Antec NSK-3480: 80-Plus Case

October 21, 2007 by Devon Cooke

In recent years, Antec has built an extensive, popular lineup of computer cases based around solid thermal and acoustic ideas. Multiple, independent thermal zones, soft hard drive grommets, and wide-open air intakes are all invaluable for silencing, and these features show up in Antec's lineup frequently.

The NSK-3480 has all of these features, but it's not really a new product. It has evolved from the NSK-3300, which we reviewed here a little over a year ago. Since then, is has evolved through the NSK-3400 to its current version. In both cases, the biggest change was not in the case itself but the power supply bundled with it:

• The NSK-3400 switched the power supply from a small SFX12V model to the more common ATX12V standard, as well as tweaking the cable management.
• The NSK-3480 bumps the power supply up to a more efficient, 80-Plus certified model: An EarthWatts 380.

The internal layout and airflow are almost identical to the original, so we can expect most of the conclusions reached in our review of the NSK-3300 to apply here as well. We strongly recommend reading the older review as well as this one.

Yes, that is an 80-Plus logo on the lower right.

A quick once-over of the exterior appearance reveals only a couple of relevant changes: An expanded top vent that allows the power supply to breath more easily, plus the addition of a side CPU vent in accordance with Intel's TAC (Thermally Advantaged Chassis) guidelines.

The only visible difference from this angle is the expanded top vent.

A side vent for CPU cooling has also been added.
The change to an ATX power supply is also clearly visible.