Enclose Mini-ITX cases are starting to become main staple with system builders these days,and rightfully so. They'er compact in design, can be place in tightly compromised spaces. Importantly you can carry these Mini-ITX built systems with you anywhere like gaming LAN parties .
Image Source: NZXT
We have a new Mini-ITX case coming upon the scene, its name is Manta ( named after a large sting ray fish ) its creator is NZXT which manufactures some of the finest PC cases around. Like with most Mini-ITX cases you have the usual compact fractal design,with Manta though you have something different. Somewhat compact yes, but bulbous in appearance which is thinking outside the box, and that to me is a good thing coming from NZXT, busting subtle trends.
Image Source: NZXT
Probably the Manta's main attraction is not the overall appearance of the case but its internal enclosure, first off lets examine the interior of this case closely. It has a open interior and a protruding metal panel in the back of the case which is suppose to help PC builders better manage and hide cables placed next to the motherboard. Then we have the shroud that covers the bottom area enclosure which hides the power supply unit and other cables attached. Nice placement of the NZXT logo which as a option actually illuminates upon a flick of a switch. When further examining PC cases enclosure you must always include its side panel, which in case of the Manta looks quite impressive with an enormous see through window that displays your entire build. The doors seemingly appears as if it can detach from the chassis with ease eliminating the use of any tools.
Image Source: NZXT
In discussing PC cases like NZXT Manta, you have to include accommodated cooling and storage placement. First the cooling, small case big cooling is the Manta's main theme here with the upper case panel lending away to full access to fan mounts. The rear enclosure comes with pre installed 120mm exhaust fan as well as the front of the case which has 2x 120mm fans. You're probably wondering if this case supports liquid cooling, the answer yes. Radiator support can be placed right on the very top, but in observing images from various websites, you probably won't be able fit a much large liquid cooling setup.
Image Source: NZXT
Onto storage, there are two 3.5-inch and three 2.5-inch drive bays. Breaking away from tradition, the drive bays are mounted on the back side of the motherboard which enables users to easily slide drives right in place only requiring one single thumb screws to secure the drives in place.
So there was a lot of positive feedback on my behalf with the Manta PC case, unique design that breaking away from the compact and square design. Definitely a case for system builders looking to simplify their cable management. The side panel window is enormous, allowing full view of your hardware in full operation. My only complaint with NZXT's Manta is if you're looking implement custom cooling into this case, from what I see you can't. This case can only house close loop liquid coolers like the Corsair H105. And another minor drawback is price, $140 for a PC case in the builders world is very expensive. I'm looking at this case right for my next build as we speak, in fact you can now purchase it now at Amazon or many other tech vendors.
The Spec Sheet:
- Motherboard Support: mini-ITX
- Expansion Slots: 2
- Drive Bays
- Internal 3.5”: 2
- Internal 2.5”: 3
- Cooling System
- Front: 2 x 140/120mm (2 x 120mm included)
- Top: 2 x 140/120mm
- Rear: 1 x 120mm (Included)
- Radiator Support
- Front: Up to 280mm
- Top: Up to 280mm
- Rear: 120mm
- Clearance
- CPU Clearance: 160mm
- GPU Clearance: 363mm
- PSU Length: 363mm
- Power Supply Support: ATX
- External Electronics:
- I/O Panel LED On/Off
- 1x Audio/Mic
- USB 3.0
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 245 x 426 x 450mm (9.65 x 16.77 x 17.72 inches)
- Weight: 7.2 kg (15.87 lbs)