Antec NSK6500 Super Mid Tower Review

     Antec is back with the latest in their NSK series of PC enclosures; the NSK 6500.  With the NSK or New Solution Series, Antec wants to provide high quality in an affordable package.  The NSK6500 Super Mid Tower is currently the largest in the series that offers a wide range of case sizes and shapes.  We take a closer look at what the NSK6500 has to offer right here at Club Overclocker.

     As usual, I like to start with the packaging.  Antec provides a nice balance between the critical information and the product on the front of the box.  These attractive Black and silver cases do sell them selves well.  Antec has also stickered the box with a gold Thermally Advanced Chassis sticker.  The sticker sits next to the familiar Quiet Computing icon and proclaims the NSK6500 contains improved ventilation for the next generation CPUs.

     The back and sides of the box reveal the product specifications in detail.  With the NSK6500, Antec is focused on the combination of affordability and quiet.

It actually is possible to get a case that combines versatility, capacity , quietness and high efficiency power.  - NSK6500 box

     Out of the box, we get our first look at the NSK6500.  Like all the NSK series enclosures, the 6500 is only available in the black and silver style shown here.  The NSK 6500 also ships with a high efficiency 430 Watt ATX12V v2.0 power supply included.  Having recently reviewed the outstanding Antec Solo, the 6500 feels like a big brother.

     The sides of the NSK 6500 are done in solid black.  On the left side Antec has opted for a set of vents and the two latches.  You can also see here the front surface is extended to allow greater ventilation from the front of the case.

     Here is a closer look at the latch system.  The NSK6500 uses two thumb screws to hold thing securely in place but these latches also hold the side in place.  I found the latches more than adequate for normal operation but using the thumb screws gives the extra protection when toting your PC to a LAN party.  Ultimately the inclusion of latches feels sort of redundant.

     The back of the case is dominated by the TriCool 120 mm fan now common across the Antec line.  The included power supply is also visible with its nondescript 80 mm fan.  Unlike most cases I have worked on lately, the back plate is not just a snap in.  More on that in a minute.

     Coming back to the front brings the four external 5.25" bays to view.  The bottom bay can be converted to a 3.5" bay for your floppy or fan controller if needed.  From top to bottom the NSK 6500 contains a reset button, HD activity light, power button, audio input/output ports, two USB and one IEEE 1394 port.  The Case badge is included but not installed by default.