Assembly

Installing the motherboard is done by traditional means, with the use of the included spacers and screws. There is, as you can see, plenty of space for large CPU coolers and graphics cards. Things may get a bit tight if you install a cooling fan on the same side as the top hard-drive cage, however.


NZXT is still using the very fragile, but intricate-looking hard-drive cages. We were told that future NZXT cases will use more robust trays in 2012, but they have only just now implemented the transition with a case we spotted at CES 2014. That said, the current trays do not require any tools to be filled unless you want to place a 2.5" unit into one. Once a drive has been installed onto a tray, simply slide the tray into the slot of your choice until it snaps into place. Connectors will face toward the motherboard, which will minimize the cable clutter inside your case.


For those looking to use the 2.5" tray on the backside of the motherboard tray: The use of a screw driver is required as the drive is held in place on the tray by traditional means. Once filled, simply attach the drive firmly to the backside of the tray with a single thumbscrew.


Installing an optical drive within the Source 530 does not require any tools. Once the bay of your choice is free, unlock the metal tension lock and slide the drive into position. Last but not least, snap the lock back into place, which will hold the drive in place quite well. You may want to apply a single screw to the opposite side, which will kill any vibrations the drives may cause.


Installing a power supply is done by traditional means and does not bear any surprises. Simply screw your PSU down with the provided screws.


With everything in place, the Phantom 530 makes an excellent impression as all the cables are routed out of sight. While the interior of the chassis is completely free of cables, the rear holds all of the mess, hiding it nicely.

Finished Looks

The Source 530 makes a really nice and clean impression, and the optical drive goes well with the chassis' mesh-covered front.


The LED in the rear does its job well as you can even see it brighten up the area in broad daylight. The window - shaped just like that of the Phantom 530 - gives you a very broad view of all the hardware. The large vent on top also allows you to take a look at the interior, although it allows for noise to exit and dust to enter the system. If this is a concern, you may want to install sound dampening material or dust filters there.


Another really nice touch are the white lighting elements in the front. Not only is there the standard power LED, but NZXT's logo in the top-left corner lights up nicely after you turn the system on, which is pretty damn spiffy.