Zalman Z9 Plus case review
Today in our review we will take a look at the new case from Zalman, which replaces the well-known Zalman Z7 case.
The new cases are called Zalman Z9 and Z9 Plus and are inexpensive Middle Tower cases.
The Z9 Plus model differs from the Z9 in the built-in reobass for two fans, a display on the front panel that displays the temperature inside the case, there is also an acrylic window on the side cover and an additional fan on the same cover. It is the model marked Plus that we will consider today.
Packaging and equipment
Consider the box in which the case is shipped. However, the box is no different from other boxes in which the cases are supplied. Medium-sized cardboard box, there are small cutouts on the sides for easy transportation.
On one of the side covers you can read a small instruction in Russian and in seven other languages of the world.
In the box, along with the case, there is a brief user manual, several plastic ties for attaching wires, an extension cable for powering the processor, anti-vibration washers for installing under drives and a set of mounting screws. Such a kit will allow you to slightly streamline the wires in the case and reduce a little noise.
Main characteristics of the case
The Zalman Z9 Plus model is made in the Middle Tower format with support for mATX and ATX motherboards. Body color is black. Inside there are three 5.25 "device bays and five 3.5" device bays, as well as one external bay for installing 2.5 or 1.8 "internal devices. There are seven card expansion slots on the back panel. On the front, there are two USB 2.0 desks, one eSATA, and headphone and microphone jacks. Three 120 mm diameter fans are installed in the casing. One is located on the back, one on the side cover and another illuminated on the front. It is possible to install another 120 mm fan on the side cover, two at the top of the case and one at the bottom of the case. The body is made of steel with a thickness of 0.6 mm, and the front panel is made of plastic and in places of steel. Case dimensions: 50.4 x 46.4 x 20.7 cm.Weight 7.2 kilograms.
Appearance
The case looks more stylish than its predecessor.
The front of the case is almost entirely made of mesh, which contributes to excellent cooling of the case. On the lower part there are two plastic triangles, which together on the body look like a big letter Z. The fan located in the lower part is backlit and works for blowing.
The front panel is completely removable for dust cleaning or for easy installation of an optical drive. The dust filters in this housing are easy to remove and just as easy to clean.
A socket with USB connectors, a thermal sensor display, headphone and microphone outputs, as well as a reobass is located in the 5.25-inch compartment. If necessary, it can be moved lower or removed altogether.
At the junction of the front and top of the case, the manufacturer placed a computer power button. The upper part is almost completely covered with the same mesh as on the front part. If necessary, there is space under the mesh to install two 120mm fans for more efficient cooling.
The left side of the case has two transparent acrylic windows and a large mesh, through which all the parts installed in the case are perfectly visible. There is a 120mm backlit fan at the bottom on the grid and there is room for another fan. The mesh of the side of the case has large enough holes through which cold air and dust will flow perfectly.
There are seven card expansion slots on the rear panel with special slots for better ventilation.At the top there is a 120 mm fan that blows out hot air. Under the fan you can see two holes for the water pipes of the system. The power supply in this case is located at the bottom.
At the bottom of the case there is a small grill for air intake by the power supply, which is located with the fan down, and next to the grill there is another hole for installing a fan that blows in air. The body rests on four rubber feet that increase stability and reduce body vibration.
Internal organization
The power supply in this case is installed at the bottom, and a special grill at the bottom allows you to install the unit with a fan down or up. The motherboard is secured with screws.
Some cables and cables can be hidden behind the side panel to which the motherboard is attached. A large cutout in the mounting wall allows users to install a large CPU cooler. There is an assumption that the processor power cable for some units may not be of sufficient length due to this arrangement of the unit. Therefore, the company has added a special extension cord for this cable to the package.
3.5-inch devices are attached to the case with a special slide, but before installation, you must attach the supplied anti-vibration washers to the device.
2.5 '' form factor devices can be mounted under the motherboard tray. This solution is original and convenient.
You can also install a 2.5 "device in the 3.5" device bay using the special hardware.
In the case, you can install three 5.25-inch devices, and the fourth compartment is occupied by a panel with additional USB, reobass and other functions. The panel can be moved to any other compartment or simply removed.
The wires from the front panel are long enough and have all the necessary connectors. The audio jack can be connected via HD Audio or AC '97.
The case as a whole is excellent, we are pleased with the opportunity to install excellent ventilation of the case and reliability, durability and convenient assembly of the system. An excellent choice for people looking for a housing that is inexpensive and with great features.
