We got a chance to welcome a new addition to our lab – a quite large but interesting gaming case, and of course, test it and see what it's all about. The case comes under the name Tempest, and it’s made by NZXT.

We received it in a large box measuring 26cm x 57cm x 62 cm (width, length, height) that’s anything but light. The package with the case inside weighs about 12 kilos, whereas the case alone weighs in at 11.2 kilos. Dimensions of the case are 21,15cm x 52,15cm x 56cm (width, length, height).

The packaging has enough information written on it, so you’ll instantly know whether this is the case for you. The box is nicely designed and on it you’ll find a picture of the case running and glowing blue. NZXT packs a lot of fans and they don’t call it “the Airflow King” for nothing, but you’ll see that for yourself soon.

We opened the box and found the case wrapped in PVC but nicely cushioned with Styrofoam so it doesn’t get damaged in transport. When we took it out we realized that the main culprit for the weight is steel, the material used in this case. Still, its weight makes it stable, and steel build makes it sturdy.



The left panel has a large Plexiglas window, so those who like bragging and showing their components will surely like it. One of the fans with this case is located on this window. If you’re going to mod this case, you should know that NZXT chose fluorescent blue as the color of choice. NZXT also put a fluorescent blue LED decoration around the panel purely for aesthetic reasons.



The panel has a thin plastic coating in order not to get scratched during transport or assembling your rig, but of course, you can remove it afterwards.

Let’s not waste words on explaining the feel you get with fluorescent blue lighting, you can check it out for yourself on the following photos.

The front of this black midi tower is actually made of wire grills and you won’t notice the fans behind them until you turn on the computer.



Upper three grills are easily removed in case you want to put an optical or floppy drive in.



Removing the front mask is not hard, all it takes is a pull (but careful), and afterwards you can remove the grill and place the optical drive of your choice.



A floppy drive or card reader already has it’s spot with a plastic case, so installing it will not be a problem.



If two 5 ¼ optical drive slots aren’t enough, you can easily the plastic floppy drive bay and gain an additional slot.

On/off and reset buttons are simple and elegant and are easily accessible since they’re placed on the upper panel where you’ll also find two USB ports and an eSATA port.



Behind this panel, you’ll find a metal grill hiding another two fans. The panel is not hard to remove in case you want to dust off the fans.



The Airflow King is certainly not short on fans, and it packs two in the front, two on the top, one on the side and the rear one, which brings us to a number of six fans.



A glance at the back panel reveals that PSU is located on the bottom of the case.



The side panels are held firmly in place by two screws that can be easily removed with no need for tools.