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Fractal Design Pop Air 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 Pop Air at 6.5/10.

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

They score the same on build and ease of building and space and compatibility.

The biggest difference is noise, where the NZXT H5 Flow (2024) scores 8/10 to the Fractal Design Pop Air's 5/10.

Fractal Design Pop Air

Fractal Design Pop Air

6.5/10verdict: good, not the best

The Pop Air is for builders who want a mesh-fronted ATX mid-tower with room for large graphics cards and radiators. It suits people who plan to add or swap fans for better cooling. It is less suited to anyone who wants a quiet case or relies on the stock fans.

Typically about £80 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 Pop AirNZXT H5 Flow (2024)
Airflow and cooling30%6/108/10
Build and ease of building20%7/107/10
Space and compatibility20%8/108/10
Noise15%5/108/10
Value15%6/107/10
Overall6.5/107.7/10

Specifications

SpecFractal Design Pop AirNZXT H5 Flow (2024)
Case type (mid tower, Micro-ATX, small form factor…)Mid-tower ATXCompact 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)405 mmUp to 410 mm (a front radiator can reduce this by up to 60 mm)
Maximum CPU cooler height (mm)170 mmUp to 170 mm
Power supply type supported (ATX or SFX) and maximum PSU length (mm)ATX only; PSU max length 170 mmPSU length up to 200 mm; form factor not stated
Radiator support (e.g. 360mm top, 280mm front)Top 120, 240 mm; front 120, 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 mountsFront 2x 120/140 mm; top 2x 120/140 mm; rear 1x 120 mm; included 2x Aspect 12 (front), 1x Aspect 12 (rear)Included: 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)2x dedicated 2.5" mounts; 3x combined 3.5"/2.5" mounts; 2x 5.25" mounts2.5" x 2 and 3.5" x 1

Strengths and weaknesses

Fractal Design Pop Air

  • + Honeycomb mesh front with dust filter
  • + Fits 405 mm GPUs and 280 mm front radiator
  • + Cable ties and pass-through holes ready to use
  • − Included fans criticised for weak airflow
  • − Only 19 mm of cable routing space
  • − RGB fans measured at 39 dBA at 85% power

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a quiet build without changing the stock fans
  • Anyone who needs a PSU longer than 170 mm
  • Builders who want lots of cable routing space behind the tray
Read the full Fractal Design Pop Air 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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