Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 @ 3.5 GHz
Ultra Products ChillTec Thermo Electric CPU Cooler
EVGA 680i SLI Motherboard
Two 8800GTX VGA cards in SLI
2 Gb OCZ Reaper PC2-6400 Memory
74 Gb Western Digital Raptor 10k RPM HDD
OCZ 1,000w PSU
Lite-On Optical Drive
For the most part, hardware installation went smoothly. While the HUSH is technically 8800GTX SLI compatible, as you can see from the pictures, the bottom card just barely fits. And from there, things only got worse. It seems that the combination of two high end video cards and a highly overclocked processor were just too much for the HUSH to handle. With only a single low-noise 120mm intake and exhaust fan, temperatures started climbing quickly. The thermal-controlled CPU fan kicked into high gear followed shortly by the power supply fan. The combination of these two made for a pretty loud system, and even still, temperatures were much higher than they needed to be.
I have been using the NZXT HUSH now for a few days and have been generally pleased with it. Starting with the basics, the HUSH is a very subtle looking case that fits well into the Classic Series from NZXT. The case has the standard midtower features, in terms of drive bays and HDD capacity. Two 120mm low-noise cooling fans help keep fresh air circulating throughout the interior. Speaking of low-noise, all of the interior panels (both side panels, upper and lower panels and the inside of the bezel inserts) are covered with acoustic dampening material. Working inside the case was very pleasant. With support for ATX, Micro-ATX, Flex and Mini-ATX, motherboard installation was a breeze. Tool-less drive rails make optical drive and HDD installation quick and painless.
True to its name, the HUSH is a very quiet case... when used in conjunction with the appropriate hardware. As we learned here today, the HUSH is not meant for high end gaming / overclocked systems. The chassis was simply not able to expel heat fast enough, which in turn prompted the CPU and PSU fans to kick into high gear and ramp up the noise level greatly. Once I removed one of the 8800GTX cards and clocked the CPU back a bit, all was happy inside the HUSH. This could be remedied with a few hours of Dremel work to remove the front and rear fan grills and perhaps swapping the stock 120mm fans with some that blow more air, but then you sacrifice silence...
As of writing, the NZXT HUSH sells for under $90.00 USD. At this price point, the HUSH is an excellent choice for someone with midrange hardware in search of a quiet, subtle case that won't break the bank. Those with high end gaming / overclocked systems may find the NZXT Zero a better candidate for the job.
OCIA.net has awarded the NZXT HUSH our seal of approval.
Thanks to NZXT for supplying us with this review sample.
