NZXT H9 Flow Dual-Chamber Case Review
How Much Does it Cost?
The NZXT H9 Flow is a big PC case, offering a lot of space, a lot of features, and plenty of cooling. However, the case market is extremely competitive with the likes of Corsair, DeepCool, Cooler Master, and Thermaltake all having their own premium solutions vying for your money. However, with the Flow starting at £149.99, it does maintain a competitive price. However, it steps up to £179.99 for the Flow RGB, and £249.99 for the Flow RGB Plus, but when you get those F Series Single-Frame RGB fans and the built-in controller, the extra investment can most definitely be worth it and takes the Flow to the next level.
Overview
The NZXT H9 Flow is a substantial and well-thought-out PC case that firmly targets the enthusiast and high-performance PC builder. Its dual-chamber design and extensive airflow options make it an excellent choice for housing the latest flagship hardware and the cooling they require. This includes support for massive 420mm radiators in multiple locations. The panoramic tempered glass panels offer an unobstructed view of your system, while the ample space behind the motherboard tray simplifies cable management, ensuring a clean and professional look with minimal effort. The inclusion of multiple pre-installed fans (varying by model) provides ample out-of-the-box cooling, with the potential for significant upgrades thanks to the ability to mount up to ten fans in total.
Build Quality
NZXT has a solid reputation for build quality, and the H9 Flow appears to uphold this standard. The steel construction feels robust, and the tempered glass panels are securely mounted. The tool-free mechanisms for accessing side panels and installing drives are user-friendly and contribute to a smoother building experience. Details like the ventilated expansion slots, reusable brackets, and well-designed cable routing channels further underscore the attention to detail in the construction of this case. The hinged SSD mounting door is a particularly nice touch, making storage upgrades or changes straightforward.
Hardware Support
The H9 Flow excels in hardware compatibility. Its interior readily accommodates the largest graphics cards currently available, and the absence of a central pillar on the front-left ensures no obstruction during installation of larger components. Motherboard support extends up to E-ATX, providing flexibility for high-end builds. The ability to mount up to a 420mm radiator on the top and front-right (or bottom) opens up a wide range of cooling options, catering to both air and liquid cooling enthusiasts. The dedicated space for the power supply in the second chamber helps isolate heat and simplifies cable management. Furthermore, the case is designed with back-connect motherboards in mind, showcasing its forward-thinking design.
Cooling Capabilities
As the “Flow” moniker suggests, airflow is a primary focus of this case. The perforated steel panels on the top and right side, combined with the angled front-right fan/radiator mounts, are designed to facilitate excellent air circulation throughout the chassis. Even if you’re not using all of the fan mounts, there will be lots of passive airflow and heat exhaust throughout. Plus, there are dust filters on all intakes, which, combined with tightly fitting panels, ensure your system stays clean.
Tempered Glass and Tool Free
The dual tempered glass panels on the front and side offer a stunning panoramic view of your system, allowing you to showcase your hardware and RGB lighting. The pillarless front-left corner enhances this visual appeal by providing an uninterrupted view. The side panels utilise a tool-free latching mechanism, making access for maintenance or upgrades quick and easy. Similarly, the drive cages and expansion slot covers feature tool-free designs, streamlining the building process and saving time. All other panels are push-fit and held secure by thumbscrews.
Should I Buy One?
The NZXT H9 Flow is an excellent choice if you are looking to build a high-end system, with demanding components that will benefit from both the space and the cooling support on offer. Sure, its size is likely enough to make it overkill for most PC builders. However, with massive GPUs and liquid cooling solutions, the only way you’re going to fit them in a PC case is to get a really big PC case. It’s easy to use, well built, and retains that classic NZXT aesthetic, and overall, I can strongly recommend it to anyone looking for an enthusiast-tier PC case.
