NZXT Rogue LAN Case

Manufacturer: NZXT
Supplied by: NZXT
MSRP: $150

by Dean Barker (12/16/2007)

 

Introduction

NZXT has a variety of specialty and custom cases in their fold.  Each appealing to a particular taste or need.  NZXT's newest case, the Rogue, adds a truly portable LAN rig to the stables of versatility.  Based around a Micro-ATX sized case, the NZXT Rogue has mounting for a whopping five 120mm case fans, four internal hard drives, space for longer VGA cards like the GeForce 8800 and it even can accommodate extended length power supplies.  What's more, the Rogue includes a very practical carrying strap for the LAN crowd.  All this in a very clean and simple package that gets two thumbs up in the aesthetics department.  Today, we have NZXT's new Rogue LAN case on the review bench for a look above and below.  Let's kick it off with a look at the specs.

Specifications

• Observed Dimensions: 422 x 375 x 279mm (LxWxH)

• Observed Weight: 8.8kg

• Construction: Aluminum

• Mainboard: Micro ATX

• Expansion Slots: Four

• Drive Bays: Two 5.25” external bays, one 3.5” external bays, four hidden 3.5”

• Tool free drive mounts

• Removable mainboard tray: Yes

• Cooling: Mounting for five 120mm case fans (three included)

• Side Mounted Ports: eSATA, USB 2.0 x 2, speaker and mic port

• Colors available: Black with Red LEDs, Black with Blue LEDs, Silver with Blue LEDs

• Carrying strap with shoulder harness included

Portable power

Most smaller Micro-ATX sized cases have clean lines but none have the bold, stout look of the Rogue.  Not since the Zalman GT-1000 Case have we seen thick aluminum plating like this.  The outer chassis is actually skinned with 3mm thick aluminum plates.  Aside from a very solid robust feel, it screams tough like it was a tool box on the back of a pickup truck.

  

On either side of the bezel door are two cold cathode tubes for accent lighting.  These light blue on the silver model and are available in red or blue on the black anodized Rogue.  We'll check in on these later under power.  All the access ports are lined up vertically on the left side.  These include two USB 2.0 ports, the expected speaker and mic jack and a welcome swapping in of a eSATA port.  Firewire will be missed by some but most LANers will be swapping maps, patches and other files via thumb drives and eSATA drives at LAN parties.  You can also see a door lock over the access ports to keep your goods inside your case if you know what I mean.  Hiding behind the 3mm thick aluminum bezel door are two 5.25" and one 3.5" drive bays as well as the power and reset buttons. 

     

NEXT