NZXT S340 Elite Case Overview
Similar to it’s predecessor the standard S340, the Elite has a fairly austere obelisk like exterior design. Matte black panels mate right up to a large full tempered glass side panel that has been edged with black paint around the entire exterior of the window. If dark, simplistic, modern style is your thing, the S340 Elite could easily be the next canvas on which to assemble your next epic build.
At the top of the case you will find a wide channel for airflow behind which NZXT has placed the front I/O ports followed in the rear by the top exhaust fan. The fan included is an NZXT F V2 120mm all black model but there is room to change up to a 140mm fan. Before we go too far let’s head back to that front I/O section. This is one of the areas where NZXT puts the “elite” moniker into this case’s name. While you will find the standard power button, USB, USB 3.0, and audio I/O jack’s you will also find a non standard HDMI female port. This port allows you to easily plug in your VR headset of choice right into the top front of the case. While some might not find this especially useful, others will find it’s great for a setup where leaving your headset installed isn’t an option. This could be really useful in a living room or maybe an office where space and flow are an issue and leaving your equipement plugged in is undesired.
While the front panel is nearly entirely a matte black surface you will find the NZXT label embossed in gloss lettering in the center of the bottom. It’s very subtle like the rest of the case design and it lands perfect for the design. At the bottom you will find the case supported by four feet that end in rubber pads. The feet design is unobtrusive, stylish, and most importantly keep the case quite stable. To the back of the case you will find a completely plain matte black back panel and that is just fine with us.
The very rear of the case is a fairly standard issue rear I/O section with a few NZXT twists. You get 7 expansion slots for full ATX support with a neat sliding mechanism design for card capture. Above that you will find another NZXT 120mm fan for rear exhaust next to the motherboard I/O cutout. Opposite the fan and I/O cutout you will of course find the PSU mounting position with the twist that the PSU actually mounts to a removeable bracket which is secured with thumbscrews.
Wrapping up the exterior of the case is that full tempered glass side panel. This gorgeous piece of glass features beveled edges and as mentioned a black strip blocking out the edges of the window. The paint does a good job of creating a frame for the interior of your build while still allowing for that full tempered glass panel. The panel itself is a bit thinner than others we’ve seen in the past which could be good or bad. It’s nice because it reduces the weight of the panel, but potentially could be more susceptible to damage.
The panel is secured with four larger thumbscrews that all have a rubber backing to protect the glass. The posts they mount to are fairly thin and have rubber grommets that prevent potential noise from the vibration of glass to metal post contact.
