Here it is at last, the article on the recently refreshed NZXT H7 Flow. With a radically transformed power supply chamber and a completely different approach to the choice of mesh structure, the H7 is set to attack the top dogs. Read on to find out whether the upgrades work.
With some new case releases, there is a certain level of expectation on the part of potential buyers. Whether it’s a Fractal North or a Lian Li O11, the interest in such long-running models is enormous. This was also the case with the NZXT H7 Flow when the updated 2024 version was presented to the public at Computex. We took the opportunity to test the case in the form of an extensive NZXT build, during which my new case test system based on an AM5 platform will also be introduced. But before we get lost in technical details, let’s unpack the stylish case together.
Unboxing
The outer box of the new H7 Flow RGB is simple as usual.
However, the polystyrene blocks used to secure it during transportation almost drove me mad. Never before have I had to use so much force to free a case from its packaging. I’ll spare you the polystyrene crumbs and show you the unpacked case instead.
In profile, you can immediately see the biggest change compared to the predecessor: the completely changed power supply compartment in the base, which has now been moved to the rear, so to speak.
The next significant change follows immediately: the very fine metal mesh on the front, which replaces the much coarser mesh of the old version.
However, this change will cause outrage among some users, as NZXT seems to consider the use of dust filters to be obsolete due to the finer mesh and has simply left them out. The front can be easily removed by pulling it out. With regard to the pre-assembled and very attractive single-frame fan solution, I unfortunately found another extremely annoying point of criticism during the test.
This is the mounting frame for up to three 140mm fans or radiators up to 420mm, which can be removed by loosening two knurled screws.
The front I/O is modern, but straightforward. Power button with LED, 2x USB type A, 1x USB type C and a 3.5mm combo jack, that’s it. The cover is easy to remove and the mechanism for the power button is wonderfully “mechanically” implemented.
The rear is also unspectacular in design. Lots of perforated surface, space for a 120/140mm fan/radiator, that’s it.
The base of the H7 Flow. Here you can see that the “main chamber” does not go all the way to the bottom so that the fans installed in the bottom can also “breathe”. We are already familiar with this principle from the current NZXT H6 Flow.
The right-hand side panel is also perforated over a large area so that the power supply unit can draw in fresh air from outside. Behind this is the rear chamber for locating the power supply unit, hard disks and the tangle of cables.
For the latter, in addition to the many “lashing points”, there is already >3cm of space available even at the narrowest point, which makes wiring the system a reasonably relaxed story even when using extensions and an excessive number of RGB fans.
The power supply unit lies softly bedded on thick rubber buffers, and the generous amount of space means that no installation frames are required. Power supplies with cables connected to the side (e.g. Corsair SHIFT series) are NOT compatible with this case, as you will see later.
At the front we find a neat cage for two 2.5″ drives.
The “large” 3.5″ HDDs are located on a carrier plate behind the CPU. Alternatively, two 2.5″ SSDs can also be mounted here.
A welcome detail: The (pragmatic) front panel is connected using a single plug, so there is no need to fumble around.
NZXT has provided a space for attaching a (magnetic) RGB controller above the passage for the board’s main connection cables. This space will later prove to be extremely practical and tactically cleverly positioned.
Finally, let’s take a look at the main chamber of the housing:
Once the 4mm thick glass panel has been removed, we have a clear view of the inner workings. In the base we find the same fan mount as in the H6 Flow, behind it the newly designed chamber for the power supply unit.
The slot brackets for expansion cards are designed with exemplary stability, but I wouldn’t have let NZXT get away with paper-thin sheet metal for breaking out at this point either. No bars between the individual slots means that you could also install your graphics card vertically here using an appropriate device.
Of course, the H7 also has the “centering Nubsi”.
In contrast to the (pointlessly) large amount of space in the lower area of the housing, the space above the board is not significantly generous.
However, NZXT really doesn’t let itself down in terms of build quality. The rivets are among the highest quality I have seen in my case tests to date.
A look at the front area. Once again the pre-mounted “360mm” fan and the removable cover above the cable grommets for the mainboard cables. Thanks to the cleverly positioned outlets and the use of the cover, the H7 manages completely without rubber grommets.
And finally, a look at the included accessories. Everything you need, although we’ve seen it presented in a more attractive way (e.g. in a practical storage box).
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