So far the new Beta EVO and the original Beta are identical, but on the top panel things start to get different: Beta EVO allows you to install two 120- or 140 mm fans on its top panel, feature not available on the original Beta.

click to enlarge
Figure 5: Top panel.

Like the original Beta, this case comes with two USB ports and one eSATA port, besides the headphones output and microphone input jacks. The addition of an eSATA port was a nice surprise, since entry-level cases usually don’t have this feature. The two USB ports are too close to each other, what may prevent you from installing two “fat” USB devices at the same time.

click to enlarge
Figure 6: Connectors.

On the rear panel there is the second biggest difference between Beta and Beta EVO: on this new version the power supply goes on the bottom part of the case, while on the original Beta the power supply goes on its standard location. Like the original Beta, Beta EVO has its rear panel and its interior painted black, giving this case a very professional aspect.

The slot covers are meshed, which helps increasing the internal airflow – another feature normally only found on high-end units. There is also a mesh with big holes above the slots, also helping the internal airflow, but on Beta EVO the manufacturer decided to add two holes for water cooling solutions on this mesh and honestly it would give a better appearance to the case if these holes where located on the top part of the rear panel. A place for installing a 120 mm fan is available on the rear panel – as explained Beta EVO comes only with the front fan.

click to enlarge
Figure 7: Rear panel.

Now let’s take a look inside NZXT Beta EVO.