NZXT Source 530 Review

Performance Analysis

Given the Source 530 only came with two 120mm fans, the cooling results were actually fairly good, with the CPU delta T of 52°C placing it mid-table but also two thirds of the way up the results range. It matched the likes of the NZXT Phantom 630 and Phantom 820, albeit on their lowest speeds, and bettered the NZXT H630 and Fractal Design Define R4, albeit again on its minimum speed.

The GPU delta T of 51°C wasn't quite as respectable but it's only 7°C warmer than the best result we've seen from the exceptional SilverStone FT04 on its decidedly noisy high fan speed setting. The Source 530's fans are clearly meant for a quiet case, matching the noise levels of many other cases on their lowest fan speed settings and offering similar cooling as a result. Again it managed to keep pace with the NZXT Phantom 630 and Phantom 820 on their lowest fan speed settings but was noticeably warmer than the Corsair Obsidian 750D.


Conclusion

The Source 530 might lack some of the refinements of more expensive cases - it isn't as lust-worthy as the Obsidian 750D for example, but at just £80, it punches well above its weight. It's easily one of the best cases we've seen for this kind of money for a water-cooled system, and the storage and cooling expansion is exceptional. There are some really useful features too, such as the 10-port fan power board, removable modular hard disk enclosures and removable fan filters everywhere you'd need them.


The cooling results aren't exceptional, but considering so few of the fan mounts are occupied out of the box, it's surprisingly capable at handling a reasonably demanding system out of the box, as our tests have shown. More importantly, it has plenty of scope for dealing with a high-end system with the addition of a couple of fans. If you're looking for a home that your collection of hardware can grow into or have a ton of gear ready to install from the start, the Source 530 is remarkable value for money and doesn't sacrifice too many comforts to get there.