Zalman Z11 Plus Overview
The Z11 Plus looks a little bit like the Z9 Plus, but it definitely has its own look. We received the black version of the case and currently it is the only version available. The actual dimensions of the case are 260(W) x 498(H) x 525(D)mm and it supports ATX and Micro ATX motherboards so it is considered a mid tower case.
The front of the case is where you see a real change compared to the Z9 Plus. First you have four 5.25-inch drive bays and a single 3.5-inch drive bay. All of the bay covers use a mesh design.
The big change on the Z11 Plus is at the bottom of the case. The sides of the case actually come out and form a huge vent system with a 120mm blue LED on the front and two 80mm fans on the side.
Moving up to the top of the case you have a vent system. This vent system is not like the ones we have seen on previous cases as it is stationary and cannot be closed. These vents have a smoke color to them and will light up with the included 120mm top-mounted blue LED fan.
Towards the front of the case there is a section where you can put your keys, cell phone, MP3 player or other small gadget. On the left side you have headphone and microphone jacks and two USB 2.0 ports. On the right side you have two USB 3.0 ports, reset button and hard drive activity LED. Right in the center is your power button, which will be illuminated when you turn your system on.
On the side panel of the case you have a small lightly tinted window that actually comes out from the side of the case, making it sort of “3D”.
On the back of the case there is a 120mm exhaust fan, two watercooling holes, 7 expansion slots, and a ventilation holes to the right of the expansion slots.
On the bottom of the case you will find easily removable fan filters for both the power supply and optional bottom mounted fan. Of course there are thumbscrews on both side panels for easy removal.
I have to agree with Bob here; I went straight to the “Final Thoughts” after getting to the point that there wasn’t native 2.5″ HDD support, at a price of $85, there are more than a few better cases floating around the online stores (that include USB 3.0 motherboard connectors).
Hi to everyone. I own a Zalman Z9 Plus (similar to this Z11) and I have to say:
>> Weird that the fans use different connectors
I’m DOUBLE WEIRD and agree with Bob. Why to use different connectors? It does not make sense to me! Could use a double version connector, molex & 3-pin. Bad choice for a good chassis (in my opinion).
Pros:
– Futuristic design
• Amazing desing of the case that’s why I’ve bought it + great cable management
– 5 included cooling fans
• my pc runs so cool
– USB 3.0 support
• Why they didn’t made USB 3.0 internal ? =/
Cons:
– CPU power cable opening is partially blocked
• yes, but guys to put correctly the 8 pin cpu atx connector, disconnect the 4+4 to 4 pin pass it and the second 😉
– Not a lot of room on the backside of the case
• Hell yes it’s true but when you do a better cable management it closes correctly
– Weird that the fans use different connectors
• yes but when you don’t have enought connectors on your motherboard and can’t buy a fan controller it’s a good idea
weird to see the usb 3.0 cables on the back I was so unhappy to see them there. I did some research and I found a 20 pins usb 3.0 header to a female usb 3.0 ,still waiting to receive it hopefully I will be able to connect the front usb 3.0 directly to the motherboard inside
bottom psu vent is not enough. my psu fan making noise when im install the psu downwards. i check the bottom and back of the psu with my hand and i dont feel any air flow at all, even psu fan is running at full speed. when i rotate the psu upwars sound disappeared. and i can feel the airflow from the back of the psu.
Noise coming from your PSU has nothing to do with which way your PSU is facing (up or down), just means your PSU fan is slowly dying.
You can do 1 of 2 things; get a new fan for your PSU (cheapest way), or buy a new PSU (from a reputable company).
its a brand new psu from zalman. noise coming from psu fan under load because of the poor design of bottom vent.