A Closer Look - Outside

To protect it further, the entire front of the case has been lined with a plastic sheet. The chassis makes a solid overall impression and works well in that it takes what the original source cases looked like to then morph it with the modern NZXT chassis line-up. Carrying the same model number as the Phantom, you will see a lot of internal similarities between those two cases.


This does not hold true for the exterior, though, as the entire front of the Source 530 is essentially consists of metal mesh inside a plastic frame. Not a bad thing as the case does look quite nice from this angle, it also becomes apparent that the interior is painted to match the exterior after you turn the chassis around to take a look at the rear, which also holds true for differently colored cases. I am sure NZXT will diversify things more over time as well by adding even more color options.


The main side panel does share a bit of its design with the Phantom 530, but NZXT has done away with the additional mesh panel, which simplifies the overall design. The panel on the other side is completely solid, void of any air vents or fan-mounting possibilities, and this chassis' design places all the buttons on the front panel's right edge. While this is pretty cool, it makes reaching these buttons hard if the chassis faces the wall with its right panel, for example. You will find an LED on/off button, which allows you to toggle the motherboard's I/O lighting in the rear off/on, and the power/reset buttons here.


Taking a closer look at the front, the bottom portion of the metal mesh also acts as an air vent, which allows fresh air to enter the interior. The fine mesh also acts as a dust filter, so you can easily wipe any dust it catches off. Above that are the three 5.25“ drive bays, each filled with easily removable covers also made out of metal mesh and reinforced with a plastic frame on the back. In the very top are two USB 3.0 plugs as well as the usual audio I/O.


The PSU bay in the rear can be found in the very bottom of the chassis. You will find two sets of mounting holes there, so the power supply may be installed with the fan facing up- or downward. Above that are the eight motherboard-expansion slots. Each slot is protected by an individual, reusable cover. You will also find two water-cooling openings to the right of these slots. While a 140 mm fan will fit, NZXT decided to place a 120 variant into the very top-right out of the box. Its location may be adjusted vertically, which allows you to align it with the motherboard.


A large air vent has been cut into the ceiling of the chassis. It protrudes slightly, giving you more space for thick radiators. Speaking of which, you may install a radiator that is up to 360 mm in size within the Source 530. Tipping the chassis over, you will find two dusts filters on its underside. These cover all openings there. The larger one spans the entire bottom front, while a smaller variant protects the PSU intake area from dust. Both are of the same material and may be removed for easy cleaning.


Both of these dust filters are easy to reach, even while the case is standing upright. You may pull each of these out of their respective side for easy cleaning.