NZXT has a somewhat troubled history with the H family of cases. Originally called HUSH, they were forced to change the name after some legal issues, resulting in the "H". Then the H2 was released with mixed reviews as some believed there to be too much plastic in play (we actually liked the chassis). NZXT shortly thereafter revamped their entire product line of cases, including the H series. Thus came along the H630, and it impressed with its size and full metal front panel. NZXT is now aiming to extend the range with the H230. Clearly not the successor of the H2, and we will most likely see an H410 or H530 in the future instead, the H230 does bring some of the modern features found in the current line-up to the mainstream. We like the sound dampening, solid panels, and door that swings open to the right. NZXT also kept the easily removable front panels and pre-installed two fans with both Molex and 3-pin headers. Unfortunately, and this is where the case has forfeited the Editors Choice award, the flimsy hard-drive trays are still there, even after many voices have mentioned their concern over the flimsy design. NZXT is by no means the first company to end up making trays that are too soft in the aim to ease screw- and tool-less installation, but the other companies improved on the issue in a timely manner. It seems as though NZXT is not too keen to listen when it comes to this aspect of the chassis.

Now, with that out of the way and looking at what the competition offers, the H230 closest contestant seems to be the Cooler Master Silencio 550 offering almost an identical internal setup, but the Silencio 550 is less flexible what hard drives you can install, offering an SD card reader right out of the box instead. The choice is yours: The H230 is a great case if you want a silent enclosure as it does just that and does so well.