A Closer Look - Outside

NZXT has been opting for all-metal panels in their cases for quite some time, which has them skip any top or front panels made out of plastic; one of the signature elements of the H series, and the H510i is no different. It offers the same sleek, straight, and understated look as the whole H lineup. Looking at the front, there is not much else than a solid piece of steel that comes with a hard bend at the top as it wraps around and becomes the top piece. If you look closely, you will find a subtle brand logo on the bottom of the front. In the rear, the enclosure looks quite traditional with the PSU bay at the bottom.


Looking at the front, this is where the biggest change happened. The top of the H510 Flow, made out of glass on the H510i Elite, is a single piece of metal on the H510 and 510i. The large openings in the metal panel allow for air to easily pass through, with a fine, removable dust filter behind it. You may remove both with ease by simply pulling them off the front of the case, which reveals a single 120 mm intake fan. You may add a second such unit here or opt for two 140 mm fans instead. Alternatively, the front is where you can install AIOs or radiators of up to 280 mm. Taking a quick look at the rear, things are where you would expect with the PSU bay on the bottom of the chassis.


Looking at the sides of the case, the main one has not really changed from previous versions of the chassis. The top 70% are glass, which is framed cleanly. The metal section below is actually a single piece that wraps around the front as well, just like the H510i Elite. As it is no longer needed due to the open front-panel design, there no longer is an air vent at the edge of the front on the opposite side.


The PSU bay in the rear comes with two sets of mounting holes, so you are free to install the PSU with the fan facing up or down. Above that are the seven horizontal expansion slots and a black 120 mm fan set to push air out the back of the case, equaling the setup of the original H510.


In the top is that uniquely designed 120/140 mm fan-mounting position above the CPU area, with the I/O consisting of a USB 3.0, USB Type-C, and audio combo-jack next to a power button and its white LED ring.


On the underside is a removable dust filter that protects the PSU bay towards the rear, and the floor-mounted HDD cage held in place by classic screws towards the front. It would have been nice had NZXT upgraded the cage, even if just with thumb screws, which would make removing it easier.