NZXT Vulcan Computer Case Review

Today I am checking out a new case by NZXT called the Vulcan. The NZXT Vulcan is a small case that is designed for mATX mainboards. This might be the perfect chassis for the mobile gamer looking for a portable chassis to carry to LAN parties frequently. Read on for all the details on the NZXT Vulcan.

Gallery

3 images

Benchmarks

Specifications
The case has a removable handle on the top and dual 5.25-inch drive bays and four 3.5-inch drive slots. Other features include wire routing holes 8W fan controller, front panel controls, CPU heat sink cutout and a removable hard drive cage. The case will fit only mATX mainboards, full-size ATX boards will not work.

In Use
The NZXT Vulcan is very well built like all cases from NZXT. The case needs no tools for installing drives of any kind. Inside the chassis is a very tight fit, but NZXT claims it will support video cards up to 350mm long such as the Radeon HD 5970. The PSU area will hold a normal size PSU and the case has top mounted ports for eSATA, HD audio, and USB ports.

The case is all black with a mesh top vent, mesh rear, and mesh side panel. The mesh side panel has holes that are large enough you can see the hardware inside the chassis making it sort of like having a side window. Inside the chassis is painted flat black just like the exterior of the case.

The case has nice openings for routing wires and a 200mm intake fan can be mounted on the side panel, but the fan is not included. The standard cooling system includes dual 120mm top fans and a front mounted 120mm fan. The chassis is set up for liquid cooling with grommeted ports in the back for cooling hoses.

One of the best features that case makers have started putting on cases recently is a cut out behind the CPU. The NZXT Vulcan has this cut out and it allows you to change CPU coolers without having to remove the mainboard from the chassis. The case measures 406mm D x 180mm W a 422.5mm H. CPU heat sinks up to 165mm tall will fit inside the chassis. A box of thumb screws is included for mounting of all drives and the case is made from steel and weighs 5.8kgs without a PSU inside. ITX mainboards will fit inside the chassis, but again the case will not support normal ATX mainboards.

The rolled edges of the case are great making it hard to nick or cut your hands or fingers during the build process. There are no sharp edges inside. The small stature of the case does mean that the space inside is cramped and the build is a bit more tedious than when using a full size case. Overall, the NZXT Vulcan is high quality and perfect for the gamer or PC user looking to build a smaller machine that needs less space.

Verdict

Conclusion

Pros

• Attractive design
• Good cooling
• Carry handle

Cons

• Small size makes for a more cramped build

Verdict
The NZXT Vulcan is the perfect alternative to the full-size gaming PC. The case is well built and screams quality like most offerings from NZXT, if your hardware will fit inside the smallish NZXT Vulcan the case is a winner.

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