Companies like NXZT offer a wide variety of computer enclosures and power supplies. We’ve seen the contemporary H2, artistic Phantom and professional Switch 820. All of which offer a very enticing array of standard and sometimes unique features. Sometimes though, it’s not always about offering a unique feature but who can implement them better. Today, we’re looking at the NZXT Phantom 630 enclosure which is a nice revision to the tried-and-true, award winning, Phantom 820, but with some improvements that make the two cases distinctly different.
The HALE V2 1000 also has a new Multiple Intelligence Ability Controller: MIA IC feature that monitors the power going down each rail and cable to make sure they are optimal. We had a great little video interview with NZXT at CES 2013. The video is worth the watch especially if you like NZXT’s curves.
Complementing this coveted beautiful exotic is NZXT’s HALE90 V2 1000 Watt 80Plus Gold efficient modular power supply in white which we’ll also be taking a look at today. Coupled with the Phantom 630, we’ll see if the HALE90 V2 1000 truly can handle a massive power hungry gaming system and if the combo can stand up to stringent system integrator and enthusiast standards.
Phantom 630 Features and Specifications
The Phantom 630 is basically a barely smaller version of the Phantom 820. The 630 has similar attractive venting all around including placement and orientation. However, the 630 takes most of those elite 820 features and compacts it in to a smaller mid tower. There are also a number of improvements in the case that make it “better” in many ways over the Phantom 820 from a builder’s perspective.
Here is a breakdown of the key features some of which are really helpful in building your own custom system.
- Next generation Phantom design, both inside and out
- Modular (removable) internal drive bays
- Removable bottom fan cover
- Motherboard tray access for rear cable management
- Dual SSD trays behind the motherboard tray
- Support for multiple radiators, sizes and locations
- Integrated 30-watt fan 3-speed controller
- Fan hub behind motherboard tray for simple and clean fan control
- Removable, washable dust filters
- Illuminated rear I/O ports controlled through switch
- Multiple USB 3.0, 2.0, audio ports and an integrated SD card reader
- Supports Micro-ATX, ATX, and Extended Length ATX
How many cooling fans are included and how big a case is this? The following specification screenshot from NZXT breaks it down for you.
Basically, the Phantom 630 already comes with all the necessary cooling fans to ensure plenty of quiet air flow. Of course, it has the potential of moving upwards of 180 plus cubic feet of air per minute and more if you add extra fans. Or, should you want to add some water cooling, there’s space at the bottom and top. Basically, there’s just enough room to add enough radiators to liquid cool a quad SLI or CrossfireX gaming system.
Its older brother, the Phantom 820 will cost you between $215 – 249 US, the newer Phantom 630 will cost you between $157 – 180 US. While the Phantom 820 is still upscale for many reasons, once you look at some of the improvements on the Phantom 630, it’s really hard to call the Phantom 820 upscale at all.
What’s in the Phantom 630 Box?
There are plenty of screws should you need them for anything related to the motherboard and extra peripherals like for the SSDs. There’s extra standoffs for the XL-ATX boards if needed. Otherwise, the tooless hard drive trays eliminate the need for a lot of extra screws. However, NZXT does include some longer screws for mounting fans and radiators which is really cool. The manual explains mounting a regular or water cooled system relatively clearly.
Let’s check out the power supply next…
HALE90 V2 1000 Features and Specifications
The signature white HALE90 V2 1000 is a completely modular power supply including the 24pin main power connector. With the exception of the aforementioned two, the cables are flat black rather than conventional round with braiding. Each of the PSU’s connectors are in fact quite secure. The internal components are cooled by a large 135mm fan. The previous 1000-M PSU was rated from 14dB up to 30dB at full 100% load but the specs aren’t noted for the V2 1000. Even if these PSUs share similar rated fans, that’s not too bad really since most high performance video cards that this PSU supports are almost certainly much louder than it when maxed out.
The PSU is of course 12V ATX v2.31, EPS v2.92 compliant which is ideal given the latest Intel and AMD motherboards offered by partners and their power requirements. A single 83 Amp 12+ volt rail provides the bulk of the power to your system. The +3.3V and +5V rails provide 30 Amps each which is more than plenty for charging your smart devices if your motherboard offers USB charging ports.
The PSU is at least 87% efficient at all times. However, I commonly see these 80Plus Gold PSU operating at around 90 to 92% efficiency under 50 to 70% of operation capacity. Internally, two Nippon Chemi-Con 400v 470uF capacitors keep power readily on tap. The PSU utilizes the proper controllers and switching components all cooled by decent sized heat sinks. Good quality plant components won’t need as much aggressive cooling which should be the case here. The PSU has over voltage current, power, under voltage and short circuit protection. And, in case you’re wondering, the V2 1000 was assembled in FSP’s factory instead of SuperFlower like the 1000-M.
Overall, this is definitely an upgrade over the original HALE90 series which was only known for its white paint job. The HALE90 V2 1000W will run you about $229 US at most major retailers.
What’s Inside the HALE90 V2 1000 Box?
Consumers will find the foam enclosed PSU, white modular cable bag and standard black mounting screws included inside a zip-tie baggy. I’m not a fan of zip-ties unless I fully intend to run the system unchanged for at least a couple years. Otherwise, it’s always a bonus when a PSU comes with very inexpensive Velcro straps. The cable bag is packed with all the extra modular cables you’ll need to wire up a system. It’s handy for keeping them together for later use as well, especially since we almost never use all of them initially. Just find the bag and there they are.
The cabling chart for the NZXT HALE90 V2 1000 on the product page doesn’t list the lengths of the cables. And, we all like to know cable lengths just in case we’re building something specific. You’ll be happy to know they’re longer than the original HALE90 1000-M unit by several inches. The 24pin, 8pin and PCI Express cables are all 27 inches long which means they’ll work in most computer enclosures except full towers. All the other peripheral cables are 32 inches long which typically works all the time. Just in case they don’t, sleeved extensions are all the rage and NZXT sells a start kit too.
Let’s turn our attention back to the Phantom 630 for a second…
Phantom 630 – Up Front
The Phantom 630 has very nice curves. If this was a center piece in a company lobby or front desk, it would really suggest that high tech work happens. It’s one of those computer enclosures that everyone looks at whether in the home, office, or LAN party. This has been the signature of the Phantom ever since it hit the shelves.
The front bezel of the enclosure is well aligned meeting up with any and all angles nicely especially where the curved venting is concerned. Plenty of air should be able to get through. Since the front cooling fan is so large, it won’t require a high amount of RPMs to keep the internal system cool. The door opens quietly as well.
The easy to remove 5.25″ bay covers are also vented with no internal chassis plating blocking any of the ports for increased air flow.
Phantom 630 – Back and Sides
The rear of the chassis is anything but typical. There’s a back upper 140mm cooling fan that slides up and down for better expelling hot air from the CPU cooler as well as make room for any radiators you want to mount up top, thanks to channels that allow a moderate degree of up and down movement. Some of you eagle eyed enthusiasts may notice the lack of water cooling grommets. Earlier this year at CES 2013, we asked NZXT about this and they said that based on feedback, they felt it was safe to exclude them to help bring the case into a lower price point. But if you are a modder, you’d be cutting your own holes anyway.
Additionally, there is a small LED that (yes) lights up the IO or PCI area so you can you find your ports in dark areas. It sure does make it easier plugging things in at the LAN parties where lights are often dim. Another one at the bottom of the PCI frame would help even more. And, yes, it can be turned on and off!
As for the left of the case (behind the motherboard tray), nothing much is happening. It’s a bland panel that could have used two small cut outs so people can see your elite SSDs . The right side, however, features a massive quiet cooling fan with well machined venting and filters to help keep mutant dust bunnies from living in your enclosure. The window is just large enough to see all technological creaminess you put inside your build.
Phantom 630 – At the Top
I personally really like the top design most of all because of its exotic curves. Yes, I’m talking about the Phantom 630. The combination of black, gunmetal panels and chassis machining is very clean and blends well with the finish. There’s a top 200mm quiet high performance cooling fan expelling warm air. There’s room for another large fan, or for radiators up to 360mm should you decide to liquid cool down there.
The top front area features the USB 2.0, 3.0 and audio ports on the right. On the top left, enthusiasts will find the power, reset, HDD LED, power LED, rear IO LED and fan speed controls. They blend well in to the chassis for a nice streamline effect.
Phantom 630 – Going Inside
How would I describe the heart of the Phantom 630 in a word? Clean. Starting from the bottom, you can see the PSU zone fits any size power supply currently available. There is a lot of very nice machining, grommet holes and a CPU cooler cut out throughout the chassis that encourages airflow. Towards the bottom front is a sporty looking removable fan cover designed to support the hard drive cages and protect additional fans underneath. It can also be removed if you want to add a custom radiator. More on that later.
Moving upward, attached to the top hard drive cage is a familiar pivoting optional fan mount for aiming cool air directly at your video cards if needed. You can add a 120 or 140 mm fan. All of the drive cages are fortunately tool-less as well. Flexible drive trays are used on the three lower 3.5″ cages. They even fit 2.5 inch drives and have some improvements that help them keep their shape whereas the ones in the Phantom 820 tended to be a bit too flimsy.
All of the 3.5″ hard drive bays are removable via 4 thumb screws each from the left side. Additionally, you could reorient your hard drives so you can access the data and power cables from the right side instead whereas you cannot on the Phantom 820. This is a bonus in my opinion, but if you are looking for that totally stealth look, the Phantom 820 still has that premium presentation.
Phantom 630 – Inside Cont’d
A dual 120mm radiator can fit between the hard drive cages attached to the front where a 200mm cooling fan does the job. Extra long screws included in the case bundle for mounting. Just make sure you pre-attach your 90 degree nozzles and/or tubing ahead of time for easiest installation.
Similar to the Switch 820, the back 140mm fan slides up and down or could be swapped for a smaller 120mm. It accommodates single radiator all in one liquid coolers nicely. The front and top 200mm fans are stationary. The downside to this is the limited numbers of replacements available. If you happen to need another, hopefully NZXT has them readily on hand for purchase.
Of course, the top fan area will also accommodate a custom or all in one dual 120mm or 140mm liquid cooling system. NZXT’s Kraken series liquid coolers fit perfectly. Or you can go completely custom and toss a fat 360mm radiator up top and the Phantom 630 (like the Phantom 820 and Switch 810 before it) can easily accommodate those needs.
Phantom 630 – Behind The Motherboard Tray
It’s not often the backside of the motherboard tray, or left side of any case, has something worth checking out. In addition to the usual extra wire space behind the motherboard tray, the Phantom 630 has an extra 10-channel fan hub screwed in to the upper tray. The fan hub that is controlled through the top fan controller is also now secured with two screws so there’s no chance of movement. The two back side SSD mini-trays can be removed via a single thumb screw each. Extra small screws are provided in the bundle for installation. This is both an innovative an added security feature in our opinion.
I can’t help but wonder if another controllable LED on the backside of the hard drive trays would help enlighten system maintenance. It would keep us from having to try fidgeting with wires while holding a flashlight. Right now, I’m using one of the NZXT Sleeved LED kits which aren’t necessarily the cleanest (or cheapest) options.
Phantom 630 – Some Customizable Options
That lower fan shroud and cage support offers some unique options. The shroud isn’t necessary to support the cages per say. It can be removed if you want to add a dual 120/140mm radiator whether custom or all in one system. Also, the three hard drive cages can be unstacked and installed side by side on the shroud. There is an additional cut-out so you know where to place the single cage. Both still fasten to the back via thumb screws. This is pretty darn unique and opens up the front for even better air flow. Especially if you utilize the two SSD spots behind the motherboard tray.
Phantom 630 – Installation Examined
Were there any issues getting the system installed? Not one problem arose during installation which counts as a 1/3 of my scoring method. Wire management was especially easy given all the grommet placement. Since I keep 8 pin EPS extensions on hand to route behind the board tray, it was cleaner and easier still. The cabling can get a little jumbled up behind the hard drive cages unless you keep it wrapped up. Most of it you can’t see anyways unless you unstack the two bottom hard drive cages.
Attaching a CPU cooler or water cooling block was super easy due to the size of the CPU cut-out It was a great idea to make it so large. Installing a large video card still leaves room to orient the extra pivoting fan. A Kraken X40 and X60, or any dual fan radiator liquid cooling system in the lab fit overhead perfectly well. The extra mounting screws were especially helpful (+1). Unfortunately, the bottom of the chassis is reserved mainly for custom liquid cooling radiators. I still have a few elite DangerDen and Koolance radiators that work best.
The ever so elite white HALE90 V2 1000 fit perfectly within the Phantom 630. As expected, if you install the single hard drive tray/cage toward the PSU on the fan shroud, space can get a little tight so plan accordingly. Now speaking of the HALE90 V2, let’s have a closer look at it before we get to the performance testing of both units.
HALE90 V2 1000 – Cabling Examined
The PSU is quite nice. The white paint really contrasts well with the gunmetal and would be even more stunning in the white version of the Phantom 630. Modders and enthusiasts should be able to couple this PSU with some really impressive designs. As mentioned, the construction of the connectors and overall chassis is quite strong. There’s no cable play at all which is important. And, the unit isn’t really unnecessarily heavy. Some machined racing vents on the side would really say this thing is powerful. But instead you get a set of black ones that are actually part of the shell, not just a sticker.
We don’t want you ordering a PSU that doesn’t have enough or the right cabling. Nothing is more frustrating than an incomplete installation because you’re missing a much needed cable, or adapter. So the contents of the white cable bag were compared to the NZXT site. Oddly, the cabling count is consistent but the length size is not as we identified earlier in our revised cabling chart.
The cables are all just long enough for a standard build. However, the 8 pin EPS will definitely be short if you route behind the motherboard tray. The 24 pin was plenty long enough for the Phantom 630 but other cases with less optimal wire grommet cut outs may have issues. It would be great if an extension cable was included for the 8 pin EPS cable which we’ve seen some years ago from other manufacturers. In fact, this is standard issue on the Phantom 820 so we’re wondering if maybe for cost, it was excluded on the Phantom 630.
Now it’s time to check out the measurable performance of the case and the power supply. Let the measurements begin!
Phantom 630 – Thermal Performance
My aging demonically heated AMD test system is as loud as ever. It consists of an AMD Phenom II X4 1.4v CPU with stock AMD heat pipe cooler, ASUS motherboard and NVIDIA 8800 GTX Ultra. The CPU cooler and video card generate all the noise. Due to the Phantom 630 venting, you can hear the system easily. However, the coolers do not spin up to max speed thanks to the amount of cool air always hitting the GPU and CPU at all times. This is an impressive feat if you’re familiar with how hot and loud stock cooled components get.
Utilizing an Intel Core i7-3770K cooled by the NZXT HAVIK 140 or anyone of the many liquid cooling systems, ASUS Z77 Sabertooth motherboard and ZOTAC GTX 680 AMP! video card, resulted in a very, very quiet system. The fans could be set to low or auto and the 100% loaded system wouldn’t reach risky operating temperatures. I found myself looking for LEDs to ensure the system was actually powering on.
NZXT HALE90 V2 1000 Performance
Testing the PSU consisted of monitoring and measuring each of the voltage and ripple voltage rails as well as tracking efficiency using 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% load. I don’t bother testing lower loads simply because there is no sense in purchasing this PSU to power something like all in one integrated or ITX system that consumes so little power. If you need less power, a HALE82 550 or 650W will more than suffice. Fan noise was monitored using a sound meter at 2 feet.
After repeated tests, I found the HALE90 V2 performed within supported voltage specs whether it be an AMD or Intel based system in terms of voltages and output. The +3.3 and +5 voltage output isn’t the highest I’ve seen under load but they won’t cause any problems. Plus the +12 volt rail is plenty solid which is the main factor. Additionally, the PSU maintained an 80Plus Gold efficiency throughout testing and was as high as 92% efficient when powering the GIGABYTE gaming system which requires about 495 watts.
I did find the fan ramping up to 45dB, far exceeding any estimated RPM specifications at higher load tests. I really can’t attribute the high RPMs to any factor in particular other than perhaps a 60 C programmed limit often built in to PSUs. The HALE90 V2 doesn’t exactly have large heat sinks dissipating any heat. Improving their size in a “V2.1” should help getting that fan noise down in to the 30 dB range.
In Summary…
My integrator/enthusiast standards are sometimes seen as lofty but they are on point especially when carrying a recommendation. Every product has to measure up in features, specifications and user experience. Not only do the features have to work, they have to be functional and usable. Whatever specs are published or on product boxes have to be met, or exceeded. The user experience includes installation which has to be positive overall to be awarded.
After calculating these three main factors in to the equation, these are my conclusions when it comes to the NZXT Phantom 630 and the NZXT HALE90 V2 1000W PSU.
Final Thoughts – NZXT Phantom 630 Enclosure
In regards to the NZXT Phantom 630, I personally enjoy this enclosure for its features, cooling performance and installation options. Moving straight to the highlights, features like the simple IO LED for easy connection of cables in the dark, excellent liquid cooling support (both stock and custom), removable-configurable hard drive cages, unique cage support, SSD trays behind the motherboard, attractive design and ample default number and size cooling fans make it a great enclosure. Pack whatever high performance components you want inside without worry. It was very simple figuring out how to use or work with the enclosure. The configuration potential enhances the experience. Especially if you’re planning on adding water cooling of any sort.
It’s such a great design that I don’t foresee myself quickly growing tired of the curves. Currently, the NZXT Phantom 630 can be purchased for between $157 – 180 US making it a great all around choice whether professional or not. No matter what, it will turn some heads and if you build your own, this is the case you’ll want to build in.
Pros:
- Great features that work!
- Attractive design
- Comes in white, black and gun metal
- Customizable and configurable
- Excellent controllable air cooling
- Great liquid cooling support
Cons:
- Refer to the Pros
Overall Rating: 9.5 / 10
Final Thoughts – NZXT HALE90 V2 1000W Power Supply
As for the NZXT HALE90 V2 1000 80Plus Gold efficient power supply. The unit continued to crank out all 1000 watts whenever pushed and it provides the required voltage levels required by the individual rails especially the single +12v rail where it matters most. In fact, the unit cranked out 1100 plus watts during testing proving it has the heart to last and last. Sure, we’ve seen quieter units with higher power rails under load but a typical system isn’t going to put this level of burden on the unit. Keep that in mind when making a decision on this attractive complete modular design with black racing striped white chassis. It really sets this unit apart from the usual boring matte black units.
The going price of the racy NZXT HALE90 V2 1000 is $229 while the older model M is $199 from the usual online places. It’s not a bad price for what looks to be the only readily available, attractive 1000 watt 80Plus Gold power supplies on the market. It’s definitely a worthy upgrade from the original HALE90 series that was known little more than for that white paint job.
Pros:
- Excellent white with black racing stripes design
- 80Plus Gold efficiency
- Full modular design
- Reliable performance
- Strong single +12v rail
- Plenty of modular cables
Cons:
- 140mm exceeds 30dB near full load
- Needs Velcro straps instead of zip ties
Overall Rating: 8.75/10
Help Us Improve Our Reviews by Leaving a Comment Below!