I caught the CES coverage of Phanteks and caught the NV7 and I fell in love. I originally wanted to build in the Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL case but it feels like EVERYONE has built something in that case. I wanted to be different and try a new challenge. I've had the itch to do something ever since I sold the Fallout build.

I finally had enough extra cash to go ALL out on a new PC. I went top of the line for everything that I could within reason. I didn't blow money on stuff that really didn't add a ton of performance other than on the water cooling which we all know is not cost effective but sure is cool as hell!

This build had it's challeneges.

1st: You cannot put a rad and Phanteks D30 fans in with the vertical GPU bracket installed. You have about 57mm of space before you run into the bottom of the bracket. Maybe a VERY thin rad and normal 25mm fans but that's it. I ended up with the 40mm EK rad's along with the Phanteks D30 fans and mounted the GPU horizontal like normal and just made it under my tubing runs.

2nd: The fill and drain ports that Phanteks placed in the case are not well placed if you want to do a Lian Li O11 style build with the reservoir in the side panel. The non removable back panel behind the side panel bracket is also poor planning. It really should be removable fully to give access to the back of the bracket. I had to remove and install the bracket many times to get the reservoir installed parallel with the CPU and GPU. I had to remove the fill port until the end because you cannot remove the side bracket while it is installed. same with the bottom rad/fans and the top rad/fans. You learn order of operations quickly though.

That brings me to the reservoir I chose. I purchased the EK Classic side for the Lian Li O11 as I wanted those straight tubing runs. The problem is the mounting holes are offset to the right of the reservoir which means that when you install it in the NV7 the bracket wont install. You need to space out the reservoir to fit the pump and offset it to the left. I was able to accomplish this with a radiator bracket set from XSPC.

Cable management is where this case shines. It was an absolute dream to work in. Tons of space in back and a few well placed panels and cable ties are so welcomed compared to some other cases out there. I was able to easily tidy up the cables and hide what was not able to be easily managed.

All in all I love this case and I'm so happy I chose to go in a different direction. Pics don't do the RGB justice. I have it set to starry night in Aura sync with red/orange twinkling it looks like it's on fire. Coupled with the Primochill Vue blood orange fluid it looks just like my YouTube logo.