NZXT H1 V2 review: A vastly improved version of an excellent compact PC case

NZXT H1 V2 Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central

The original NZXT H1 was a big launch for the visitor. It was a unique compact PC case that made the H210 look like a large fauna. Nosotros awarded the NZXT H1 with full stars for its design, functionality, and functioning. Unfortunately for NZXT, the PCIe riser cablevision wasn't designed and manufactured to a rubber standard, which eventually caused a fire-related recall.

It'due south a shame equally the H1 was i of the all-time PC cases for compact builds. NZXT did release a revised version of the PCIe riser cable for case owners, simply if y'all already returned your H1 to agree off for a new version, that's exactly what we're looking at today. NZXT has made numerous improvements to the H1 to bring information technology upwards to standard in 2022 with the NZXT H1 V2.

There'due south a new PCIe riser cablevision, power supply, besides equally enlarged dimensions so you can install even the best graphics menu. Will it be able to compete against the HYTE Revolt three and is this a candidate for the all-time PC instance crown?

NZXT H1

NZXT H1 V2

Bottom line: NZXT made some notable improvements to the already excellent H1 PC case, including more internal space, college capacity PSU, and a new (fire-complimentary) PCIe riser cable. This is the compact PC case to become.

The Skilful

Gorgeous design
Fits nigh GPUs
Minor footprint
Good airflow
Easy to build in

The Bad

Can't use horizontally
PSU switch located behind a console
Limited modding

NZXT H1 V2: Price and availability

NZXT H1 V2 Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central

The original NZXT H1 launched for $350 and included an AIO and PSU. It'due south the same with the H1 V2, but with all the improvements included, likewise as a better PSU, NZXT has bumped the cost up to $400. This isn't terrible, because what's included. All you lot need to add together is a motherboard, processor, RAM, and (optionally) a GPU.

If you're wanting to build a compact budget-friendly PC, this isn't the case for y'all. It would exist a improve move to choose some other small class factor case like the fantabulous NZXT H210i.

NZXT H1 V2: What's good

NZXT H1 V2 Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Primal

If you're not familiar with its predecessor, the NZXT H1 V2 looks similar any other NZXT PC example from afar. It's only until you analyze the dimensions and take a look around the sides would you notice something unlike. It'due south incredibly pocket-size, even compared to the NZXT H210i. The revised H1 is a little larger than the original, but it's still pocket-sized plenty for most ITX PC builds.

NZXT took the H1 PC case and made it fifty-fifty amend.

The front end console is tempered drinking glass, allowing y'all to peek inside at installed components. The two sides have numerous larger perforated holes and accept dust filters to pull in absurd, make clean air. The rear has the same hole array and is used as the sole frazzle. Information technology'southward a practiced pattern, allowing the CPU AIO libation on the left and GPU on the right to become directly access to air in such a tight space.

But this meant NZXT decided to employ a PCIe riser cable for the GPU, which has been an issue not merely for the company and the H1, just as well for other brands with other cases. The H1 V2 comes with a revised blueprint for the riser and should run merely fine, though this should have been shipped with the original. Coming from the NZXT H1, information technology's piece of cake to notice the larger internal infinite for bulky graphics cards.

There's a 750W (up from 650W) 80 Plus Gold-rated ability supply and 140mm AIO preinstalled, which is what help crash-land the price up considerably. This does allow ane to focus on installing the motherboard (with CPU and RAM) and GPU without having to worry about choosing a PSU and working on cable direction. The HZXT H1 V2 is a blank sheet with some guidelines lending a helping paw.

Category	NZXT H1 V2
Motherboard	Mini-ITX
I/O	1x USB-C three.1 Gen 2 2x USB-A iii.one Gen 1 1x Headset Audio Jack
Expansion	2 horizontal PCI
Storage	2x 2.5-inch SSD
PSU	SFX (750W Gold included)
Included fans	ii
Side fans	1x 140mm
Rear fan	1x 120mm
Side rad	140mm
Filters	Sides
Clearance	GPU: 324mm
Dimensions	15.nine x vii.seven x 7.7 inches (405mm x 196mm x 196mm)
Weight	16.75 pounds (7.6 kg)
Materials	Steel Tempered glass
Warranty	2 years
Color	Blackness White

An additional fan was installed to help direct air through the enlarged chassis. We didn't have an issue with rut when running an AMD Ryzen 9 3900X in the first version of the H1, but the meliorate thermal performance is always a expert improvement. This added internal volume even allowed NZXT to install a fan controller, which tin be managed by NZXT CAM software.

It's the same bully instance that's easier to build a PC within, with most of the major original complaints addressed. We installed a organization with an Intel Core i5-12600K processor, DDR5 RAM, and an RTX 3060 Ti GPU. This is a mid-range build that would be ideal for a chassis like the NZXT H1 V2.

Temperatures were neat for this mid-range 12th Gen Intel processor. At idle, the 12600K sits comfortably at 35 C (95 F), gaming takes it upwardly to 47 C (117 F) and stress tests pushed the CPU to 56 C (133 F). Compared to the original NZXT H1, you're looking at about a x-15% improvement to thermals for the CPU and GPU in a variety of tests.

NZXT H1 V2: What'due south not good

NZXT H1 V2 Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Key

While I really liked the improvements NZXT made to the H1 for version 2.0, there are however a few things you may not like near the chassis. The ports remain underneath the H1, requiring you to tilt the unit to gain admission to motherboard I/O. You likewise won't be able to use the H1 horizontally.

The enlarged internal space will permit yous install an LED strip or two, just that'southward well-nigh all you lot tin get away with for modding the H1.

NZXT H1 V2: Contest

HYTE Revolt 3 Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Fundamental

There wasn't much competition when the NZXT H1 was released in 2022, but companies have joined NZXT past launching similar PC cases. iBUYPOWER is probably the closest competition for the NZXT H1 V2 with the HYTE Revolt 3. The Revolt 3 is far more affordable merely doesn't come with a PSU or AIO cooler.

Both cases differ in design too. HYTE opted to go with a direct contact for the GPU and motherboard negating the demand for a PCIe riser cable. NZXT continues to crave one with the H1 V2, and nosotros've seen reliability issues with these risers in a variety of PC cases. The Revolt iii also has a carry handle and headphone holders.

It largely comes downwardly to which pattern you prefer, but I'd become with the Defection 3 if I had to choose a case for a compact gaming PC.

NZXT H1 V2: Should yous purchase information technology?

NZXT H1 V2 Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central

You should buy this if ...

You desire a well-designed compact PC case
You desire a PC case with a PSU and AIO preinstalled
You want to use NZXT CAM software

You shouldn't buy this if ...

Yous have a motherboard larger than ITX
Y'all want a budget-friendly meaty case

I actually liked the original NZXT H1, and I'thousand glad the company kept nearly of what made it so good for version ii.0. This is a well-designed compact PC example with a preinstalled PSU and AIO cooler, allowing you to become upward and running in no fourth dimension at all. There'south also integrated NZXT CAM software to control fan curves and more. Just make sure your motherboard will fit.

The changes fabricated to the NZXT H1 are welcome. I'm glad the visitor made an endeavour to ensure the PCIe riser is safe to use for everyone, though I'd much rather information technology be removed altogether and the GPU continued to the motherboard directly. The 750W Gold PSU allows 1 to install more powerful NVIDIA RTX 30-serial GPUs, and the additional fan helps with thermals.

The NZXT H1 V2 is a brilliant compact PC case. It's not perfect, peculiarly with the HYTE Defection 3 out in the wild, but there's plenty to dear about this chassis. When going for a compact PC build with an ITX motherboard, it'south of import to consider dimensions when looking at high-end GPUs from AMD and NVIDIA. Luckily, you can build a very powerful PC inside this case.

NZXT H1

NZXT H1 V2

Bottom line: The NZXT H1 V2 is a brilliant PC instance. NZXT took everything that made the original case amazing and turned it up to 11.

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