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NZXT Adamas Installation Just a few comments about installing a system in this case. Like all mid-tower cases space is at a premium with the Adamas case. Due to certain design features there are good and bad things with installing a system in this case. As I mentioned earlier, the exhaust fan mounting makes things even tighter than normal. The best thing to do is remove the fan and replace after you have everything installed. You might also run into some problems with certain types of motherboards. The first one that comes to mind are the DFI LANParty motherboards with the add on audio modules. You probably won't be able to fit the audio modules on with a 120mm fan in place. If you want to use the audio with these boards you'll have to replace the fan with an 80mm. You may have some issues with the newer ABIT boards and their OTES cooling systems. Also, before removing the slot covers, be sure you know which one you need to remove because you won't be able to replace it. The good news is that the easy removal of the opposite side panel, and the design makes it easy to route your wires and cables for a nice clean look. And the wires for the front access port are removable if you don't need the audio. Another big plus is the very quiet operation of the included case fans. Always a nice bonus. Conclusion This entire review has surprised me to no end. From the moment that I first opened the box to actually installing a system into this case I have been continually surprised. The exterior of this case is absolutely wonderful in its design and looks. NZXT has used a very heavy grade of aluminum to design a case that is sturdily constructed but without sacrificing aesthetics. This is the kind of case you won't have to worry about bending or damaging because of it's sturdy construction. They have managed to even pull a few design surprises and create previously unseen (by me anyway) functionality. Being able to remove the front bezel by use of a single pull on a handle is great. Couple that with their decision to employ a very strong side panel latch and hinge design only helped to endear me even more. They continued with the attention to detail when we looked inside and saw they had also painted the inside of the case to match. Unfortunately this is also where we ran into a couple unpleasant surprises. The specs of this case claim that it uses a "Screwless Rail Design". This is only half true, as the 3.5" drives will need to be mounted in the traditional manner with the provided screws. They also included only enough drive rails attachments for two 5.25" drives. The mounting of the exhaust fan had us pondering if the same team that designed the exterior had any say concerning the interior design of the case. The 120mm exhaust fan is set into the case right next to the rear panel. Considering the confines of the case, this complicated system installation somewhat. If you're willing to spend $175 for a very nice looking, well crafted case that is exceptionally sturdy then you should consider the Adamas from NZXT. While the interior didn't shine nearly as bright as the exterior and all its features, the case over all brings a lot to the table, the least of which isn't it's good looks. At a $175 price point, the NZXT Adamas is toe to toe with some very tough competition which very well may edge it out for the end user looking for function over snappy looks. In the end, the NZXT Adamas is a solid box worthy of consideration for your next upgrade. Pros:
Cons:
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