NZXT H2

[Darksaber]

NZXT's H2 is a very well featured mid tower case in the $100 range that offers a clean and stylish look in both black or white. Even though it comes at a competitive price it includes three fans that can be adjusted using an integrated fan controller.

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[MoonPig]

Thats pretty damn similar to my Fractal XL...

Weak NZXT, weak.

 

[{uZa}DOA]

Thats pretty damn similar to my Fractal XL...

Weak NZXT, weak.

Agreed.... Usually NZXT thinks outside the box... What gives?

 

[Darksaber]

Thats pretty damn similar to my Fractal XL...

Weak NZXT, weak.

Having reviewed both the fractals and this, I do agree that both aim at the same group of users, but are fundamentally different in their approach.

The NZXT adds features like USB 3.0, an HDD bay, and different approach to cooling, while fractal design - very good cases in their own right - has focused on different sound dampening materials, while not putting a lot of tooling changes into the interior of the case (in other words, you can find the interior layout of the fractal defines in other cases of the market).

Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but both are very good cases and I believe that no matter which one you may use, you will be happy with the purchase.

 

[scaminatrix]

Thanks Darksaber; nice review, although I think it's a plus point that they skimped on the outer box design work. I don't want to pay more for something I use just to store other boxes in. Otherwise, all questions I had about the case have been answered now.

 

[Darksaber]

Thanks Darksaber; nice review, although I think it's a plus point that they skimped on the outer box design work. I don't want to pay more for something I use just to store other boxes in. Otherwise, all questions I had about the case have been answered now.

glad that the review has answered all your questions - that is the point

as for the packaging, I agree, but a color packaging would still be a positive point (assuming it does not affect retail price). NZXT still solved this well with good detail in the black & brown images.

 

[Breathless]

Thats pretty damn similar to my Fractal XL...

Weak NZXT, weak.

Dang... you guys are harsh. This case looks pretty awesome. Who cares if its similar to another case?

 

[Darksaber]

Dang... you guys are harsh. This case looks pretty awesome. Who cares if its similar to another case?

haha I was thinking the same thing..but everyone is entitled to their opinion

 

[scaminatrix]

Dang... you guys are harsh. This case looks pretty awesome. Who cares if its similar to another case?

A connoisseur is not easily pleased... He built TPU's first Deskmod (I believe), check his sig...
But yea, I like it too, it's got a good function over look factor (except for losing a HDD bay with a long GPU)...

 

[Yellow&Nerdy?]

Good review. Other reviewers say that the sound insulation material is cheap as shit, the plastic is horrid and that the powder-coating is badly done as well. The Fractal R3 just seems like a better case: only thing it doesn't have is USB 3.0.

 

[Kytael]

p183

I'm surprised no one is comparing this case to the p180/p182/p183, which had the silent case market cornered for some time

I think the special casing was more effective than the foam, and there seems to be more airflow than this

 

[Darksaber]

Good review. Other reviewers say that the sound insulation material is cheap as shit, the plastic is horrid and that the powder-coating is badly done as well. The Fractal R3 just seems like a better case: only thing it doesn't have is USB 3.0.

you mean oc3d? yea...seen that. I do not agree and all other reviews out there do not agree either. I am baffled how that can be considered an objective review...

 

[WarEagleAU]

I am actually a huge fan of this midtower case. One of the best I seen. I would actually have moved the HDD down a spot or two leaving room for the 6850 to go straight across with no slight bend.

 

[TheLaughingMan]

This case would be perfect for Crazyeyesreaper.

 

[musek]

A little question to reviewer - could you give us a detailed information about the maximal size of graphic card that can fit into this case (even suffering those 2 hard drive bays)?
I think that this can be very valuable for potential buyers.
Thanks in advance!

 

[NdMk2o1o]

Thats pretty damn similar to my Fractal XL...

Weak NZXT, weak.

Agreed.... Usually NZXT thinks outside the box... What gives?

Hmmm you could say the Fractal case took its looks from the Antec P180 weak Fractal weak

Nice looking case and nice features, I have styarted liking NZXT over the last year or 2 as their cases are a lot more mature now instead of all the cheapy looking plastic junk they use to do, wouldn't rule another out when I upgrade nzxt!! << you see what I did there???

 

[Darksaber]

A little question to reviewer - could you give us a detailed information about the maximal size of graphic card that can fit into this case (even suffering those 2 hard drive bays)?
I think that this can be very valuable for potential buyers.
Thanks in advance!

well a HD 6990 should fit: http://www.techpowerup.com/img/11-03-22/139h.jpg if you sacrifice the two hard drive bays.

I cannot say anything about the GTX 590, but I will measure the exact length possible as soon as possible.

cheers
DS

 

[musek]

Oh, if 6990 fits in then it's all ok.
Thanks a lot!

 

[theJesus]

Awesome review, this looks like it might be my next case. I didn't catch if you mentioned in the review, but does the SATA dock just connect to the motherboard's SATA connector?

Also, why is the graphics card crooked? lol

 

[WhiteLotus]

I am really starting to like more cases giving you room for an "external" hot swappable drive. Looking forward to see more of the same, but maybe just a plastic shield to hide them

EDIT wait does the shield hide the drive when it's in?

 

[theJesus]

I am really starting to like more cases giving you room for an "external" hot swappable drive. Looking forward to see more of the same, but maybe just a plastic shield to hide them

EDIT wait does the shield hide the drive when it's in?

I think so.

 

[scaminatrix]

Also, why is the graphics card crooked? lol

I wondered that at first, I think Darksaber done it just for illustration purposes, to make us aware of potential problems.

EDIT wait does the shield hide the drive when it's in?

That's a good point. Darksaber, does the cover fit back on the top when a drive is installed in the esata dock?

 

[Frick]

Best looking NZXT to date. I've always hated the looks on their cases, to flashy and blingy and windows. I want a clean minimalistic look.

 

[TheLaughingMan]

Always a great review, so that goes without saying.

I tried to find the review that raged on the H2 and it doesn't seem to be up any more. I have tried several searches on their site and search engines, but I can't find it. I can only assume OC3D and Nzxt had a disagreement that lead to the "review" and they are working it out maybe. Maybe they got a damaged sample or something.

It is not my style, but I think the case is great. I wished the HDD cage was rotated 90 degrees and the hot swap bay connected via a USB3 header instead of an actual USB plug coming out the back. Then the wire would have been on the inside and out of sight. But these are minor details.

 

[craigbru]

Hey guys, this case was the result of a NZXT focus group effort that I'm proud to be part of. After the success of the Phantom, they really wanted to continue to get input from enthusiasts who actually use the cases, as opposed to just case engineers. The H2 isn't a gaming case per se, but should still offer pretty good thermal performance. Not many sites seem to be doing actual thermal tests though. That said, the conservative styling, sound dampening, and abundant drive bays should prove useful to those that need lots of storage in a case that just sits back and quietly does it's job. Now, for those wanting something more performance oriented, well, all I can say is that very 'cool' things are ahead...