Test System
System Parts for Case Reviews |
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Processor: | Intel Core i7-8600K |
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Motherboards: | ATX: MSI Z370 GAMING PRO CARBON AC MATX: Z370M GAMING PRO CARBON Mini-ITX: MSI Z370i GAMING PRO CARBON Provided by: MSI |
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Graphics Card: | Long: ASUS Radeon RX580 Short: HIS Radeon 5350 HD |
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Memory: | 16 GB XPG Dazzle DDR4 2800 MHz CL17-17-17 1.25 V 32 GB GB XPG SPECTRIX D40 3000 MHz. CL16-18-18 1.35 V 16 GB XPG GAMMIX D10 DDR4 2400 MHz CL16-16-16 1.20 V Provided by: ADATA |
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HDD: | Western Digital 320 GB 7200 RPM |
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SSD: | ADATA XPG SX850 256 GB ADATA Ultimate SU800 3D 256 GB ADATA Ultimate SU700 240 GB Provided by: ADATA |
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Power Supply: | Antec HCG High Current Gamer 650 W 80 Plus Gold Antec HCG High Current Gamer 850 W 80 Plus Bronze Provided by: Antec |
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Cooling: | be quiet! Dark Rock 4 be quiet! Dark Rock Slim be quiet! Shadow Rock LP Provided by: be quiet! |
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Assembly
Adding a motherboard is done by traditional means, with screws and spacers. Thankfully, NZXT has pre-installed the latter, so you simply put the board in place and screw it down. There is a little extra space above and below, which is good for attaching any connectors along the motherboard's edges. This is especially true for the CPU power plug, which is traditionally in the top-left corner and can easily be reached by popping off the top of the chassis, and the H710i can hold a CPU cooler of up to 185 mm in height, which is a solid 20 mm more than the H500 series, so you can essentially go all out if you like.
Adding an SSD now requires screws, which was simpler in the previous generation. A small annoyance, I don't really see this as a dealbreaker. In fact, I rather want to be sure my drives are secure with a few screws than have the convenience and some uncertainty. Once filled, simply screw the tray back into place on the back of the motherboard tray.
Adding 3.5" drives means you will have to pull the cage out of the chassis and screw the storage unit down with the included screws. Once in place, simply put it back and use the thumb screws to ensure the filled contraption stays in place securely.
Inserting the power supply is pretty straightforward as you first get to place the frame on the PSU before sliding it right into the back of the H710i. NZXT does not mention a compatibility limit, and there is plenty of room, so even long units should easily fit.
Once everything is assembled, the NZXT H710i makes a very clean impression due to the metal cover within the case. Even the backside is tidy because of the cable trenches and plenty of mounting possibilities for cable ties in combination with the excellent wiring of existing leads out of the box.
Finished Looks
With everything back in place, you can clearly see all the components inside the system because of the clear window. The power button lights up white when it is turned on, and you are naturally able to adjust the RGB LED strips inside the case with NZXT's own CAM software.
I especially like the placement of that one SSD to show it off to curious and maybe even envious onlookers. In the rear, things are a bit more traditional, and you will find everything where you would expect it to be in a modern mid-tower chassis.