NZXT is known for making high-quality, premium products at a decent price. Aesthetically, they’re incredible, and the successor to the H510 Flow is no exception. This is the NZXT H5 Flow (Starfield Edition), a beautiful and efficient mid-tower PC case with fantastic graphics. If you’re a fan of the game and want to build a new PC – this could be the case to do it in.
Overview of the NZXT H5 Flow (Starfield Edition)
The NZXT H5 Flow is a mid-tower PC case that supports ATX motherboards. With the now signature cable tidy bar in the front and the tempered glass panel on the side, it’s exactly as you would expect from NZXT. The front features a perforated mesh panel with a finer mesh dust filter underneath to promote excellent front air intake. You have a perforated space for a 120mm exhaust fan on the back.
The case can also fit a 280mm radiator (or two 140mm fans) on the top. This change in the design to the top panel is welcome, as the perforation has been extended, and there is now a magnetic dust filter on the top of the case. Where the Flow stands out is the unique bottom-mounted scoop fan that is angled and points directly at the GPU. Offering a source of cool air intake. The PSU slot is covered completely, and unlike previous versions, the PCI slot covers are solid metal.
Overall, the case is simple and elegant in its design. The tempered glass panel offers a large viewing window into the PC and is held in place by one thumbscrew. It’s important to note only the white and Starfield versions of the case come with clear tempered glass – the black case has a tinted pane. The back panel is solid and held in place by two thumbscrews – there’s also good clearance back here for drives, cable management and fan control boxes. I use the Corsair RM1000x PSU in my build, which fits perfectly with plenty of room for the cables.
There are some nice cut-outs at the top, rear, and side of the case, allowing for clean cable management from the front. The front fan bracket is removable for easy installation.
Design
The Starfield game livery sets this version apart in the H5 Flow lineup. NZXT has printed the graphics on the side panel, the panel under the glass, and the front and top of the case, which are enough to show your love of the game without being overstated and ‘in-your-face’. My favourite feature is the signature NZXT cable tidy bar printed in blue, yellow, orange, and red stripes that are synonymous with the game. It really pops inside the white case. If you’re not a fan of the game, the case comes in black and plain white.
Features of the NZXT H5 Flow (Starfield Edition)
The case has decent front IO, although better ones are on the market. It features a combined audio/headphone jack, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports. These all connect to the motherboard via a unified header, which is appreciated for minimising cables. Do check your motherboard is compatible, though.
Be mindful that the case only comes with two fans; you’ll probably want to replace both and add several more, especially adding two fans at the front of the case to ensure good ambient temperatures.
What’s in the box?
- H5 Flow Starfield Limited Edition Case
- Case accessories pack
Specifications for the NZXT H5 Flow (Starfield Edition)
Key Specs
- Motherboard Support:Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX
- Enclosure Type:Mid-Tower
- Case Material:SGCC Steel, Ultra-clear Tempered Glass, Dark Tinted Tempered Glass (Black only)
Dimensions
- Height:464mm (With Feet)
- Width:227mm
- Depth:446mm
- Weight:7.01 kg
Compatibility & Clearance
- Max CPU Cooler Clearance:Up to 165mm
- Max GPU Clearance:Up to 365mm
- Front Radiator Clearance:45mm
- Cable Management:Up to 23mm
Front I/O Ports
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A:1
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C:1
- Headset Audio Jack:1
Expansion Slots
- Standard:7
- Vertical:0
Drive Bays
- 2.5″:1+1
- 3.5″:1
Fan Support
- Front:2 x 120mm / 2 x 140mm
- Top:2 x 120mm
- Rear:1 x F Series Quiet 120mm (Case Version) included
- Bottom:1 x F Series Quiet 120mm (Case Version) included
Radiator Support
- Front:Up to 280mm
- Top:Up to 240mm
- Rear:Up to 120mm
Fan Specs
- Model:F120Q (Case Version)
- Speed:1200 ± 240RPM
- Airflow:62.18 CFM
- Static:1.05 mm – H2O
- Noise:25.1 dBA
- Fan Connector:3-pin
Final thoughts on the NZXT H5 Flow (Starfield Edition)
The fan on the bottom is a great addition that blends well with the PSU shroud. There are a couple of filters underneath the case, providing some additional (and much-needed) airflow into the case, which was lacking in the previous model. The case needs additional fans, so bear this in mind regarding the price. I would recommend the NZXT F series.
Also, please be mindful that the back of the case only accommodates one 3.5” and one 2.5” drive or two 2.5” drives.
The cable management is great, with some really good, well-placed cable management secure points, Velcro cable ties, and approximately 2cm of space in the back to organise the cables.
Overall, I think once fully built with proper fans, the case manages inside airflow well and does so. It looks incredible. If you’re looking for a good-looking case without compromising thermal controls, then the H5 Flow is definitely a case to consider.
For more information, you can see more at the NZXT website.
