NZXT H5 Flow RGB Review (2023 Model): A High-Airflow Case for Performance Builders?

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NZXT H5 Flow Case Logo

After eight long years, I decided to build myself a new PC, and for the case, I chose the NZXT H5 Flow RGB. There are a few reasons why I opted for this particular model, which I’ll discuss in more detail in my NZXT H5 Flow RGB review. 

First Impressions

During my initial research phase, out of all the cases that I explored, NZXT H5 Flow RGB looked like the best deal for me. Even though I am not a big fan of RGB, this particular model was on a discount and I got it for $120. For those of you interested in a non-RGB model, there is one available, and it’s cheaper.

The biggest advantages that I found while building my PC were ease of use and easy-to-follow manual. NZXT did an amazing job with H5 Flow RGB, as it was clearly designed with PC builders in mind. From the moment you open the case, you’ll find neatly packed cables with a box containing all the necessary screws you’ll need when working on your NZXT Flow build.

I am happy to recommend the case, and it’s the perfect choice for novice builders and enthusiasts. No matter what components you put in it, you can rest assured that they’ll operate within the expected temperatures.

NZXT H5 Flow Specs
DimensionsMid-Tower Height 464mm / Width 227mm / Depth 446mm 
Fan SupportFront 2x 140mm fans / Top 2x 120mm fans / Back 1x 120mm fan
Radiator SupportFront 280mm radiator / Top 240mm radiator
GPU ClearanceUp to 400mm
CPU Cooler ClearanceUp to 165mm
Motherboard SupportATX, mATX and ITX
Included FansThree in the front (bottom one is angled) + one in the back
Where to buy?Get NZXT H5 Flow on Amazon (This is an affiliate link)

Let’s see if this case lives up to the NZXT’s reputation.

Design and Build Quality

The case is available in black or white. Since I wanted to build it in black and white, I opted for the black variant. What I really enjoy about the case is its high build quality. From the moment I opened the box, I noticed that the materials used were steel and plastic.

NZXT H5 Flow breathes minimalism, allowing it to take up a moderate amount of space. Its footprint is reasonable, allowing me to easily use my two monitors despite having them on my work table. 

The best part is that its design goes hand in hand with its performance. The unique NZXT Flow fan setup it comes with allows the case to be quiet and effective.

While the case looks impressive on the outside, with its high-quality tempered glass, things get even better when you look inside. As soon as I removed the side panels, I could see carefully packaged cables with straps and channels designed explicitly for artistic cable management.

NZXT H5 Flow RGB Cable Management System

NZXT H5 Flow design proves that the brand wants its users to have sleek builds with minimal cable presence. Its functional design is the reason why I’ll most likely always choose this manufacturer for my PC cases.

Cooling and Airflow Performance

Aside from the appealing design, I chose this case because it has amazing airflow. You can put the biggest power hogs inside, and they’ll easily stay cool.

The case is filled with air with three fans in the front. There are 2x 140mm ones in the front, but NZXT has a special angled 120mm fan in the front that blows cool air straight into the GPU. Two of the front fans are RGB, whereas the angled one is a regular one from the quiet series.

You’ll find another 120mm fan in the back and it also doesn’t feature any RGB lights.

NZXT H5 Flow RGB Back

To improve things even further, I added one more 120mm RGB fan, which I placed right above the CPU.

I am not running a power-hungry build yet, although I plan to upgrade in the future. Here’s my build and the temperatures I have with Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black measured at room temperature of 22-23 degrees Celsius.

My BuildMotherboard: AsRock X870 Steel Legend
CPU: Ryzen 5 9600X
GPU: B580 AsRock Steel Legend
RAM: Kingston Beast 64 GB of RAM running at 6400 MT/s CL32
SSD: Samsung 990 Pro 2 TB
Motherboard Chipset Temperature under load61-63 degrees Celsius
GPU Temperature under load62-63 degrees Celsius
CPU Temperature under load60-61 degrees Celsius
SSD Temperature while gaming45-50 degrees Celsius

As you can tell, these are normal operating temperatures for these types of components.

If you’re thinking of liquid cooling, You have the option of using 280mm radiators in the front or 240mm ones in the top of the case.

Whatever you opt for is going to work well. The case lets in plenty of air through the front perforated panel, so you won’t have any trouble cooling your components.

Features and Functionality

The NZXT H5 Flow RGB has a long list of features, but a couple of them make the case stand out.

One that everyone will notice is the angled GPU fan. I cannot say whether it’s effective or not. I do notice that it’s taking in plenty of air through the bottom of the case. If I place my fingers there, there is a slight draft I can feel.

The cable management system is the strength of this case. It has straps, hooks, and channels that are perfectly placed to neatly tuck away all the cables.

I like the minimalist front I/O, which features precisely what I need. USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C with 20 Gbps bandwidth. (This pairs perfectly with my AsRock X870 Steel Legend) And the only thing I don’t use is the headset audio jack.

However, if you need a richer I/O with more ports, this might not be the PC case for you.

If you’re wondering about 2.5” and 3.5” inch drive bays, there are three available. Two are for 2.5” drives, and one is for 3.5” drives. In combination with several m.2 slots on modern motherboards, you’ll have more than enough space for storage.

The 400mm GPU clearance covers the most demanding GPUs on the market in 2025. Regarding motherboard sizes, NZXT H5 Flow RGB accommodates boards up to ATX size.

Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Sleek designNon-RGB version only comes with two fans
Easy to buildLimited I/O for power users
Amazing cable management systemQuestionable efficiency of the angled fan
Outstanding airflow
Competitive price

Pricing and Value

At $125 for the RGB model and $95 for the non-RGB model, NZXT H5 Flow RGB offers plenty of value. Considering what you get and the build quality of the case, it’s a great value for money. 

Sure, there are cases that cost much less, but they don’t offer all the bells and whistles that this premium product does. Stay tuned for discounts that are available for this 2023 model.

Buy it here at the best price! 

NZXT H5 Flow RGB Review – Concluding Thoughts

Overall, NZXT H5 Flow RGB caters to the needs of style-conscious gamers and PC enthusiasts. You’ll get a PC mid-tower case that doesn’t sacrifice performance for style, offers amazing cable management features and doesn’t break the bank.

If you’re looking for a PC case, the NZXT H5 Flow is the right choice!

NZXT H5 Flow RGB FAQs

Does the NZXT H5 Flow have RGB?

NZXT H5 Flow RGB is the more expensive version of the H5 Flow cases, because there is one without RGB. The only illuminated fans are the ones in the front of the case. The angled fan and the one in the back are not RGB fans.

Is H5 Flow quiet?

Yes, I have compared it with the DeepCool CC560 ARGB V2, which is a much cheaper option, and the NZXT H5 Flow RGB case is much quieter. The only audible coolers are the ones in the front, and they are not loud at all.

Is NZXT Flow good?

The short answer is yes. NZXT H5 Flow RGB I have used for my PC has proven to be a great option for me. Everything from the setup process, to cable management, ease of use and airflow have been amazing.

How many fans do I need for NZXT H5 Flow?

NZXT H5 Flow RGB comes with the perfect number of fans. You have two intake 2x 140mm fans in the front, one intake 1x 120mm that’s angled at the bottom and one more 1×120 mm in the back of the case. If you go for liquid cooling, you can place the radiator at the top of the case, or as I did, you can add one more 1×120 fans at the top part of the case above the CPU and VRMs. So in total 4 are enough, 5 or 6 is to maximize airflow potential of this case.

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