Thermal Performance
For testing temperature, we decided to go with a slightly different method than we normally use. Typically we would just located idle and load temperatures by using standard platform monitoring software. Instead, we used a basic heat gun set to low, and placed it inside the NZXT Guardian 921. We heated the case till the internal temperature reached 50 C. This essentially represents a worse case scenario of extreme heat building up from components. Then the system was powered up to see how well the case could handle the extra heat.
As you can see, even with the heat gun, the case fans kept the internal temps to 37 C average. It does an admirable job in either case. The regular system was no problem for the 921 whatsoever. But, the heat gun heats up the chassis metal and continues to ambient heat. This isn’t bad at all. It doesn’t quite take a minute which is quite good given that the case only uses three 120mm fans (four if you include the PSU).
Now, realistically, there really aren’t many components that can continuously emit the kind of heat needed to reach 50 C during operation. It would take some serious sabotage of sorts to fabricate the right conditions. But, it is nice to know that a price point case can still do the job.
Final Thoughts and Conclusions
Overall system installation was flawless with the NZXT Guardian 921. Everything fit securely and easily most importantly, no fingers or epidermal layers were sacrificed in the overall handling of the chassis. If there’s one thing that’ll earn a case a big strike, causing pain and bloodletting is one of them. All in all, installation was pretty uneventful which is seriously all we can ask for from a new case. The less problems, the better.
The NZXT Guardian 921 has one simple purpose which is to offer users a decent gaming chassis that looks good and offers the features that we just can’t do without. That would be things like tool-less installation where possible, good cooling, some tasteful lighting, and an experience that’s worth the money.
Current pricing at Newegg puts it at $90 with a $20 mail in rebate, bringing the price tag down to $70. It’s clear the Guardian 921 was properly programed to be a winner amongst gamers. Well done NZXT!
Pros
- Improved Guardian theme
- Good window design
- Clean gamer case look
- Tool-less features
- Better quality chassis
- Thermal sensors & Eye display
Cons
- “Eye” could be odd for some
- Manual could use some more feature details
Overall Rating: 8.5 / 10.0
