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Product:
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Nexus Breeze 400 Mid-Tower Case |
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Price:
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$240 (CAN) / $195 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Nexus Canada
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Author:
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clsGrinder
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Date:
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July 3rd, 2005
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Chris from Nexus Canada
for sending the Nexus Breeze 400 Mid-Tower Case for review.
Introduction:
Nexus Technology has built a fine reputation for itself by offering silent PC products of high quality and
performance. The company was established in 2000 in the Netherlands by a group of experts on heat
conductivity and noise reduction. Their goal has been to build a strong and reliable trademark for
silent computing. Nexus has recently been expanded into the North American market with the introduction
of a two new case chassis designed for silent computing. Today in the MTB Labs, we will be evaluating
the Nexus Breeze 400 Mid-Tower Case, a product designed to meet the requirements of the most demanding
silent computing enthusiasts.
Specifications:
The Nexus Breeze 400 Mid-Tower Case is one of two different units available on the Nexus Canada website.
Consumers have the option of selecting from two different models which include a built-in 300w or 400w
power supply. The Nexus Breeze 400 Mid-Tower Case comes pre-assembled and supports mATX and ATX
motherboard formats. Here are some of the specifications taken directly from the Nexus Canada website:
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Nexus Breeze 400 Mid-Tower Case - Key Specifications:
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| Nexus Breeze 400 Mid-Tower Case: Manufactured by Nexus Canada |
| Dimensions: 215mm (W) x 515mm (H) x 535mm(D) |
| Weight: 14.9Kg |
| M/B Type: ATX, Micro ATX |
| Material: SECC .8 MM chassis, Plastic Shell (including Bezel), Foam inner lining |
| Drive Bay: 10 (5.25" x 4 (external), 3.5" x 2 (external) and 3.5" x 4 (internal) |
| Fans: 1 x 120mm (bottom intake) |
| Expansion Slots: 7 pcs |
| Colour: Silver or Black |
| Power Supply: Nexus Real Silent PSU (350 or 400 Watt available) |
| Front I/O Port: USB 2.0 Port x 1, FireWire x 1, Earphone Jack x 1, Microphone Jack x 1 |
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Nexus Breeze arrived via Canada Post and the packaging was in good condition. Weighing in at 14.9 Kg
(shipped) this heavy box instantly told me something rugged and sturdy was packed inside. First impressions
of the packaging were good. There are no full color graphics or illustrations on the box. This no-nonsense
exterior displays the manufacturers name and the model of the product.
Getting to the interior of the box was pleasantly surprising. The box opens with the case lying
on its side. This made extraction of the mid-tower very accommodating, and left more energy to commit
to my review. The Nexus Breeze was secured using styrofoam inserts on the top and bottom of the case.
The Nexus Breeze was also packed inside a thin plastic bag and a small pouch of silica gel to keep the
inside dry.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The usual bag of screws and motherboard standoffs were found on the outside of the case as
opposed to the inside of there case where I am accustomed. Also included is a special face plate for
the 5.25" drive bays. There is one already installed on the front bezel so that brings our inventory
up to 2. I found this peculiar because there are 4 available drive bays. While it’s rare to find a PC
user making use of all their available 5.25" drive bays for CDROM's the purchase of this case would
feel more complete if 4 of these face plates existed with the package. I rationalize my train of thought,
by stating that PC cases requiring drive rails do in fact come with all the drive rails necessary to
make use of all the drive positions.
The Nexus Breeze was carefully wrapped in a mildly adhesive blue tinted poly film. This is the type you
would find covering the front of an audio amplifier. I would guess that this exists to prevent the styrofoam
inserts from scuffing the plastic surface of the case while transporting and handling. I felt this was
a nice touch, and it communicated to me that Nexus must be very proud of their product.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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While lining up the case for a picture I noticed something was amiss. The case did receive some minor
damage to the rear portion that bent the steel around the expansion card slot. I managed to repair it
easily using a pair of pilers and was certain that this was a rare incident. When I reported the problem,
a representative from Nexus Canada was very helpful with my situation.
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