When it comes to computer cases and supporting components, the market is separated by vendors with different levels of products to different users. Typically, the average user who uses their system for a lot of everything don’t put much thought into their computer case aside from cost. Then there are users who enjoy the cleanest, most polished, professional look and are willing to pay for it. Finally, we have gamers who have a certain sense of pride in showing off their extreme gaming systems, usually in a modified case of some sorts.

With the market so spread out, it’s not uncommon for manufacturers like NZXT to offer products that span the three largest groups of users. Their Classic and Crafted series cases contain a little of something for everyone. Granted, there are a few very ‘creative’ cases that have come and gone, but with some valuable experience under their belts, they’ve produced some new interesting designs. Today we’ll be looking a case that has seen some of this experience: The Guardian 921.

Specifications & Features

The Guardian 921 is aimed completely at budget conscious gamers with the right amount of features and cosmetics. At a price point, NZXT has still been able to include the following features:

• Side panel window and design
• Solid .88mm and 1.00mm Construction
• Extra space for large video cards
• Removable hard drive bay
• Tool-less drive bays and PCI mounting
• Three temperature probes for monitoring three components of your choice.
• E-SATA, Intel HD audio, Mic, and 2 USB external ports
• 3 120mm silent fans installed to maximize cooling performance with minimal noise
• Blue LED side panel and front 120mm for that gaming touch

This is a pretty decent array of features for a budget gamers’ chassis. While we’d all love a black interior, the feature would drive the price up considerably. Controllable fans aren’t necessary in this case since they’re the quieter variety of 120mm cooling fans, but of course, a bonus is a bonus.

What’s in the box?

As far as the case bundle is concerned, it’s rather light weight since most the needed tool-less hardware is already installed. In a small brown envelope were mounting screws, tool-less black hard drive rails and a user manual.
There aren’t any extra zip ties or clips for wire management.

It would have been nice to see just a few small items to help control the spaghetti wiring. We’re pretty use to having well manicured systems around here. It makes for a really slick experience when wires are well managed and you can do that right out of the box.