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Fractal Design North 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 North at 6.2/10.

The NZXT H5 Flow (2024) leads on airflow and cooling, space and compatibility, noise and value.

They score the same on build and ease of building.

The biggest difference is noise, where the NZXT H5 Flow (2024) scores 8/10 to the Fractal Design North's 4/10.

Fractal Design North

Fractal Design North

6.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The Fractal Design North is an ATX mid-tower for builders who want a mesh-fronted case with good build quality. It suits people planning a front-mounted radiator, as long as they accept the GPU length limit that comes with it. It is a weaker fit for anyone who wants a quiet build without adjusting fan settings.

Typically about £119.99 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

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 NorthNZXT H5 Flow (2024)
Airflow and cooling30%7/108/10
Build and ease of building20%7/107/10
Space and compatibility20%6/108/10
Noise15%4/108/10
Value15%6/107/10
Overall6.2/107.7/10

Specifications

SpecFractal Design NorthNZXT 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)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)355 mm (300 mm with a 360 mm front radiator fitted)Up to 410 mm (a front radiator can reduce this by up to 60 mm)
Maximum CPU cooler height (mm)145 mmUp to 170 mm
Power supply type supported (ATX or SFX) and maximum PSU length (mm)ATX only, maximum PSU length 255 mmPSU length up to 200 mm; form factor not stated
Radiator support (e.g. 360mm top, 280mm front)Top 120 and 240 mm; front 120, 140, 240, 280 and 360 mm; rear 120 mm; side 2x 120/140 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 mountsTwo Aspect 14 PWM fans included (front); mounts: front 3x 120 mm or 2x 140 mm, top 2x 120/140 mm, rear 1x 120 mm, side 0Included: 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)Two combined 3.5"/2.5" bays and two dedicated 2.5" bays; seven expansion slots2.5" x 2 and 3.5" x 1

Strengths and weaknesses

Fractal Design North

  • + Owners praise looks and solid build quality
  • + Front radiator support up to 360 mm
  • + Two Aspect 14 PWM fans included
  • − Reviewers measured 53 to 54 dB; owners complain of noise
  • − GPU clearance falls to 300 mm with a 360 mm front radiator
  • − No rear fan included

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a quiet build without adjusting fan curves
  • Anyone pairing a long GPU with a 360 mm front radiator
  • Builders who need CPU cooler clearance above 145 mm
Read the full Fractal Design North 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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