NZXT Panzerbox Mid Tower Case Review

Exterior Impressions pg.2


Although the Panzerbox is constructed almost entirely out of aluminum – far from a tank-like material – most of the panels are very thin and lightweight. Especially thin is the mesh panelling running along the entire top and the lower half of the front of the case, which doubles as both a fan grille and the external structure of the case.
From a drive bay perspective, there are only three 5.25 inch external bays present, which should be plenty for the vast majority of buyers out there. Not all that many people install multiple optical drives these days, so we feel that three 5.25 inch bays should be plenty. We were somewhat surprised to see that NZXT does not include a 5.25 to 3.5 inch external bay adapter. Anyone interested in using either a floppy drive, card reader or the likes will have to purchase the adapter separately. Finding one shouldn’t be too difficult, but NZXT really should have included one.

A small NZXT plaque is one of the only subtle styling “accents” added to this “NZXT Classic Series” case.


At the top of the Panzerbox, we find the essential audio connectors, a pair of USB headers and an eSATA port. Most modern motherboards include a rear eSATA connector on the board itself, and if so desired, a break-out expansion panel can also be used. But if you are one of the few that don’t have an eSATA connector on your board, the Panzerbox has got you covered. A Firewire port is not included on the front panel, but considering how few individuals actually need one, this is definitely a forgivable omission. The I/O panel itself is held on by only two small screws, so it can be easily removed if so desired for modding or other purposes.

As mentioned earlier, the entire top of case is constructed of thin aluminum mesh that doubles as a fan grille as well as panelling. This material is extremely lightweight, but very flimsy unfortunately. Buyers will have to be very careful not to dent or ding this mesh paneling as it flexes a great deal when pressure is put on it. The large 190mm exhaust fan is clearly visible through the mesh paneling and from a cooling perspective, a “breathing” top is a positive thing due to the rising effect – convection - of warm air.

One danger that may not be immediately apparent is the hazard of spilling something onto the top of the Panzerbox. The mesh top will freely allow liquid to penetrate into the case and potentially damage the system components, so buyers will have to be careful.


A simple power and reset button are present at the top left of the case. Both buttons are fairly small and have a bit of a flimsy feel to them. You’ll also notice that there appears to be a small gap just to the right of the switches due to the solid panel being recessed too far at that point. The other side of the case does not have this gap, and it appears to be a minor manufacturing defect of sorts. This is never something we like to see in a case, but thankfully it’s not too noticeable.

Two LEDs – power and HDD activity – are present just below the two switches, but cannot be seen unless they are lit, which is a nice feature to keep the front of the case looking as simple as possible.


There is really not much to see at the bottom of the Panzerbox. Since the PSU is mounted on its side, there is no need for lower ventilation openings. A large embossed “X” is present, along with some simple rubber feet.


The Panzerbox side panels are both the same, and are constructed of fairly thin aluminum with a small vented opening in one corner. The panel is secured to the case using two simple thumb screws, and small metal latches protrude from the panel to secure it to the case’s rails. Unfortunately, these latches are pretty flimsy, and although the side panel is easy to remove, reattaching can be a bit of a pain.