How bad is the NZXT H510 for airflow.

[TheJedi]

I've heard some things about the NZXT H510 non i variant.

 

Now I know this isn't meant to be good for airflow but I really like the look of it. The aesthetic is so clean.

 

Could someone explain to me why this case isn't reccomended. And if I will experience any issues building in this case?

 

[Haro]

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. 

[bellabichon]

It's not a bad case, but you're definitely going to want to upgrade the default fan configuration a bit. It comes with only 1 intake (top) and 1 exhaust (back), so I'd recommend putting 2 120mm or 140mm fans in the front for a front-to-back aiflow configuration. The front has holes in the side for fresh air to come in, so you shouldn't experience any cooling issues. 

[Fatih19]

5 hours ago, bellabichon said:

It's not a bad case, but you're definitely going to want to upgrade the default fan configuration a bit. It comes with only 1 intake (top) and 1 exhaust (back), so I'd recommend putting 2 120mm or 140mm fans in the front for a front-to-back aiflow configuration. The front has holes in the side for fresh air to come in, so you shouldn't experience any cooling issues. 

No, just because there are holes in the front, doesn't mean those fans won't be choked.

Notice how the CPU and GPU temperature dropped considerably when the front panel are removed. That means under normal circumstances, the fan isn't getting enough air.

[TheJedi]

So @Fatih19. Can I use this case and not experience issues?

 

Say the best GPU I will get will be a 2080ti, best case scenario. Or Worst case an RTX 2060 or GTX 1080.

 

CPU will be a Ryzen 5 3600 or anything better for £140 or lower

[Mister Woof]

I have its predecessor and honestly don't have any problems with it even with an overclocked 8700k

[Fatih19]

1 hour ago, CloudPC said:

So @Fatih19. Can I use this case and not experience issues?

 

Say the best GPU I will get will be a 2080ti, best case scenario. Or Worst case an RTX 2060 or GTX 1080.

 

CPU will be a Ryzen 5 3600 or anything better for £140 or lower

I personally wouldn't buy it. A case is something that you can actually future-proof (unlike a CPU or GPU), something that can actually last up to 5 years or more without any performance degradation. Today, you might not be using too powerful of a hardware, but what if later on you want to upgrade down the line?

 

This is speaking from personal experience. I bought a Cooler Master Q300L because I liked its style and aesthetics. After building my PC, I figured out through reviews that the filter and minuscule hole on the front choked my front fan, preventing cool air to enter the case reliably. Now I'm stuck with it. I have a Ryzen 7 2700X and an RX 580, both aren't that hot of a component, but even now I'm having thermal issue. So now I can't upgrade to something more beefy, like an RX 5700XT, since that thermal issue would only be compounded. If I want to upgrade, I'd have to buy a new case (which is much more of a pain in the ass compared to upgrading a GPU or CPU since you're effectively rebuilding your computer). The money spent on the case could've been allocated to the actual upgrade itself. You don't want to be stuck with a bad case, it's better to get it right in the first place.

 

Of course what I've said is very subjective, and if you really like the style of the H510 you're free to buy it. If you do decide to look elsewhere, I'd recommend Cooler Master NR600.

 

Cheers!

[artuc]

To be honest the airflow is not great.

 

But it is way overstated here.

 

Especially for low to medium spec builds, where it's not great but it's also not a big enough problem to ever be a hard no in my opinion.

 

Pushing into hotter running, higher spec builds, definitely becomes a bigger issue so it should weigh more heavily in your decision making.