NZXT H5 Flow vs H5 Elite: Which Case Is Right for You?
If you’re trying to build your very first PC for gaming, You will be considering NZXT H5 Flow vs H5 Elite. NZXT, one of the top computer cases and award-winning CPU cooler manufacturers on the market, offers two mid-tower PC cases that are popular among PC enthusiasts who want an unobtrusive look without compromising performance and functionality.
The H5 Flow and H5 Elite cases have similar features and cost H5 Elite higher than the h5 flow, there are some significant differences as well. Which should you choose? Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision.
Design
The NZXT H5 Elite is the high-end option of the two cases. It offers a sleek, clean aesthetic with a minimalistic design. The interior offers plenty of room for your components while still looking neat and tidy, with space for a 280mm (up to 2 x 140mm fans) or 240mm radiator in the front, as well as a 120mm radiator in the Top panel. In addition, it Includes two pre-installed F120Q fans. Both cases have the same dimension(Height:464mm, Width:227mm, Depth:446mm) and the case materials are SGCC Steel and Tempered Glass.
There’s plenty of space to build your dream gaming PC without feeling cramped or having to make sacrifices on your hardware choices. The NZXT H5 Flow is a more budget-friendly choice that’s great for people who want to show off their computer internals while still providing ample cooling and storage options.
Both are excellent PC cases from NZXT – if you’ve never built a PC before, either one would be a good case to start out with. However, if you’re after a cooler case that allows you to add more customization elements (for example RGB lighting), go for the NZXT H5 Elite; but if you’re after something simple yet effective for putting together your first rig, then consider picking up an NZXT H5 Flow instead.
Features
In addition to its great design, build quality, airflow, cooling capabilities, and component compatibility, the NZXT H5 Flow & Elite PC casing also offers a number of other features that make it stand out.
The H5 Flow is an ideal chassis for builds. It offers great thermal performance, with two silent and powerful pre-installed fans.
The cable management on the H5 Flow is intuitive, making it easy to keep your cables organized and out of sight. The H5 Elite offers many of the same features as the H5 Flow.
The NZXT H5 Flow comes with a cable routing kit that includes pre-installed channels and straps. This makes it easy to route your cables and keep them organized, which helps to improve airflow and keep your build looking clean and tidy.
The NZXT H5 Flow has a USB 3.2 Gen2-compatible USB-C connector on the front panel, which allows you to easily connect and charge your devices. This is a great feature for those who want to stay connected on the go.
NZXT H5 Series Cooling Options
When it comes to cooling, the NZXT H5 Flow PC casing offers a number of options to keep your components running cool. Here are just a few of the key cooling features of the NZXT H5 Flow.
Case Fan
This series of PC cases come with two Aer F120mm fans, which work to bring cool air into the case and keep your components running cool.
However, if you want to take your cooling to the next level, you can always upgrade to larger or more powerful fans, such as the F140 RGB fans. These fans offer excellent airflow and are equipped with customizable RGB lighting, which adds a touch of style to your build.
CPU coolers
The NZXT H5 Flow has plenty of room for large CPU coolers, so you can choose a high-performance cooler if desired. This is a great feature for those who want to overclock their CPU or just want to keep it running as cool as possible. The Max CPU Cooler Clearance is Up to 165mm. Here are the compatible liquid coolers you can use with the NZXT H5 series.
GPU clearance
The NZXT H5 Flow has plenty of clearance for even the largest graphics cards, with a maximum length of 365mm. This is a great feature for those who want to build a high-performance gaming system or workstation. Also, they provide a verticle GPU mount & PCIe 4.0 Riser Cable(Visit for more information).
Tempered glass front panel
Both cases offer great features like cable management and room for additional liquid cooling radiators, but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly case with a lot of room for upgrades, the NZXT H5 Flow might be your best bet.
Airflow
The NZXT H5 Flow is equipped with two Aer F120mm fans, which work to bring cool air into the case and keep your components running cool. The case also has a removable filter on the PSU intake, which helps to keep dust and debris out of your system.
The NZXT H5 Flow airflow can be configured in two different positions depending on the direction that you want your fan(s) to blow in. Once you have it in place, all you need to do is lock the face plate and it won’t move until you unlock it and move the case again.
Removable bracket designed for radiators up to 280mm
If you want to take your cooling to the next level, the NZXT H5 Flow has you covered. The case is supported for radiators up to 280mm, so you can easily install a liquid cooler if desired.
Overall, the NZXT H5 Flow PC casing offers a number of great features that make it a standout choice for any build. Whether you’re looking for excellent cable management, USB connectivity, or the ability to install a liquid cooling setup, the NZXT H5 Flow has you covered.
Check out more helpful reviews
- 10 Minutes, Save Your Time: NZXT BLD PC Review 2021
- NZXT Kraken Z73: is it good for Keep your gaming rig’s heart cool
- Buying an NZXT: is NZXT BLD good for paying the money for the brand?
- Anyone must know about the Reason: is NZXT BLD overpriced?
- Meet the New NZXT Function Keyboard: Is it worth buying in 2022?
Performance
The NZXT H5 Flow features a similar design to the previous NZXT H510i but with a smaller footprint, making it easier to fit in smaller builds, and includes a window on the side panel for showing off your rig’s components.
NZXT H5 Flow vs H5 Elite: What are the differences?
The two cases are the same on the inside, but the outside is where you’ll notice differences.
The NZXT H5 Elite comes with a windowed side panel and tempered glass, while the NZXT H5 Flow only includes a solid side panel without any window or tempered glass protection.
So, if you’re looking for a case that will make your build look good from both sides, then the NZXT H5 Elite is for you! But if you don’t need something fancy and just want to save some money, then go with the NZXT H5 Flow.
| H5 Flow | H5 Elite |
|---|---|
| Flow has a perforated front panel allowing for better cooling potential | While the Elite has a tempered glass front panel |
| $94.99 | $139.99 |
Cable Management
Both the NZXT H5 Elite and NZXT H5 Flow cases have enough space for cable management. The top compartment can hold up to four cables and the bottom compartment has room for three cable ties, which should be enough for most users.
There is plenty of space for cables behind the motherboard tray and under the PSU cover in the H5 Flow case. It also comes with four reusable cable management strips and eyelets for normal cable ties. However, it may be difficult to manage cables if the power supply is longer than 160mm due to the front fan. The power supply is installed under the PSU cover and is held in place by steel lugs without decoupling. The case also has wide cable channels with hooks, bridges, and straps to help with organizing cables.
Noise control
The NZXT H5 Flow case is quiet and may be a good choice for users who do not want a lot of noise, whether the case is fully loaded or not. It is quieter than the NZXT H5 Elite and may be suitable for office environments or gaming at home.
Image
Product
NZXT H5 Flow
Specs
- High-Performance Airflow
- Dedicated GPU Fan
- Easily Manage Cable
URL
Image
Product
NZXT H5 Elite
Specs
- Built-in RGB Lighting
- Dedicated GPU Fan
- Easily Manage Cable
URL
Conclusion
The NZXT H5 Flow and the NZXT H5 Elite are both good cases, but they are better suited for different needs. The NZXT H5 Elite is more expensive, but it looks nicer and has better airflow. The NZXT H5 Flow is more affordable and easier to install. If you want to save money and want an easier build process, go with the NZXT H5 Flow. If you want optimal performance or a nice appearance, consider the NZXT H5 Elite.
