The NZXT Manta mITX Case Review
by E. Fylladitakis on June 16, 2016 9:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
- Mini ITX
- NZXT
- Case
The Exterior of the NZXT Manta
With a postmodern design sporting curved panels and smooth surfaces, the NZXT Manta is designed to stand out from the crowd. As we will see in the following sections, the curved panels are not just for show, adding to the functionality of the case. However, they also increase the width of an already significantly large Mini-ITX case. Measuring 42.6 cm tall, 24.5 cm wide and 45 cm deep (16.8 × 9.7 × 17.7 in), resulting to a volume of 47 liters, the Manta is massive for a Mini-ITX case. It is just 3% smaller than the Zalman Z9 Neo, a full ATX case, and nearly 60% larger than the Cougar QBX, which also is a tower Mini-ITX case. NZXT clearly was not very concerned about making the Manta compact, only to have a high performance gaming tower reduced down to Mini-ITX motherboard dimensions.
We received the black version of the Manta with a windowed side panel. NZXT also offers white and windowless versions. The satin black paint is very smooth to the touch and slightly resistant to fingermarks. On the other hand, the glossy acrylic window that NZXT installed is highly reflective, making it almost impossible to see inside the Manta from a large angle or if the lighting inside the case is poor. The “rainbow” effect seen in some of our pictures is caused by the camera’s polarizing filter, which is unsuccessfully trying to filter all of the lighting reflected by the acrylic panel.
11.2oz soda can inserted as a size reference.
The front panel of the Manta is entirely plain. There are no external drive bays, no buttons and no ports to be found on it. NZXT is even supplying their own company logo with the case’s bundle, allowing the users to choose where (and if) they want it adhered.
In order to reach the intake fan filter, the front panel needs to be removed. This is an easy task, as the panel can come off by simply pulling it from its bottom. The intake filter is a simple nylon filter that cannot stop small particles but can be easily cleaned and reused any number of times.
A closer look in between the side panels and the main body of the case reveals vents, which explains where the front intake fans draw air in from and where the air pushed by the top exhaust fans goes, as there are no other visible openings on the main panels of the case. This approach however undoubtedly adds a significant amount of air flow resistance that can adversely impact the performance of the cooling fans.
The front I/O ports and buttons can be found at the top panel. A large power on button can be seen to the left side of the panel, while two USB 3.0 ports and 3.5mm audio jacks have been installed to the right side of the panel. There is no door or cover for the USB/audio ports.
A look at the rear of the NZXT Manta reveals the presence of a 120 mm exhaust fan, which also hints that the case is just a shorter version of a gaming tower system. NZXT placed the PSU compartment at the bottom of the case.
The NZXT Manta stands on two very wide U-shaped legs. Four long anti-slip rubber pads keep the Manta from slipping on virtually any surface. A nylon filter can be seen covering the PSU intake, which can be removed from the back of the case.
48 Comments
View All Comments
samer1970 - Thursday, June 16, 2016 - link
itx were made for compact System , not to put them inside the same size of full ATX casebigb0096 - Thursday, June 16, 2016 - link
This is repetitive at this point, but this is not an SFF case. Why did NZXT limit it to mini-ITX when it is the same size as my microATX Antec P180 Mini?A5 - Friday, June 17, 2016 - link
I also have the P180 Mini, and if I'm honest it is fairly large for a microATX case. I can't imagine the thinking behind a mITX case that's the same size.Gadgety - Thursday, June 16, 2016 - link
MiniITX at 426 mm × 245 mm × 450 mm?? What's the point? I have an HPTX, dual CPUs, with up to 7 GPU:s in a case not much larger at 489 x 230 x 505 mm.jwcalla - Thursday, June 16, 2016 - link
Continuing the recent trend of gigantic mITX cases.djayjp - Thursday, June 16, 2016 - link
There's something wrong with your lens....djayjp - Thursday, June 16, 2016 - link
It looks all warped...lolpiasabird - Friday, June 17, 2016 - link
You could just as easily buy any number of cheap MATX cases with the same amount of room. I have seen ATX cases smaller than this.NBH - Friday, June 17, 2016 - link
I love mini ITX but this case is just too large for the form factor.IMO if you go for mini ITX you are sacrificing some power due to lack of larger cooling options and expansion due to the smaller motherboard but gaining a small, quiet and fairly portable PC. This case hasn't got the small size and it hasn't got the expansion options. It seems like it's caught between a mini ITX case and an ATX case and not really working in either size.
piasabird - Friday, June 17, 2016 - link
When I build a system I might want an ITX motherboard, but I dont ever plan on purchasing a video card. However I might also want a Hard Drive an a DVD drive. I liked some of the little STX systems I have seen reviews on but I may still want a Hard Drive at least.