LiveBlueprints Review: Antec NSK4480 Review

Today on LiveBlueprints we take a look at the Antec NSK4480. Everyone has a computer, and everyone needs a computer case - but is the Antec NSK4480 worth buying, and worth the numerous high rated reviews and awards given to it? We take a look at it in our review on the LiveBlueprints Blog.

The NSK4480 is a mini tower case that comes with an 80Plus Certified EarthWatts 380W ATX12V v2.0 power supply. It is based on the Antec NSK4400 - a hugely popular computer case.

LiveBlueprints Review: Antec NSK4480 Specifications:

• High-efficiency EarthWatts 380 Watt ATX12V v2.2 power supply
  • Universal input
  • Active PFC and high efficiency design for superior environmentally friendly operation
  • 80Plus Certification means you’ll save money on your power bills
• Advanced cooling system:
  • 1 Rear 120mm TriCool™ 3-speed fan
  • 1 Front mount for optional 80mm fan
  • 1 Advanced Chassis Air Guide, with mount for optional 80mm fan
• 8 Drive Bays
  • Front Accessible: 3 x 5.25”, 2 x 3.5”
  • Internal: 3 x 3.5” with silicone grommets to isolate drive vibrations
• 7 Expansion Slots
• 2 x USB 2.0 front bezel ports
• 0.8mm cold-rolled steel construction
• Motherboard: Fits micro and standard ATX
• Dimensions:
  • 16.6” (H) x 7.8” (W) x 16.5” (D)
  • 42cm (H) x 20cm (W) x 42cm (D)
• Weight:
  • Net: 18 lbs. / 8 kg
  • Gross: 20 lbs. / 9 kg

LiveBlueprints Review: Antec NSK4480 First Looks:

The case is of usual mini tower size and comes with the standard three external 5.75″ bays, two external 3.5″ bay and three internal 3.5″ bays.

At the back of the case it is the normal ATX layout, and there is a large 120mm fan, which takes up the bulk of the upper main section. There are also seven expansion slots.

On the left panel there is a series of holes for venilation and an air duct (used to improve CPU ventilation). The air duct can also be replaced with an 80mm fan, as it has the same standard fixtures.

The front of the case doesn’t come with any fans, however there is room for an 80mm fan (below the hard disk drive bays). It would have been nice if a fan was included here to help with the airflow through the case. There is however a large 120mm fan on the rear of the case which has a switch to change between three speeds. The difference in noise, and power is very noticable between the minimum and the maximum settings of this fan.

The internet hard disk drive bays have rubber rings around the holes to secure the hard drives. These help with reducing virations (And therefore noise).

The side panels of the case are removed by sliding it off after unscrewing the top of the case (which requires no tools thanks to its thumbscrews). Both side panels of the case can be removed, but there is no removable motherboard tray. This does make it a bit of a tight squeeze when installing the motherboard with the PSU, but it is still easily manageable.

This is a case that seems initially to be aimed at a mainstream market (especially considering it ships with a 380w psu), however it has many features of high end gaming cases.

Live Blueprints Review: Advantages

• Affordable
• Stylish
• Thumbscrews
• Easy to take side panels off

Live Blueprints Review: Disadvantages

• Only 380w psu
• No removable motherboard tray