Above: the NZXT H500 (left) and H500i (right, with optional vertical GPU bracket)
NZXT has announced a pair of new cases with the H500 and H500i, mid-tower designs both featuring a tempered glass side panel. We looked at the previous H700i case a few months back, and these similar H500 cases combine elements of the H700i and popular S340 to create a pair of budget-friendly options at $69.99 for the standard model. and $99.99 for the CAM-powered H500i.
“With the H500, we’ve taken everything we learned from both our top-selling S340 line and our recent H Series products to offer an updated, feature rich chassis that continues our commitment to designing affordable premium hardware. From the stunning tempered glass to its durable all-steel construction, the H500 and H500i give builders of all levels everything they need to build an extraordinary gaming machine.”
NZXT breaks down the features of both models:
- H500 / H500i features:
- Modern design and builder-friendly features
- Premium, all-steel construction with the sleek H Series aesthetic; available in four color combinations
- Tempered glass side panel showcases your build
- Wire management is made easy with an intuitive, patent-pending cable management system
- Water-cooling installation is simplified using a removable bracket for either all-in-one CPU coolers or custom loop configurations
Matte Black with Blue is one of four color options
- H500i exclusive features:
- The Smart Device, a built-in RGB and digital fan controller powered by CAM, delivers HUE+ and GRID+ functionality and includes two pre-installed fans and RGB LED strips.
- An optional Adaptive Noise Reduction fan control mode in CAM measures CPU and GPU temperatures, as well as ambient and system component sound levels to create custom fan curves that optimize the balance between cooling and noise
- Integrated, CAM-powered RGB lighting allows for dynamic personalization of each and every build
- Vertical GPU mount (optional) showcases the gaming power inside
The H500 cases offer some of the integrated cable routing seen on the H700i
The new H500 series cases will be available “early June” and are offered in four color combinations: matte white, matte black. matte black/red, and matte black/blue. Pre-orders are available from NZXT’s online store.
Nice to see NZXT offer a
Nice to see NZXT offer a “dumb” bloatware free version of the case.
It is not exactly dumb,
It is not exactly dumb, considering the engineering that went inside it.
I’ve got a H700i, the big
I’ve got a H700i, the big brother to this case. Its probably the most visually appealing case out there beside an open air Thermaltake P5.
It’s too bad there is no H700 without the smart device.
Actually, there is an H700
Actually, there is an H700 now. http://www.nzxt.com/products/h700-matte-white
In fact, all H-series cases come in both an I and non-I version now.
There is a H700 now <3 though
There is a H700 now <3 though somehow H200 is more expensive than the H500.
While I think it’s an overall
While I think it’s an overall attractive design, it still looks like there is an intake airflow issue. I only see space for intake on the right side of the case with what appears to be a fairly restrictive perforation in the steel side panel.
I had to go to the NZXT site for better pictures of the case.
I agree. Airflow looks very
I agree. Airflow looks very messy. One perforation strip on one side of the case means air is coming in and has to turn 90 degrees. And the roof has a vent for a single fan and does not look nice and also appears to be unfiltered. This case might have nice features and internals but the case structure itself is cheap. It needs more ventilation and a magnetic filter cover for the top vent.
The top fan intake does
The top fan intake does include a dust filter, though it is not magnetic. The fan will hold it into place.
For airflow concerns in the case, GamersNexus has a review today that covers it pretty well.
So, from the Gamers Nexus
So, from the Gamers Nexus video, the case is not good for either positive cooling (as expected) or liquid cooling. It is designed and works best for negative cooling (exhaust fans only) and performs well in this configuration. Which makes the H500 a good value case using the 2 included fans.
I also see small openings in
I also see small openings in the bottom, right behind the fixed front panel. Still could be a bit restrictive. Their site has more pics, but no better view of that area. I don’t like the wrap-around construction. I prefer to have the ability to remove the front, for easier cleaning. The single top fan mount is a step backwards, looking like 10 years ago.
Decent looking cases but it
Decent looking cases but it is to bad they did not take advantage of that extra space where the 3.5 hard drive bay is and install one more bay for a third drive to be installed clearly there is enough room to do this going form the pictures here.
Wait I just looked at the picture again and it looks like you might be able to install a third drive on the top of the bay but I am not 100% sure.