© ROOT-NATION.com - Use of content is permitted with a backlink.
Today we’re taking a look at the updated Zalman P40 Prism Plus. The refresh focuses on exactly two areas – and interestingly, neither of them addresses the points I brought up in my original review of the P40 Prism.
Read also: All PC case reviews
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Specifications
- Case form factor: Mid-Tower
- Materials: steel, plastic, tempered glass
- Weight: 8.9 kg
- Dimensions: 452×235×495 mm
- Motherboard support: ATX / mATX / Mini-ITX
- Side fan support: 3 × 120 mm
- Rear fan support: 120 mm
- Bottom fan support: 3 × 120 mm
- Included side fans: 3 × 120 mm ZM-AF120R ARGB
- Included rear fans: 120 mm ZM-AF120 ARGB
- Liquid cooling support: up to 360 mm
- Maximum power supply unit length: 150 mm
- Maximum graphics card length: 420 mm
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 165 mm
- Storage drive bays: up to 5×2.5‘ or 4×3.5’
- PCIe expansion slots: 7
- I/O panel: power, reset, USB Type-C, 2×USB-A 5 Gb/s, audio jack
Zalman P40 Prism Plus Video review
Overall Positioning
Overall, you shouldn’t think of the Zalman P40 Prism Plus as a radically different – or outright better – version of the original P40 Prism. The two cases differ in three key areas: price, included accessories, and the side panel design. We’ll get to each of those in due course, but first, let’s start with what the P40 Prism Plus does well.
That’s worth keeping in mind because the original P40 Prism earned one of the highest scores I’ve given any PC case in recent years. It received a 99/100, and the review was titled “One Step Away from Perfection.” And I wasn’t exaggerating. I genuinely liked that case – a lot.
Read also: Testing DLSS 4.5 on the ASUS GeForce RTX 5070 Prime: An Analysis of Its Versatility
Strengths of the Zalman P40 Prism Plus
And it wasn’t simply because it was one of the first dual-chamber “aquarium” cases I had reviewed. What impressed me was the thoughtful combination of features: a well-planned internal layout, a clever drive mounting system, and mesh ventilation everywhere I wanted to see it. It even included silicone grommets around the cable-routing cutouts. It’s a small detail, but one that reflects real attention to quality – and I genuinely appreciated it.
Everything mentioned above is also present in the P40 Prism Plus. Compatibility with power supplies, graphics cards, and CPU coolers remains unchanged. The chassis dimensions are identical as well. The signature angular design has been carried over without any changes. The bottom dust filter is still magnetically attached, and the perforated mounting area for vertical GPU installation is also retained.
So, what has changed? First, the price. The Prism Plus comes in at $103, compared to $90 for the standard Prism. Unfortunately for Zalman, that pushes the P40 Prism Plus into premium case territory by crossing the psychological $100 threshold.
And this is still a mid-tower chassis with no support for 140 mm fans in any position, along with a bundled hub that handles RGB lighting only and provides no fan power control. As a reminder, those were the primary criticisms of the original P40 Prism. As I mentioned earlier, nothing has changed in that regard.
The changes are limited to the included fans. Instead of a single ZM-AF120, the case now ships with one standard fan alongside three reverse-blade ZM-AF120R models. In addition, the side panel mounting mechanism appears to have been revised.
I can’t say I noticed any difference myself, but some users report that the panels are now easier to remove while also feeling more secure once installed. Which… technically gives Zalman grounds to market this as a relatively new – or at least updated – model.
Conclusion
The only thing I’d like to add after reviewing the Zalman P40 Prism Plus is my own take on what the ideal Zalman case would look like. In my view, it should be a full-tower aquarium-style chassis – because those are simply fantastic. It should also support 420 mm radiators because, well, let’s not forget who you’re dealing with.
Read also: Zalman P40 DS Review: Another Screen on the Case!
It should come with a single 140 mm rear exhaust fan – nothing more is really necessary, although additional fans could be reserved for a Plus version. The display should be mounted on the front, even if it’s just an E-Ink panel, while the front I/O should be relocated to the side and include one 20 Gbps USB-C port along with two 5 or 10 Gbps Type-A ports.
I’d also like to see a combined 3.5 mm audio jack alongside a dedicated microphone input, plus separate buttons for reset and RGB control. Oh, and the hub should support fan power as well, not just lighting. If a case like that came in at around $150, it would be an absolute king of its class.
Now it’s your turn – let me know in the comments what you’d like to see in your ideal Zalman case. I’d be genuinely interested to hear your ideas, so don’t be shy.