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Product:
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MTB Exclusive: Nikao Zizon Case Review |
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Price:
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$100 (CAN) / $65 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Nikao/Tradex
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Author:
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Shennon
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Date:
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August 17th, 2002
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Herman from Nikao/Tradex Information Technology Incorporation
for sending the Nikao Zizon Case for review.
Introduction:
Cases have been the corner stone when it comes to customizing a computer, whether you buy one or make it yourself. The cost of a standard
computer case can range from $50.00 to the high-end models at about $350.00 CAN. The budget case market is a booming with a vast selection
of cases that won’t leave one broke, especially when the manufacturer has added unique features and pre-installs some modifications for you,
such as a top blow hole or window. One popular case manufacturer is Nikao; a company we have previously reviewed here at MTB has introduced
several economical based computer cases, which combine aesthetics and functionality. Today in the MTB Labs, we will be evaluating and
providing another exclusive review with Nikao's latest offering, the Zizon Mid-Tower Case.
Specifications:
The Zizon case is a mid-tower case with physical specifications similar to other cases within its class. Nikao, however, presents
this case as a case server alternative, with features that would appeal to LAN admin and end user alike. The Zizon shares some
features with the previous Nikao models that we have reviewed at MTB, but also carries some of its own unique characteristics. Here are
some specifications taken directly from Nikao’s website:
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Nikao Zizon Mid-Tower Case - Key Specifications:
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| Nikao Zizon Case: Manufactured by Nikao |
| Motherboard Type: ATX or Extended ATX or Pentium IV or AMD |
| Construction: Steel with Chrome Coating on the Front Panel |
| Cooling Fans: Two Extra 80mm Fans can be Installed (Optional) |
| Fan Accomodation: 2 x 80mm fans optional (1 x Front and 1 x Rear) |
| Input Voltage: 115/230 VAC |
| Mounting Kits: Included |
| Hard Drive & Power LEDS: Included |
| Number of slots: 7 |
| Total Bays: 11 |
| External Bays Available 4 x 5.25"; 1 x 3.5" |
| Internal (Hidden) Bays Available 6 x 3.5" |
| Carton Box Dimension: (L x W x H) 20" x 10" x 21" |
| Actual Dimension: (L x W x H) 19" x 9" x 20" |
| Number of slots: 7 |
| Weight: 22LBS with No Power Supply |
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Nikao Zizon Mid-Tower Case - Features:
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| ATX Pentium IV or AMD Form Factor Mid-Tower Server Case |
| Tool-less Side Panel Door Entry |
| Universal ATX I/O Shield |
| Thumb Screws for Easy Assembly |
| Electromagnetic Interference Protection |
| Smooth Rounded Edges to Prevent Hand-Cutting |
| USB Port with Adaptor & Cable in Front Panel Installed |
| Side Window Design for Viewing the Inside of the Case |
| Optional maximum 12" Cold Cathode Light can be Installed |
| Optional Ventilation Duct for CPU can be Installed |
| USB Jam can Direct Plug-in onto the Motherboard |
| Front panel lights Up when power Switch is on |
| Upper Cooling Fan Design is Optional to Install One Cooling Fan on Top Panel |
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The case was shipped in a standard double-walled corrugated cardboard box with the case name and manufacturer’s logos printed on all sides.
The case was sealed in protected plastic with 2 pieces of polystyrene located on top and bottom to prevent any damage during shipping. I was
pleased to note there was very little outside damage to the box itself. Upon opening the box, my first impressions were positive.
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Loose Zizon power button
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Loose Zizon CDROM drive bay
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Once the plastic bag and styrofoam caps were removed, I noticed the front power button was not properly installed or fell off during
shipping and the top CD door was not properly snapped into place on the one end. I would suspect the door damage happened during the
crating process as the styrofoam caps did not sit properly when I tried to put back on. Both of these mishaps were easily fixed with
no need for tools or glue.
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Included with the case was a stamped I/O panel, with the two PS2, two serial and the parallel port pre-punched and a bag of 6-32 screws and
motherboard mounts needed to install all of your hardware components.
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