Completed Build, Performance, and Final Thoughts

Completed Build

A clean looking system

The S340 has enough room behind the motherboard to make cable routing easy, and it only took a few minutes to clean things up before taking these photos.

Temperatures and Noise

Test Platform
Processor AMD FX 8350
Motherboard Gigabyte 970A-DS3P
Memory Samsung 4GB 1600MHz DDR3 (OEM)
Graphics Card MSI AMD Radeon R9 290X Lightning
Storage Plextor M6 Pro 128GB SSD
Cooling Corsair Hydro Series H75 Liquid CPU Cooler | Stock AMD HSF
Power Supply SilverStone Strider ST-1000P 1000W Modular PSU
OS Windows 8.1 64-bit

For testing CPU load temps I use Prime95 and HWMonitor software with this AMD system. To measure GPU load temps I use the Unigine Valley graphics benchmark to load the card, monitoring temps with GPUZ. Room temperature was 18 C with a noise floor of 34 dB.

I have only tested three cases with the AMD system I’m using here, but considering the comparison to a pair of SilverStone cases with 90° motherboard layouts and dual 180mm intake fans, the S340 came out looking very good.

I’m using a very efficient Corsair H75 liquid CPU cooler that doesn’t produce a lot of noise under load, and while the R9 290X is a very warm GPU the MSI cooler on the Lightning edition of the card is also quiet under load. Load noise was minimal, and the S340 ended up being a really good performer for a conventional case here - and the lowest of the three tested with this hardware configuration.

Final Thoughts

NZXT has hit it out of the park with the S340. Nitpicking on 3.5” storage installation aside, there are all of the trappings of a premium case here without the premium price. At its price this is one of the most impressive enclosures I’ve ever reviewed, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it for anyone who doesn’t need more room for storage. That drive limitation aside (a growing trend with PC enclosures), the S340 has the ideal combination of solid construction, ease of installation, and attractive appearance. Add to these a full MSRP just under $70 and we have a tremendous value that makes this a compelling choice for a variety of builds.


Strengths

  • High quality materials and construction
  • Excellent fit and finish
  • Roomy interior, effortless build
  • Good cable management
  • Removable screens for front and PSU fans

Weaknesses

  • Would like to see HDD trays for 3.5” mounts

Bottom line, if you’re looking for an affordable enclosure with good flexibility, high-quality construction, and stylish appearance, you can do no better than the NZXT S340.

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