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Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) vs NZXT H5 Flow (2024)

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against PC cases at a similar price

The NZXT H5 Flow (2024) scores 7.7/10 overall, ahead of the Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) at 7.2/10.

The Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) leads on build and ease of building.

The NZXT H5 Flow (2024) leads on space and compatibility and noise.

They score the same on airflow and cooling and value.

Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)

Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)

7.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The Meshify 3 Black Solid is for builders who want a mesh-fronted ATX mid-tower with strong airflow and a plain steel-sided look. It suits air-cooled and radiator-cooled builds where cooling matters more than a glass window. It's best for people whose graphics card fits within 349 mm.

Typically about £124.90 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

NZXT H5 Flow (2024)

NZXT H5 Flow (2024)

7.7/10verdict: buy

The NZXT H5 Flow (2024) is for builders who want a compact, mesh-fronted case with room for a long graphics card and a 360 mm radiator. It suits people who value quiet stock fans and tidy cable management in a 45-litre mid-tower. Anyone who needs plenty of front USB ports or lots of 3.5-inch storage will find it limiting.

Typically about £59.99 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightFractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)NZXT H5 Flow (2024)
Airflow and cooling30%8/108/10
Build and ease of building20%8/107/10
Space and compatibility20%6/108/10
Noise15%6/108/10
Value15%7/107/10
Overall7.2/107.7/10

Specifications

SpecFractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)NZXT H5 Flow (2024)
Case type (mid tower, Micro-ATX, small form factor…)ATX mid-towerCompact Mid-Tower, 465 x 225 x 430 mm, 45.0 L
Motherboard sizes supported (E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX)E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITXE-ATX (up to 277 mm wide), ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX; back-connect boards not supported
Maximum graphics card length (mm)349 mmUp to 410 mm (a front radiator can reduce this by up to 60 mm)
Maximum CPU cooler height (mm)173 mmUp to 170 mm
Power supply type supported (ATX or SFX) and maximum PSU length (mm)ATX only, maximum PSU length 180 mmPSU length up to 200 mm; form factor not stated
Radiator support (e.g. 360mm top, 280mm front)Front 280/360 mm; top 240/280 mm; rear 120 mmFront up to 360 mm (120 mm fan base) or 280 mm (140 mm base); top up to 240 mm (120 mm base) or 280 mm with low-profile memory only; top radiator plus fan thickness up to 55 mm
Fans included and fan mountsThree Momentum 14 included at front; front 3x 120/140 mm, top 2x 120/140 mm, rear 1x 120 mmIncluded: 1 x F120Q front and 1 x F120Q rear (Case Version). Mounts: front 3 x 120 mm or 2 x 140 mm; top 2 x 120 mm or 2 x 140 mm; bottom 2 x 120 mm; rear 1 x 120 mm
Drive bays (3.5 and 2.5 inch)not listed2.5" x 2 and 3.5" x 1

Strengths and weaknesses

Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)

  • + Mesh front with GPU air guide and three fans fitted
  • + Tool-less panels and captive thumbscrews ease building
  • + Front, top and rear radiator mounts with brackets included
  • − 349 mm GPU length limit draws owner complaints
  • − Front radiator makes power cable routing harder
  • − PSU bay is ATX only, maximum 180 mm long

Skip it if:

  • Buyers with a graphics card longer than 349 mm
  • Anyone who wants a glass side panel to show off parts
  • Builders using a non-ATX power supply or one longer than 180 mm
Read the full Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) review ›

NZXT H5 Flow (2024)

  • + Mesh front, side and PSU shroud with good reported thermals
  • + Fits a 360 mm front radiator and 410 mm GPUs
  • + Stock fans reported as quiet, with good cable management
  • − Only one USB-A and one USB-C on the front
  • − Cable routing is tight near the PSU shroud
  • − Only one 3.5-inch drive bay

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need many front USB ports
  • Builders planning a large 3.5-inch drive array
  • Anyone using a back-connect motherboard or wanting a vertical GPU mount
Read the full NZXT H5 Flow (2024) review ›

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