In the $169.99 H510 Elite, NZXT's H series PC cases just got a premium model with a new look, an extra slice of glass, and more enthusiast-builder cred. This PC case, like its predecessors, features an exterior that leans toward minimalist, but it's set apart by tempered-glass panels, one of which shows off two eye-catching front ring fans in spectacular fashion. NZXT is offering the H510 Elite in two color schemes (black, or a white-and-black mix); our review sample is in the latter color scheme. After spending our time with this case and performing a sample build, we found it a well-thought-out, handsome box for PC builders. If you're looking to put together a showcase build with an ATX motherboard that you're proud of, check out this chassis.
Aesthetics & Build Quality
At first glance, NZXT's H510 Elite might look sheer and bland, if you're used to sculpted chassis with lots of curves around the intakes and the base...
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The exterior is mostly white, with dark-tint tempered-glass front and side panels that expose the duo-tone black-and-white interior to view. The vibe isn't what I would call flashy, but the overall design comes off looking clean and attractive. It's also nice to see a case that isn't covered head to toe in RGB LEDs. (It does have some lights, though; more on that later.)
The H510 Elite also feels well made. The frame and panels are SGCC steel(Opens in a new window), and the metal sides do not flex easily. The case is also rather light. Weighing in at 16.5 pounds, it's one of the lightest ATX chassis I've worked with recently. This may not sound important, but if you move your case around much, as I do during the review process, you take note of every extra pound.
One aspect of the exterior design that seems a tad too minimalist, though, is the composition of the I/O panel. The ports—just three of them—reside on the top of the case. You get only two USB ports here (one USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A, and one USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C), as well as a headset audio jack and a power button. I think in 2019 we can all agree that you can never have too many USB ports, and just two ports feels like one or two too few.
To use both ports, your motherboard will need a typical 20-pin USB 3.0 header (for the Type-A port) and the much-newer-style USB 3.1 Gen2 header (for the Type-C). Older motherboards won't have the latter and will require an adapter, which is not included. Bear that in mind if your board doesn't have the newfangled header.
Internal Features & Building Experience
The glass panel on the left side of the case fits snugly in place and is held on by a single screw. After removing the screw, you need to give the panel a little tug to break it free, and after that it will swing down and can be set aside. This mounting system for the tempered-glass panel works well. This is important, because with too many cases, it feels likely that the side panel will fall to the ground or whack one corner on your desk and break in the course of removing it. Here, you feel like you're always in control of it.
Taking off the side glass gives you access to the motherboard mounting tray. Everything else (drives, power supply) gets mounted from the other side of the case. The lack of clutter on this side of the case makes it easy to navigate your motherboard into place. (The chassis takes ATX, MicroATX, or Mini-ITX boards.) You can also mount your graphics card vertically in this chassis, showing it off face-on behind the glass, using the two-slot mount forward of the PCI Express backplane. (Like with most cases that feature a vertical mount, you'll have to supply your own riser cable to do this, though.)
Turning the case over and removing the right-side panel, you can immediately see two 2.5-inch mounting brackets located behind the motherboard mounting tray. A compartment at the bottom of the case has a drive cage that can hold two 3.5-inch hard drives. This lower compartment also houses the power supply unit (PSU).
Mounting the PSU is about as easy I've seen from a chassis with a PSU shroud, but mounting storage devices is a little more work than it needs to be. This case doesn't feature toolless mounting—a surprise for a premium-price case like this—and the storage devices each require four screws to be mounted properly. Furthermore, you need to remove the drive cage or 2.5-inch mounting bracket to add storage devices.
Two other key features on this side of the case are worth mentioning. Toward the middle are brackets designed to route pipes for liquid cooling systems. If you aren't using a water cooler, however, you can repurpose these brackets to help with cable management.
Also mounted on this side of the case is one of NZXT's Smart Device V2 controllers, which can control three fans and the case's RGB LEDs. The RGB channels on the Smart Device support LED strips, the lighting on RGB fans, or a mix of the two. (The RGB on the H510 Elite's two front fans, plus an included LED strip, keep it busy.) The Smart Device works with CAM, NZXT's own program for lighting control and customization.
With everything installed, the last thing that needs doing is to route the cables to the appropriate connectors. This is made easier by the myriad passthroughs around the motherboard; they permit cables to emerge right where they need to. Also, NZXT's signature vertical strip (here, it's white) inside the case cavity helps hide and restrain some of the cable excess.
With my relatively simple test build (an ATX motherboard, one graphics card, AMD stock air cooler), things felt a little cramped, cable-wise, on the right side of the case once everything was finished. I had to keep the side panel pressed tightly against the case to remount it. But, overall, the build experience was typical of this size and quality class of midtower case, and straightforward enough.
A PC Under Glass
Although the NZXT H510 Elite looks a tad bland when you unbox it, that all changes when you power up the case with a computer built inside. The case, as I received it, featured two 140mm NZXT Aer RGB 2 fans up front, plus an addressable LED strip that really makes the components inside shine. The front fans are mounted on a removable, slide-out bracket that can accept a 240mm/280mm radiator. NZXT noted just after the H510 Elite launch that it is adding a third fan to give the case a further thermal assist. (Early buyers who didn't get it can request the extra fan from NZXT's customer service team.)
The light strip, in particular, stands out here, as it shines down on your core components and gives the impression that your parts are on display behind a jewelry counter. And given that the drives (and most of their cable runs) are behind the right panel, the main system cavity is left looking clean and attractive.
On the whole, I couldn't find much to quibble with in building out this case. As mentioned earlier, the front I/O panel leaves a bit to be desired with its two-USB-port, two-header configuration, and it would have been helpful for the case to feature a toolless storage-mounting design. But these are relatively minor points.
That said, the H510 Elite faces stern competition from a whole host of other cases, including NZXT's own non-Elite H510 models, which are available at significantly lower price points. The NZXT H510i(Opens in a new window), for example, retails for $109.99 and is much the same chassis, but with a metal front panel instead of glass. The H510 Elite does look, to our eyes, much better than its less expensive counterpart, but an extra $50 feels steep just to switch the front panel from metal to tempered glass.
That said, the bling's the thing, and with a metal panel, you don't get to see two big, bold ring fans up front. We suspect the market will help this case find its right price level. But even before it does, it's a solid chassis for a clean-looking build.
NZXT H510 Elite
4.0
(Opens in a new window)
See It$149.99 at Newegg(Opens in a new window)MSRP $169.99
Pros
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Elegant, minimalist design, with glass on two sides.
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Three included fans, two of them 140mm RGB ones.
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Included fan and RGB control module, which works with NZXT software.
Cons
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Drive mounting requires screws.
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Light on USB ports (just two) but requires two USB headers.
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A bit pricey for the feature set.
The Bottom Line
NZXT's latest tempered-glass chassis, the H510 Elite, is a nifty ATX midtower with glass on two sides, stark aesthetics, and a tasteful helping of RGB. Just a couple of design quibbles keep it from stardom.
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FAQs
NZXT H510 Elite Review? ›
Because the front panel is pretty much chocked and there's little airflow that can go through that case. It's not ideal but if you're dead set on it, it shouldn't be bad if you're powering not stupid hot running components.
Does H510 Elite have bad airflow? ›Because the front panel is pretty much chocked and there's little airflow that can go through that case. It's not ideal but if you're dead set on it, it shouldn't be bad if you're powering not stupid hot running components.
Is NZXT H510 Elite quiet? ›The NZXT H510 Elite really does have it all, including a $170 price that, given its good thermal performance, quiet operation, tempered glass, RGB lighting, USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C and a sleek and stylish design, seems reasonable.
Is the H510 a good case for airflow? ›This compact mid-tower is an ideal case for high-performance builds and features a perforated front panel for maximized airflow. The H510 is easy to build in and offers flexibility for a variety of ATX parts. An optimized perforated top panel delivers increased airflow to your system for...
Are NZXT cases good quality? ›NZXT makes some of the best components in the PC hardware space including CPU liquid coolers, power supply units, motherboards, and more. It's also tough to turn a blind eye to NZXT while discussing PC cases as it makes some of the best PC cases on the market.
Is the NZXT H510 a fire hazard? ›Yes. The nylon screw kit fixes the problem but does not address the root cause. If the nylon screws are ever replaced with metal ones, there will be a risk of a fire hazard.
Is the NZXT H510 loud? ›At full speed, they're not loud at all at just 38.8 dBA.
What is the best ventilation for a PC case? ›Generally, the goal of positioning fans in a PC case is to create an airflow channel from the right side/front of your case to the upper left/rear. This channel should bring cool air across the CPU, GPU and other heat sensitive components and then exhaust out of the back and/or top.
What case is best for airflow? ›The Lian Li Lancool 2 Mesh RGB case is our best overall choice thanks to its stacked feature set, though there are plenty of other fantastic choices if you'd like to maximize airflow across your hardware.
What is the difference between H510 Elite and H510? ›The largest (and most important) difference in specifications is the inclusion of RGB lighting. The H510 doesn't come with any RGB lighting, but the H510i is equipped with not only two LED strips, but also a fan and RGB controller hub. Those are all the differences between the H510 and H510i.
What's better than NZXT? ›
nzxt.com's top 5 competitors in April 2023 are: corsair.com, ibuypower.com, originpc.com, cyberpowerpc.com, and more.
Why are NZXT cases so expensive? ›Our goal is to make PC gaming accessible for everyone, so we dislike price increases as much as you do. As it turns out, costs related to freight and other shipping logistics from our factories have gone up significantly and fluctuate often.
Is NZXT worth the money? ›NZXT's BLD systems are good in their own way, plus you only have to deal with one company when it comes to issues and warranties. However, they are known to be overpriced, since the company has to add labor costs and a premium on top of that.
Why is my NZXT PC so loud? ›Caused by an overly high negative or positive pressure in airflow (typically caused by, for example, having too many intake fans and not enough exhaust fans.) A blockage of the intake/exhaust vents on your case.
How many fans can you fit in NZXT H510 Elite? ›The H510 Flow supports up to four fans in the following sizes: Front: 2x 120mm/140mm. Top: 1x 120mm/140mm. Rear: 1x 120mm.
What fans fit in H510 Elite? ›Whether you choose to liquid cool or not, the H510i supports up to two 120/140mm fans at the front, a 120/140mm fan at the rear, and another 120/140mm fan at the top. Thanks to its tempered-glass front and side panels, you can show off your hardware along with any custom LED lighting.
Is NZXT case bad for airflow? ›The NZXT H510 with its rather budget oriented price offers an excellent value with a good looks and build quality. However, the case is on the small side for ATX towers. USB type-C on the front panel is also a good plus. The H510 has more constricted airflow, leading to less performance.
Do NZXT PCS have good airflow? ›This compact mid-tower is an ideal case for high-performance builds and features a perforated front panel for maximized airflow.
Does NZXT H510 need fans? ›The NZXT H510 Mid Tower Case comes with two Aer F-120mm cooling fans, which provide excellent airflow. Its front panel and the Power supply intakes have removable filters that keep components protected from dust and other particles.
What PC fan is the quietest? ›Noctua NF-A12x25
Noctua is known for high-quality ultra-silent PC case fans and the NF-A12X25 is simply the quietest and moves the most air through your PC case. This is a 120mm PWM fan that spins at max 2000 RPM while generating a measly 34.9 dBA @ 1250 RPM.
Are NZXT fans controllable? ›
The RGB & Fan Controller combines optimal fan control, RGB lighting customization, and convenient installation—all in an intuitive and easy-to-use package. Control up to nine 3-pin DC or 4-pin PWM fans, allowing Zero RPM mode to optimize noise levels.
Can you have too much airflow in a PC? ›There's no such thing as too much airflow, but if you're not optimising the air pressure - positive, neutral, negative etc - that's where air flow goes wrong.
How many fans should a PC case have? ›In a standard desktop PC, you want at least one intake and one exhaust fan. Some cheaper cases only include a single intake fan on the front of the PC, or a single exhaust fan at the rear. Spend a couple bucks for another fan so you have both.
How much breathing room does a PC need? ›Give it some breathing room
For best performance, you'll want to leave two to three inches of space on all sides of your computer. Also, take a look at your computer desk – if your computer is in an enclosed space such as a drawer or cabinet, it faces an increased risk of overheating.
Generally, you want the case fans in front of the case drawing in air while the fans at the rear blow air out. If your case has vents at the top, they should be placed as exhaust fans because hot air will rise. Side-mounted fans should be used for intake, though they often don't have air filters.
Is a big or small case better for airflow? ›The size of the case can have a significant impact on the airflow within a PC. In general, larger cases offer more room for components and have more space for air to circulate, which can help improve cooling. However, the size of the case alone is not the only factor that affects airflow.
How much airflow is enough? ›Under 200 square feet: 2,000 to 3,000 CFM. 200 to 300 square feet: 3,000 to 4,000 CFM (typically a standard bedroom or kitchen) 300 to 450 square feet: 4,000 to 6,000 CFM (usually a master bedroom or living room) Over 450 square feet: 5,000 to 9,000 CFM.
Can the H510 Elite fit a 3080? ›Hi hacomania, The NZXT H510i Elite fits GPU's up to 380mm in size The 3080Ti Vision is 320mm long so you will ample space for the GPU.
Is H510 worth it? ›The NZXT H510 is an excellent mid-tower chassis that allows anyone to create a sleek-looking PC build with very little effort. We believe it to be one of the best PC cases you can buy, and NZXT has just created a new version for better airflow.
How much is NZXT H510 elite? ›Best price for Nzxt H510 Elite is ₱7,320 inclusive of VAT. This is presently the cheapest offer found from comparing prices from 2 shops in Philippines. The average rating is 3.8 out of 5 from 6 reviews.
What streamers use NZXT? ›
NZXT currently sponsors streamer Benjamin “DrLupo” Lupo and organisations including Grow uP eSports. In the past, NZXT has had deals with Team Envy, Tyler “Ninja” Blevins, and Nick “NICKMERCS” Kolcheff.
Is NZXT build kit worth it? ›Our Verdict. NZXT's BLD Kits do a superb job of taking the pain out of DIY PC assembly, with minimal upcharge for handling part research and sourcing. The full customer support also protects against the potential problems of a DIY build, too, making these kits an excellent option for new builders to consider.
Is NZXT made in China? ›The company designs and develops their products in Los Angeles, while manufacturing them in Shenzhen.
Why is it cheaper to buy a prebuilt PC? ›Build Quality.
Part of the reason that pre-built computers are so cost-effective is that manufacturers save money by putting cheaper parts in "less important" areas of the PC. Pre-built computers focus on core components such as the CPU and GPU because of their direct relationship to PC power.
We recommend the 120mm Kraken RGB cooler for lower power processors or for customers who still would like improved performance over stock air coolers while getting our signature Kraken aesthetic. For customers who want improved performance while still saving money, our 240mm Kraken RGB cooler is a great option!
How many case fans for a high end PC? ›Out of the three, two should be intake fans which should ideally be attached to the front of your PC case to pull in cool air, with the last one being an exhaust fan which should be attached to the back of the PC case to dissipate the hot air out of the build.
Does NZXT make good prebuilt PCs? ›This great NZXT Streaming PC takes the hard work out of finding a GPU. If you want a prebuilt gaming PC that's made of popular off-the-shelf parts and looks great on your desk, the NZXT Streaming PC (available at NZXT) is a great choice.
What does NZXT stand for? ›NZXT = Non Zero Times Two.
How long does NZXT take to build? ›We will make every effort to build your custom gaming PC and ship it within two business days if your purchase is completed by 3:00 p.m. PST on a normal business day. All other standard orders will ship within three business days.
Is the H5 flow better than the H510 Flow? ›The Design - Why the H5 Flow is better than the H510 Flow
That's because NZXT has replaced this 3.5-inch drive cage that the H510 had with a custom fan mount and intakes air from the bottom of the case and pushes it towards a user's graphics card.
What is the difference between H510 elite and H510? ›
The largest (and most important) difference in specifications is the inclusion of RGB lighting. The H510 doesn't come with any RGB lighting, but the H510i is equipped with not only two LED strips, but also a fan and RGB controller hub. Those are all the differences between the H510 and H510i.
What is the GPU temperature of the H510 elite? ›GPU thermals land the H510 Elite at 59.5 degrees over ambient, putting it about the same as the S2 Vision RGB and not too distant from the Meshify C.
Does airflow matter for AIO? ›The loop of the AIO cooler is not 100% filled with coolant. There's always air present in the circulation loop. If the air stays in the water pump, it may cause some problems such as noise and reduced thermal efficiency, and the lifespan may be reduced too.
What is the best airflow PC? ›Choosing the best PC case for airflow
We think the NZXT H9 Flow and the Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact are great options for most users. The Fractal Design Meshify C is a solid option to consider if you're on a budget. It's quite affordable and offers almost the same set of features as the Meshify 2 Compact.
Generally, the goal of positioning fans in a PC case is to create an airflow channel from the right side/front of your case to the upper left/rear. This channel should bring cool air across the CPU, GPU and other heat sensitive components and then exhaust out of the back and/or top.
How many fans can you fit in NZXT H510 elite? ›The H510 Flow supports up to four fans in the following sizes: Front: 2x 120mm/140mm. Top: 1x 120mm/140mm. Rear: 1x 120mm.
Is 65 Degrees too hot for a GPU? ›The average GPU temperature for gaming should remain between 65°C to 75°C and should never exceed 85°C. To avoid this, you must monitor your GPU temps as a precaution and note the factors contributing to overheating. It will save you from future expenses that may include repairs or replacing your device or GPU.
Is 75 Degrees too hot for a CPU? ›So how hot can a CPU get? Generally, your processor shouldn't run at anything greater than 75 degrees C (167 degrees F), but there is some wriggle room, especially if you're running lots of apps at the same time. Edging towards 80 degrees C (176 degrees F) is typically okay for a short time.
Is 70 Degrees too hot for a CPU? ›Anything under 60 degrees Celsius, or 140 degrees Fahrenheit, is expected. However, issues can creep up as things get hotter. Between 70 and 80 degrees Celsius (158 to 175 degrees Fahrenheit) is a safe range for gaming. It indicates that the CPU is working hard, but there's not much worry about lasting issues.
Should AIO be plugged into CPU fan or pump fan? ›3-Pin Connector: The 3-Pin Connector should be plugged into your Motherboard's CPU_FAN Header. It controls the Pump and Fan speeds on your entire AIO. It also ensures the Motherboard does not show a CPU Fan Error when booting.
Do air coolers last longer than AIO? ›
Air systems can be used for a decade without an issue. But most AIO coolers are limited to a lifespan of about five or six years, either because the pumps die, or because of permeation (drying up of the coolant).
Should I push or pull air through AIO? ›Both give an identical cooling performance. Push-pull gives you better performance than push or pull, but it costs more. If you can afford the extra fans, the push-pull configuration is worth it. But it's typically better to spend the extra money on a larger or a thicker radiator.