NZXT Manta Review

NZXT’s first computer case design primarily for the Mini-ITX form factor, featuring steel reinforcement and support for all-in-one liquid CPU coolers.

Product on Review: Manta Mini-ITX Case
Manufacturer & Sponsor : NZXT
Street Price: £99.99 GBP / $139 USD

NZXT has gone from strength to strength with their computer case designs. Over the years we’ve seen them rise up as a prominent force within this category with the Phantom series taking a notable spotlight. One aspect which seems fairly evident with the brand is their passion to innovate and think outside the box and today we’re to look at their very first attempt at designing a case for the Mini-ITX Form Factor.

Manta is a small, curvaceous computer chassis which is primarily concerned with Mini-ITX systems. NZXT has given this new case a series of steel reinforced panels to ensure utmost durability and inside there is a platform which supports high-end kit including big CPU coolers, large graphics cards and water cooling radiators.

We’ve produced a video review of Manta which details all of the included features, demonstrates a Mini-ITX system installed and highlights the clearance options inside for components such as water-cooling. Please check out our video review or hit play on the video below:

NZXT on their Manta

The first case built with an innovative new manufacturing process that allows for the creation of curved steel panels. Each panel is created with structurally reinforced steel to ensure uncompromising build quality.

Technical Specifications

Below are the technical details surrounding NZXT’s Manta – directly from NZXT themselves:

Model Number
CA-MANTW-M1 (Matte Black/Black)
Motherboard Support
mini-ITX
Dimensions
W: 245 x H: 426 x D: 450mm
Weight
7.2kg
Clearance
CPU Clearance: 160mm
GPU Clearance: 363mm
PSU Length: 363mm
Cooling System
Front: 2 x 140/120mm (2 x 120mm included)
Top: 2 x 140/120mm
Rear: 1 x 120mm (Included)
Radiator Support
Front: Up to 280mm
Top: Up to 280mm
Rear: 120mm
Drive Bays
Internal 3.5”: 2
Internal 2.5”: 3
External Electronics
I/O Panel LED On/Off, 1 x Audio/Mic, USB 3.0
Expansion Slots
2
Power Supply Support
ATX

Thermal Performance Testing

Inside Manta there are three 120mm cooling fans included. There are two front intakes and a rear exhaust – this push/pull configuration generally yields great results.

To discover the thermal performance of Manta we will record idle temperatures after 20 minutes from a cold boot. We will then stress the system and temperatures will again be monitored after 30 minutes have elapsed.

For the purpose of accurate analysis the idle and load temperatures for CPU and motherboard sensors will be recorded and the range between idle and load will be calculated to determine how efficient cooling is.

NOTE: Ambient temperature is 20C

System Components

CPU Intel Pentium K Anniversary G3258
Motherboard ASUS Z97I-Plus
Graphics N/A
Memory 4GB Kingston HyperX DDR3
HDD Samsung Spinpoint 500GB SATA-II
PSU FSP Aurum 650W

Noise

Although there are three cooling fans found inside Manta, the noise is relatively low thanks to the thick, closed off panels. Having steel over all of the sides contributes to keeping noise down to a minimum.

(Since we’re using our new Mini-ITX test configuration we’ve restarted benchmarking again – therefore there is only a few comparable results)

Conclusion

Manta is NZXT’s first attempt at designing a computer case for the Mini-ITX form factor and they’re presented us with an interesting proposition in this curvy enclosure.

Breaking away from sharp lines and harsh accents the Manta brings an entirely new style to the table with curves over the front, sides and top. Not only is this distinct and unique, but the construction also lends itself to being reinforced with steel – enhancing noise reduction and strengthening durability.

Inside, the chassis can accommodate a wealth of hardware regardless of the component category. Large CPU coolers are supported, high-performance graphics cards and even the larger AIO coolers – thanks to the dual 120/140mm fan spots at the top and front of the case.

The storage options inside Manta are great – both 2.5” and 3.5” drives are compatible, providing plenty of flexibility. Though we were rather dismayed that installing an SSD into the main compartment means the label will be upside down; NZXT has commented on their social media pages about this concern and stated that not all SSD vendors place their branding in the same position but all of the drives we’ve looked at certainly seem to have the label on the same angle/position.

By far the greatest achievement with Manta is the excellent cable management allocation. Inside, there is plenty of space due to the clearance behind the motherboard tray, curved side panels and cable duct attached to the motherboard tray. This is great news for system builders who like to cultivate the inside of their chassis with a clean and tidy configuration.

Arriving with a price-tag of £99.99 GBP / $139 USD, Manta is one of the costlier Mini-ITX cases currently on the market. This price places Manta among the aluminium-based Mini-ITX options at the upper-end of this sector. We’d like to see NZXT nudge the price down a little from the stated price for them to remain competitive in this arena.

Manta is a wonderful commencement for NZXT in the Mini-ITX division. This case has all bases covered in terms of functionality and is distinctly unlike any other computer chassis on the market.

VIDEO REVIEW – VORTEZ TV

Pros
+ Pleasing to the eye
+ Well-thought out design
+ Can house high-performance hardware
+ Flexible water cooling support
+ Excellent cable management
+ Decent cooling performance
+ Three fans included

Cons
– SSDs are positioned upside down
– Pricey

Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net.