZXT Zero 2 promises one thing: No-nonsense cooling. In this area, it certainly delivers, as the option to mount four 120mm fans on the side provides more than enough airflow, albeit with the attendant noise. Even if you just stuck with the provided three 120mm fans (one intake and two exhaust) you'd be in pretty good shape. There were some design quirks, such as having to remove the front bezel to tear out drive shields in order to install 5.25" devices. Overall, the case was easy to work inside of, thanks to the ample room offered by a full-tower. It was also sturdy (and heavy) as heck, a result of the steel material. The Zero 2 turns out to be a functional and dependable case, definitely worthy of your attention especially if it can be had for a good price.

Pros:

• Easy to work inside of

• Tool-less install for most devices

• Good cooling options

• 3x120mm fans included

• Fans have both 3 and 4-pin connectors

• Sturdy construction

Cons:

• Have to remove front bezel to install drives

Thanks go out to NZXT for making this review possible.

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