NZXT H5 Elite ATX Mid Tower Case Review (CC-H51EB-01)

NZXT H5 Elite ATX Mid Tower Case Review (CC-H51EB-01)

Table of Contents:

Introduction

The NZXT H5 Elite is a popular ATX mid-tower case designed for those looking to build a stylish and capable PC. It boasts a tempered glass front panel, built-in RGB lighting, and a focus on clean cable management. I’ve been using the H5 Elite for a few months now, and I’m ready to share my thoughts on its strengths and weaknesses.

Features

The NZXT H5 Elite is packed with features, including:

  • Tempered glass front panel with a minimalist design
  • Built-in RGB lighting with customizable effects
  • Excellent cable management system with a dedicated cable routing channel
  • Support for up to 240mm radiators and six 120mm fans
  • Two 2.5”/3.5” drive bays
  • USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port on the front panel

Specifications

Feature Specification
Form Factor ATX Mid Tower
Material Steel, Tempered Glass
Front Panel Tempered Glass
Dimensions (W x H x D) 210mm x 462mm x 495mm
Expansion Slots 7
Drive Bays 2 x 2.5″/3.5″
Fan Support Front: 3 x 120mm or 2 x 140mm
Top: 2 x 120mm or 2 x 140mm
Rear: 1 x 120mm
Radiator Support Front: Up to 240mm
Top: Up to 240mm
I/O Panel 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C
2 x USB 3.0
1 x HD Audio In/Out
Weight 8.5 kg

Performance

The NZXT H5 Elite excels in terms of performance. Its excellent airflow and spacious interior allow for efficient cooling even with high-end components. I’ve been running a powerful gaming PC with a top-of-the-line CPU and GPU inside, and the temperatures have been consistently low. The case is also very quiet, even under heavy load. I appreciate that I’ve never noticed any bothersome fan noise. The built-in RGB lighting is a nice bonus, but it’s subtle and doesn’t distract from the overall aesthetic. It provides a gentle glow without overwhelming the system’s appearance.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Stylish and modern design with tempered glass front panel
  • Excellent airflow and cooling capabilities
  • Spacious interior with good cable management options
  • Built-in RGB lighting with customizable effects
  • USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port for fast data transfer
  • Quiet operation, even under load

Cons:

  • Limited number of drive bays, might not be enough for some users
  • Tempered glass can be a fingerprint magnet

Final Verdict

The NZXT H5 Elite is a fantastic mid-tower case that offers a blend of style, performance, and functionality. Its excellent cooling, spacious interior, and user-friendly cable management make it an ideal choice for PC builders of all levels. While the limited drive bays might be a drawback for some, the overall value and performance make it a strong recommendation. If you’re looking for an ATX case that looks great and performs well, the NZXT H5 Elite is definitely worth considering.