Installation:

The first thing I like to do is usually install the PSU since it's typically hard to do so if there's a motherboard already in the case. This isn't the case with the Tempest since the inverted layout makes the interior quite roomy, but it's hard to dispense with habits. The PSU goes in quite easily and is supported by a raised section at the bottom of the case; as mentioned before the PSU is installed upside down so there's no chance a fan at the bottom of the PSU will interfere with installation.

PSU goes in from back.

Easy to install.

No stand offs are installed on the motherboard tray; fortunately it's easy to know where to put them since there's a sticker on the tray that indicates what holes to use for the different motherboard types. (Most of us should know what positions to use for ATX, but it's still helpful) After putting the stand offs in place, the motherboard is easy to install thanks to the ample room offered by the Tempest.

Helpful guide.

Motherboard installed.

NZXT chose to use standard non-tool-less expansion card slots for simplicity. There's absolutely no problem with this - in my experience, some tool-less expansion card slot systems can leave you feeling less than secure. Plus, how hard is it to put one screw into place? This method is also the most secure.

Standard expansion slots.

Tool-less HDD rails.

Sliding HDD in.

Installing an HDD is very easy and straightforward. The rails are already in the cage; you just need to pull them out, snap them onto the drive and the slide the drive into place until the drive rails click. It's fairly secure and takes less than a minute.

Installing a 5.25" device is a bit more involved. As mentioned before, you'll have to remove the front panel to first remove the drive bay covers. The front panel does come off easily (just pull it off) but I still would've liked it if this wasn't required. Thankfully, the tool-less latches for the top three 5.25" drive bays works great. You just turn it to open, remove the latch, slide the drive into position (lining up the holes) and then put the latch back in place, turning it to lock it in place. There is only one latch on one side, so you don't have to remove the other side panel to install in these drive bays.

HDD installed.

Must remove front panel first.

Tool-less latch.

The wires from the top ports will come close to a drive in the top-most 5.25" bay, but they don't interfere with its installation; you can just route the wires around the drive to prevent them from blocking access to the drive; you should probably use the cable routing holes in the motherboard tray as well if you are concerned about proper cable management.

Top ports wires come close.

Latch shut.

Almost done.

In the end, things turn out to be pretty neat and tidy in this case, even if you don't spend a lot of time playing neat freak. This is because of the ample room within the case, which not only allows for an easy installation but also keeps things from getting cluttered. The PSU placement at the bottom of the case keeps the CPU area nice and free from clutter, which is important for good airflow.

Powered on.

Front lighting.

Front fans.

The NZXT Tempest also looks quite sweet when powered with, with a subtle blue glow from the front and side fans along with the nice front lighting up and down the sides. It's not too flashy, but it is easily identifiable as a gamer's or enthusiast's case. Even with the six fans spinning, noise levels were low thanks to the low-RPM nature of the fans. Most people won't be annoyed.

Conclusion:

Overall, I was extremely impressed by what was offered by the NZXT Tempest. It seems like a fairly simple notion; lots of fans, and a simple, uncluttered design to deliver maximum airflow. In this respect, it succeeds. It also offers quite a bit of drive bay space, and a flexible configuration to allow for more 5.25" drive bays if you remove the HDD cages; though in this case you'll have to sacrifice one of the front 120mm fans.

This case also offers quite a bit of room inside for an easy installation, which I consider to be very important. Cable management is fairly easy and the tool-less options make drive installation straightforward. About the only problems I had was the need to remove the front panel to remove drive bay covers and the plastic top, which felt less sturdy than the rest of the case.

But all of this needs to be taken into context; the current price of the Tempest is about ~$100 or so online. For this price, you're getting tons of value and the Tempest would be well-suited for most any rig.

Pros:

• Lots of airflow with six fans included.

• Lots of drive bays; flexible configuration

• Easy installation

• Roomy interior; uncluttered

• Dust filters on intakes

• Well-designed drive cages

Cons:

• Must remove front panel for drive installation or to remove drive cage

• Top plastic cover doesn't feel sturdy

Thanks go out to NZXT for making this review possible!

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