NZXT Phantom 820 Review

[@meistervision]

TTL, friggin' love your reviews. Please keep them coming. I know people complain about how long your vids are, but you're the by far the most informational reviewer out there. Also, found out you can buy the Switch 810 side panel stand alone from NZXT direct for 25 USD at their online store. NZXT says the panels are compatible with the Phantom 820 (as you demonstrated). Thought your peeps may be interested to know they can get a switch window panel if they wanted in the color of their choosing.

[@ElmendorfSSgt]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the front bezel of the 800D is brushed aluminum, at least the one sitting next to me feels like it ;) You should watch Tom's review on it, a five part series if I'm not mistaken. He gives some good advice on some airflow configs that I integrated into my build, thanks Tom!

[@CaptainMisanthropy]

Why would they put inputs vertically on top of a case? All those unused holes would fill up with dust in days in my house, which pretty much eliminates this case as an option for me.

[@redchris05]

This case has a cover, which - bizarrely - was ditched for the 630 I'll be getting. Fortunately, 3-D printers can sort that little issue out...

[@10ee]

I have both side panel windows for the gun metal version. I am not sure which one I prefer TBH. I've had the case since early 2013, paid $60.00 less for it than is currently available in Canada, and am finally getting around to modding it. I've drilled the rivets out of the top 3.5" disk cage to fit a 200mm Phobya 85mm rad in the front, 280mm thin rad in the bottom, and 360mm RX360 from XSPC at top. Had I known about the Switch 810 at that time, I would have bought the matte black version, as I consider it to be a very attractive case, as well as revolutionary. It's also a little bit smaller, closer to the Phantom 630 in size. Alternatively now that it's aged a few years it's still amazing, and when I drilled out the disk cage with the pivot fan, I marvelled at the fact that this case was painted prior to assembly, unlike the 530 and 630 Phantoms. I do agree that the full window looks a bit higher end, but the mesh panel once the 200mm fan is removed, is also pretty swanky.

[@benielishackove2686]

any pics ?

[@benielishackove2686]

where ? any links ?

[@AquaStevae]

I completely agree about the side panel window. I hate the fan in the window, and would completely prefer the full window instead. the one you brought out was perfect.

[@233kosta]

ONE HOUR? You've outdone yourself, Tom! We're all proud of you! Now I'm off for 2 minutes to get my cup of tea!!! Might as well bring the kettle too!

[@TomClaessens]

what's even more impressive than the review of this case, is the size of your arms compared to earlier videos. You've spent lots of time in the gym it seems. Good work on that as well Tom ;)

[@OC3D]

I cant bump vids mate. The dude above is right you can set it to uploads ony otherwise you get notified when I comment on videos and it will look like *bump*

[@RoccoMac]

One thing that I didn't hear mention of is a, minor, but still handy addition of pre-installed motherboard standoffs. Just a small tidbit of info.

[@233kosta]

Since the price point on this is lower, I'd be inclined to go with this, however also consider the Switch 810. That's 70 quid cheaper and does pretty much the same. It's mostly down to aesthetics and personal preference. Pick your price bracket, pick your brand, pick your looks - you have your choice. Going with either of these and you won't go wrong. It's for you to decide what features you want. Cosmos II is more of an industrial design and I've not seen window options for it. 810 does it here

[@OC3D]

I didnt hold back, I just didnt wave the sword around much. I said everything I wanted to but I just went about it in a nice way rather than just hating on it.

[@Streamlines]

Agreed on the sidepanel. I was so disappointed to see this little window and it looks so nice with the 810 panel.

[@simoneholland880]

I have just got my phantom 820 today and it took me sometime to do but I took out the 200mm fans from the top and took out the 140mm fan and put in my own fans from my other pc tower and now I have all blue Led fans and kept the 200mm fan at the front. But I do have a full window side panel on the way but other than that I am very Please with what I have done.

[@executor46]

matte black was my choice you should to. unfortunately, matte black is out of stock in our country. i cant wait until next year so i bought the gun metal grey. let me know what color you bought.

[@Djhg2000]

Here we go again... Just as Tom Logan said, the premium case buyers generally know what they want and I think being able to choose for themselves which side panel they want will bring in a lot of the pickier ones who would quickly dismiss designs with tiny complaints. Like me when I got the 810. Now, before I forget once more, thank you NZXT for making the case and thank you TimeToLiveCustoms for producing a one hour review of both the 810 and the 820, subscription well earned.

[@ElmendorfSSgt]

Agreed, any case using mostly aluminum/steel will put a dent in the wallet. I checked out some of the Lian Li options at the time, they were around the same price. I ultimately went with the 800D for the cable management options and the room for growth in the future. As far as the liquid cooling, I'll admit I'm a noob. This was my first ever build and it took hours upon hours of research to figure out which parts I needed.....

[@namaccreal]

At the moment I have the original Phantom case and I really love it, had it for about 2 years. I'll be looking to buy this case around the time Intel comes out with Haswell as that's when I plan to upgrade next. Hopefully NZXT will lower the price and give the option for a complete window side panel, otherwise really love the case. Good job on the review Tom. Keep at it!

[@jlirving]

This is the best review page. One thing I don't like about going to a full windowed side panel from the 810 the way the psu sticks out so much. At least if you mod the 820's case majority of the psu is covered up.

[@demaciu88]

AltesseQQ made a good point there, Tom is fair enough to say that it's a quality product worth attention despite a few complaints that may or may not be the same as yours or mine if at all. Also he did say he didn't bother with cable management really as we all could see, so there's a bit more room there than you might think. Also I don't think quid means what you think it means, as there's no such thing as "quids" it's just quid. the case is $250 US.

[@executor46]

mine will be arriving this sunday. i think ill repaint it with matte black if ill get bored with the color. well cheers to our new cases.

[@eatRIDEsleepLIFE]

You need the side panel if ur uses crossfire or sli, if you get the normal phantom big you can have a 200mm or a 230mm side fan

[@Djhg2000]

I have to say, using compatible side panels is a genius idea. It would be awesome if they had a selection of panels with various designs and features (fans, LED mounts, etc) which fit their entire full tower range. The major issue with cases, the way I see it, is that you have to choose the design of the entire case at once. Most cases (any brand) have that one little detail or feature which I just don't like. If you could mix and match as you see fit, there wouldn't be a problem. Brilliant!

[@SilentStorm1172]

I think the new side panel -shape- is better than the 810's (although I think I would take out the "spider-web" pattern and just make it one solid sheet of acrylic) because it looks a little sharper and it wouldn't show the optical/hard drive cages which are kind of ugly to look at. Nod if you agree.

[@Cakeguya1990]

ATM I have a fan controller tucked in my switch 810s drive bay(open to behind the case), have fans connected to that and set to a reasonable speed so everything runs cool 'n' quiet. The controller itself is connected to the same molex as my pump, so I didn't even need an extra wire.

[@simoneholland880]

Just one more thing I have not used the 5 speed fan what is on the tower I have used my own 5 speed fan control system and I have got the full window side panel coming of Amazon for £33.34 of amazon and also my 5 speed control system is also a nzxt system mand very good.

[@bigmack70]

Agree with you about the mix n match on the side panel being a weird design decision for a $200 case. I like having side fans, because it's nice for helping cool an air-cooled SLI or Crossfire setup.

[@ElmendorfSSgt]

and with the learning curve being so steep (and budget of course), watercooling seems a bit out of reach for me at the moment. I have good temps now so I'm not too worried about it, but when I starting learning to overclock this thing I will be giving myself a crash course on it lol. Maybe next summer....

[@samdrake113]

The guys at specialtech sell a nice little window for this case with a little mesh bit at the bottom right corner. It seems pretty nice i guess

[@PCsector]

Well like many of us we like listening to TTL talk loads in his reviews, he shows us the entire review and the maximum amount to information about the product as he can (+ a TTL video is better than a movie)

[@G4BS92]

I think the side panel is a personal thing, like Tom said, but I actually really like it. The angles work well and i think that having just enough window to get that cheeky look at the hardware, coupled with extra airflow from the mesh, is a great idea. Just another persons opinion. Multiple purchase options for the side panel would have been a smarter move.

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

I feel it's not too bad. Cosmos II doesn't have a side window, does it? My problem with this is the lines/edges of the 3 cut outs on the side panel. Visually, they don't relate to each other. Take a Lamborghini or Ferrari, you see the coordination of lines; they relate to each other, interact with each other. The side panel shapes don't.

[@romanjaan19]

Matey great review you went in real details about the case. I know what you felt about the side panel. The moment you installed the Switch's Door I was like NZXT has made a big mistake with the side panel. Thanks for pointing it out and I love that you are so honest about it. Its your honesty about products that sets you apart.

[@OC3D]

I gave all the info you need regarding the top rad mate.

[@straydognation]

I'm just going to go with the phantom 410, should be quite easy to mod that side panal to look something like the 810

[@toastedclubtrain]

yes but it was 3 am when i watched it and what i wanted to know was if the fans were mounted to the top of the radiator was there enough clearence for the push pull system and how it is monted in relation to the top rail

[@Spainky_]

I'm deciding between this and the Thermaltake armor Revo. CAN'T DECIDE! ! ! ! ! !

[@gatekeeper88]

deffo rather have that side 200mm fan, have that blowing onto the gpu with the power supp pulling gpu exhaust out of the case = win

[@zer0sniper16]

i just got the switch last week, this makes me feel happier

[@OC3D]

No idea fella, Im not bumping them. If you can bump them without commenting please lmk how :D

[@draiguk]

Great review, love your waffling. Two cans of lager to get through it, enjoyed it all. Mine arrived yesterday, and just to piss you off, I love the side panel :)

[@Gauzl]

The case is already availible and cost around $250 Australian

[@MrBuzzard96]

Good review. I have no problem with the top, and I like the lights but I really don't like side fans. The big window looks better, but I would also take a solid panel over the fan. They need to refocus their focus group.

[@tomasjansa565]

I just subscribed to Tom. He has really detailed reviews with conclusions. I like it.

[@Djhg2000]

Sorry, it didn't really all fit into one comment. But I think they could be on to something here; if there is one particular detail you don't like about your case, just change it with a matching panel from another case based on the same frame. Now obviously the frames wouldn't be identical, but imagine you wanted the radiator placement of the 820 but the design of the 810, you could have both by simply getting the 810 panels and putting them on your 820. For the record, I have an 810.

[@Dantakurasaki]

There should be a mod guide for removing the built in LEDs and replace them with a UVs and turn the dial from a color changer to a dimmer dial. As well a window that goes along with the mesh design of the phantom.

[@Djhg2000]

I've got to stop expanding into another comment... If I was NZXT, I'd start out small and push for the idea that you could choose between these two side panels for you case. 810 or 820 doesn't matter, you can have whichever you want with or without the fan. If that idea succeeds among the people who actually buys your cases, they will do a lot of the marketing for you and bring in more premium case customers. At this point, I'd release the 830, optionally without a side panel for a discount.

[@TillOverHill]

Anandtech has done a review on it, proving that it's one of the best air cooling cases alongside excellent acoustics. I have an 810 and it doesn't have those, however I agree that it looks better!

[@NotoriousSz]

I love a case with a design not simplicity so i think i will go with the NZXT 820 Phantom...Now the other question is should i get the gunmetal gray or the matt black one?

[@krthush]

Tom, which would you advise for a high end build, the switch 810 or the Cooler Master Storm Trooper? Thanks for all the vids on cases and cooling, has really helped me sort out most of my stuff for my new build, but i'm stuck on decisions as you opinions of both cases are quite high.

[@simoneholland880]

Hi I was Just Looking at the video you done about the Phantom 820 And I want to know the side panel you showed on the video with the big window what tower does the side panel come from as I have just brought a phantom 820 and I want to change the side panel to the one with the big window you have just showed.

[@OC3D]

MY videos, MY time, MY Opinions.

[@simoneholland880]

Hi I went On eaby to see if I can get the side panel with the bigger window and you can but how ever you have to get it from Itialy and yes you are right they would be better of having a bigger window and not the one with the one with the fan.

[@toastedclubtrain]

just a question with the radiator on the top of the case from the CPU cooler is there room to set it up to a push pull confiraration or is it to tight? i will also agree with your arguement about the side window i initially thought it looked alright till you added the switch side panel, i find it weird that they would include such a nice internal lighting rig yet only give so little display space

[@boomdaus]

i'm surprised that there was no thought of having a silent edition the room for a ton of fan and liquid cooling they should made a effort at quieting the case the design does help lot of curves no real corners help but the phantom with the design and size was capable to be the ultimate silent full tower gaming rig liquid cooling fan speed down all the way with lots of fans but this was a missed chance but I want more in the future with that price. good work tom with the review good and detailed

[@DoreoC]

Great review as always! :D How would you compare it to the Stryker though?

[@sengalang]

I am with Tom when it comes to a comparison to the 810. All I see is the switch 810 covered up in phantom paneling. Theres just not enough of a difference there to convince me to buy it. Dont get me wrong, I love everything about the 820. I just dont agree with the price. The switch can do the same thing for much less.

[@executor46]

my 820 finally arrived! sure ill let know if ill repaint mine

[@Wetshoelaze]

Oh NZXT focus group , Please make a Tempest830 .The tempest series is by far the most appealing case to me . It has the gamer -friendly looks but still retains a minimalist style overall.

[@TheRealBobbysmile]

@krthush Stryker, unless you don't like white. Also depends on price.

[@GoodGuyGaurav]

its because he talks so much and gives out a wealth of info, that we love him. you want short reviews go to linus or motherboardsorg or some other shit.

[@robali911]

I am going to be buying the white one tomorrow :) My question is the MB standoffs that are pre-installed; are they removable. I ask this because I heard they were riveted in place and not removable. The Corsair Vengeance had riveted MB standoffs non removable which I kind of liked LOL. Anyway, LMK if you don't mind and BTW, I loved your review, it was awesome. I also heard that NZXT has fixed the drive bays so they work better now. Take care and hope to hear from you soon.

[@MrKin190]

the phantom 820 has many feature than switch 810 but the side panel and the price point is one to think about

[@SirGameOfTheYear]

If you're buying only for sexiness and lights, you should just go for a switch 810 and also get their NZXT HUE, which is the lights but in a 5+1/4 bay, more lighting options (trillions), different lighting modes, and placing your own cabling around the case. As for the rads on this (and for the 810, I guess) where would you put the rad? Would it go like this? (Top "Basket") (Exhaust fan)(Exhaust fan) (Case)(Case) (Radiator) (Exhaust Fan) (Exhause Fan) Please help me out?

[@neonarcher5]

Tough call. Although you did give it a close gold, from listening to your comments it really seems it was a silver. You had enough reservations about it. But then again, it is an amazing case.

[@Forsakenedtears]

What side panel did you use there? I'm ordering the old 810 that you love and I was considering using something with a larger window in it. What would you suggest side panel wise that would fit it perfectly for a larger window with no grills on it?

[@ssaini5028]

Hey Tom any particular reason your mounted the H100 with the hoses on the right side instead of left?

[@iTsAnthraxx]

Is there a reason he mounts his power supply with the fan on top?

[@DeadLoon]

Could you put a 120mm fan in the back if you are getting a triple 120mm radiator?

[@joselee298]

I got that case but PLEASE explain me how you remove the front and the top panel to clean up the fans

[@OC3D]

Pull. iirc anyways its been a while.

[@Das_Haifisch]

You can fit almost anything in the behemoth of a case, and even if the ASUS (i doubt it) isn't supported, if you know how to ghetto rig a motherboard, it'll fit.

[@Nightblown]

Excellent review 100% agree with you about the side panel window, would like to have seen the lights in the dark with the 810 side panel tho.

[@LucchiniSW]

Thanks for making this awesome review. I was recently considering buying the Phantom Enthusiast 3.0 USB 3.0 (Orange x Black) because I really need a new and larger case. And then I found out last month that a new Phantom case was coming out. I love all the features on the 820 like the lights and the space for breathing and airflow but I'm just stuck whether to wait 1 more month so I can buy the 820 or If I should just get the 3.0 this week. Thanks again for the vid. Subbed and followed on FB!

[@abhijit1998]

TTL, i know you marked this down for the price point, but what if i told you that you could get this, Hale82-850W, a better 200mm fan, and some cable extensions all just for $300?

[@jakspyder]

If you could set the lights to very slowly automatically cycle through the hues. If it had the 810s side and was £180. Not my personal taste of case. I like the silverstone/lian li style of case. Still quite a good looker and iv no doubt a lot of great builds will come out in this case.

[@yuhyuh5674]

I would say you could go With this one or the Corsair graphite series 780t, both of these are pretty decent full towers, with nice airflow and lots of space to work with, hope this helped you :))

[@yuhyuh5674]

For you shaktix

[@Dragon0rb]

I see in the video that you put the Switch 810 gunmetal grey panel on this case, just wanted to ask if the 2 colours were a match or if there's a difference there. I'm very interested in this case however the side panel is just crap. Need a nice big window in it and if the colours on the 2 cases do match then I can see a nice answer there. If they're different then it'll just be the 810 I'm thinking. Thanks for anyone who is able to answer, will be greatly appreciated.

[@demaciu88]

There are only a couple cases on the market that have no plastic at all, in that category your paying for more than this and are probably building a cube or other non traditional tower case. mountain mods make great ones but they start at a much higher price. Even the Corsair Obsidian 800D has a plastic front bezel and that case though years old is still over $250

[@deadist]

Is there any way you can either fit a 2x200mm radiator in the top or a 1x200mm radiator in the front slot? If i have the 2x200mm in the top compartment? Saw off alittle bit of plastic and draw the tubes through the holes in the case?

[@RKTGX95]

Tom, in your opinion, which case is better? CM Storm Trooper Window or the NZXT Switch Black (non SE) ?

[@iBeast_M0de]

I accually bought one like 5 hours ago and its already on my desk :D its really really big and awesome!

[@AnoEto]

Anyone know if the replacement side panel is acrylic? Or at least something that isn't easily scratched?

[@LordJahr]

wish you did a ohantom 630 review aswell. i just cannot seem to find the info on watercooling for it. like the top one. people say 60mm fit, then others say it doesnt. really confuses me

[@nikoinlc]

I kinda really want this one, but I don't wanna get rid of my original Phantom already. I'm just a big fan of the Phantom design. Great review btw :)

[@mgut17]

Hey Tom, great review as always, so much in-depth, think i might buy this and change my haf 932, getting old and crappy, so should i buy it? have watercooling with 360+240 rad, i really want this case but is there other cases that can fit 360+240 rad? without any mod

[@boomdaus]

the switch is £134.99 at ebay white or black more for a different colour i would look at the 600t by corsiar for the price or the fractal define xl for a silent case

[@Lain.Iwakura]

Hey Tom can you post a video with the Switch door and the LED's on?

[@GameNuker160]

for the phantom 820 do u have to buy all the parts

[@TheTruthMix]

Why do people prefer to have the psu fan upwards when its hot air?

[@BTP112]

Just a question really, is your desk from argos, as i am interested in purchasing this case and i was wondering if it would fit, but it appears it does from the video?

[@Cooltallguy]

Did you see the beginning of the video?

[@RemX405]

Tom, your gold award criteria should be revised. Heavily. Gold should be the flawless, something that surprised you, the unexpected awesomeness. Here we have a "deja vu" case with LEDs and a fan controller for 200 pounds. Considering all the plastic, the side panel, the cheap HDD trays and the stupid looking stand at the front, this should hit barely a silver, even a bronze IMO.

[@ReanimatedCheese]

I actually like this case, the only thing I don't agree on is the side window and the price, if this case was under 200$, maybe around 150$, then this case would deserve gold.

[@DJaquithFL]

I like your long but VERY detailed reviews.

[@Ruiso7]

agree on that but if you don't like the looks of the 820 then choose the 810 or mod the side panel of the 820 with a bigger window or wait until some friend get's the 810 and get the 820 and ask if he would like to change the side panels or get each the 810 and 820 change the side panel and sell the 810 with the 820 side panels on lol

[@FeuerToifel]

i'm interested, what the switch 810 looks with the phantom 820 sidepanel, just for comparison

[@nerbne]

I have a case with a side panel fan it has no mesh what so ever essentially what they've done is extended the metal part of the panel in to the middle with an x design which the fan screws to... it's positioned in a spot where it lets me see just about everything in the case apart from the PSU as the window is placed down abit. The only thing I had to do was dust filter the back of the fan. Not sure what brand it is though.

[@arnonuehm1]

I think you made the right decision with the award. I agree with all your negative points and that it's not worth the extra price compared to the Switch. But at the end all criticism is more personal preference than anything else and it would be pretty harsh to mark it down for that, even if it's a little bit too costly.

[@djfirestormx]

I have the storm trooper and I am currently looking at this or the switch 810 for ONE reason only: ability to push pull on a 240mm radiator. CM sure screwed up on the trooper with that because NO config will fit because of the nearly 2 inches of wasted unusable space on the top. Yes you could remove the filter and do it, but then you have an exposed top of the case where you can drop crap into it then...without modding it of course.

[@Birdman686]

Great review as usual Tom, you just saved me £50 gonna go with the switch 810. thanks again keep up the good work!

[@flv1333]

I love these reviews, thanks! It made the purchase decision so much easier!