Zalman Z11 Plus Black Midi

[Mattdiv]

Been looking at the Z11:

http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Comp...Midi+Tower+Chassis+w/+USB3.0+?productId=48831

It seems like a great case for the price. What do you guys think?

I'm planning on using a Fractal Design Arc for my new build, with the BitFenix Raider a close second choice. But should I be considering the Zalman Z11?

Prices are roughly: Raider-70, Arc-60, Z11-50.

Would I be saving a tener and getting a window, or sacrificing too much in terms of quality?

 

[sheroo]

I do actually like the aesthetics of the Z11, and everything seem to be laid out about right - although you would have to be a little more careful with your cable management around the psu area. On the other hand I've seen some lovely builds in the Arc, and if you ever wanted to water cool, the Arc supports a thick 240 rad in the roof.

 

[I Hunta x]

If the Z11 i anything like the Z9 plus then it will be pretty good for a fairly overlooked case (looks very similar internally), i did a rebuild into a z9 after there original case got crushed while moving house and it was pretty nice to work with/reasonable build quality.

 

[Computer crazy]

I have never used either the Z9 or Z11 personally. I haven't heard anything bad said about the Z11 and it seems like a good case for the money, however I doubt the quality will be the same as the Fractal Arc or the Raider.

Both the Arc and Raider have cable grommets for the cable management which I really like, and all of them have USB 3.0 support. It may be worth looking into how noisy the Zalman fans are as both the Arc and Raider have very silent fans, I think I read somewhere that the Zalman fans were molex powered however I am not 100% sure. I think it mainly depends on how you like the look of each case and how they perform personally for me it would be Arc, Raider then Z11.

 

[Mattdiv]

I have no plans to WC so it's not a deal-breaker, but I really do consider having that option a big plus. But then is the window on the Z11 another big plus, or just a small one?

I recently ruled out the Storm Enforcer case by purchasing a new 140mm fan, but seeing the Z11 has reminded me of it and at an even lower price.

At the moment it's the insides of the Arc vs the exterior of the Z11. I know I should be going with functionality over cosmetics!

The 63 pound Arc is on ebuyer (free delivery), and the 50 pound Z11 on Aria. I guess thirteen pounds, minus delivery charges, isn't enough to call the Z11 a money-saver.

Excellent point about the fans.

 

[sheroo]

Just to throw a spanner in, I have the Storm Enforcer and its a fantastic case. Easy to work with, solid, brilliant build quality. I can't see me replacing it for a few years - lovely.

 

[SavageCupcake]

ive got the z9 plus and the z11 looks identical internally. i found it great to built in

also the instructions are very clear and the bolts ( for motherboard, psu etc are all in separate labelled bags which i found extremely helpful due to it being my first build

for 50 quid i just cant fault it in any way possible, grommets would have been nice but for 50 quid you cant complain

 

[Mattdiv]

Thanks for your input!

Think I'm going to order the Fractal Design Arc Midi. I'm hoping that this case will last me a good many years, and I may want watercooling in the future.

The window is the only thing I feel that I'm missing out on - hopefully they'll release one soon but there's always the modding option.

There's actually quite a few good options at this price-point. Had a lot of fun deciding which one to go for!