The exterior of the NZXT Alpha is done in a very high-gloss black finish with matching gloss plastic front panel. This looks stunning when shined up but does show fingerprint smudges very easily. There are two stealth covers for optical drives included among the four total 5¼" external bays along with two blanks for 3½" drives. Silver metal power and reset buttons are located in the lower half of the front as well as a green LED for hard drive activity. The power indicator LED is incorporated into the frame of the front panel which is trimmed in clear acrylic to disperse the light along its edge. There are very small slits at the bottom of the panel to allow for some airflow although most of this will likely come through the cutout found at the bottom center, assuming the case is not set on carpet or other surfaces where this opening is blocked.



The classic appointments continue as we travel around to the side panel, where the optional beveled-edge window is trimmed in chrome accents. There are no plastic push-pins or other obvious means of attachment otherwise, NZXT has hidden this into the panel very nicely. A 120mm fan is mounted in the window, behind a large opening covered with fine silver mesh. The rear of the case is fitted for a 120mm exhaust fan with holes to optionally mount an 80mm fan if you so choose. The grill pattern is fairly open and should not restrict airflow much. There is no I/O shield included although these typically come with your motherboard. The back side of the Alpha is plain except for the array of ports located at the front bottom edge of the case. These include the standard USB and audio ports but rather than a Firewire jack we find an eSATA connection available. These are becoming increasingly common to find on new cases as the bandwidth offered by eSATA far surpasses anything used previously.



Continue for a tour inside the NZXT Alpha.