Fractal Design Pop Air vs NZXT H6 Flow

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

all judged against PC cases at a similar price

The NZXT H6 Flow scores 7.2/10 overall, ahead of the Fractal Design Pop Air at 6.5/10.

The Fractal Design Pop Air leads on space and compatibility.

The NZXT H6 Flow leads on airflow and cooling, build and ease of building and value.

They score the same on noise.

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

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NZXT H6 Flow

7.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The NZXT H6 Flow is for builders who want a mid-tower with strong cooling and an easy build. It suits gaming and general desktop systems with a graphics card, an air cooler or a top-mounted radiator, and only a few drives. It is less suited to storage-heavy builds or anyone who wants a quiet system at full fan speed.

Typically about £84.98 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK

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

Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	Fractal Design Pop Air	NZXT H6 Flow
Airflow and cooling	30%	6/10	8/10
Build and ease of building	20%	7/10	8/10
Space and compatibility	20%	8/10	7/10
Noise	15%	5/10	5/10
Value	15%	6/10	7/10
Overall		6.5/10	7.2/10

Specifications

Spec	Fractal Design Pop Air	NZXT H6 Flow
Case type (mid tower, Micro-ATX, small form factor…)	Mid-tower ATX	Mid-tower, dual-chamber
Motherboard sizes supported (E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX)	ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX	ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
Maximum graphics card length (mm)	405 mm	Up to 365 mm (14.4 in)
Maximum CPU cooler height (mm)	170 mm	Up to 163 mm (6.4 in)
Power supply type supported (ATX or SFX) and maximum PSU length (mm)	ATX only; PSU max length 170 mm	ATX power supply type, up to 200 mm PSU clearance
Radiator support (e.g. 360mm top, 280mm front)	Top 120, 240 mm; front 120, 240, 280 mm; rear 120 mm	Top up to 360 mm; rear up to 120 mm; top radiators up to 30 mm thick
Fans included and fan mounts	Front 2x 120/140 mm; top 2x 120/140 mm; rear 1x 120 mm; included 2x Aspect 12 (front), 1x Aspect 12 (rear)	Three pre-installed F120Q 120 mm fans in the front-right position, 1,200 ± 240 RPM, 62.18 CFM, 25.1 dBA; top takes three 120 mm or two 140 mm; rear 120 mm included; bottom takes two 140 mm intake
Drive bays (3.5 and 2.5 inch)	2x dedicated 2.5" mounts; 3x combined 3.5"/2.5" mounts; 2x 5.25" mounts	not listed

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 H6 Flow

+ Four fans included, with room for a 360 mm top radiator
+ Owners praise thermal performance and easy cable management
+ Fits GPUs up to 365 mm and coolers up to 163 mm
− Owners report limited drive storage support
− Owners report fan noise at high speed
− GPU temperatures rise when lower fan mounts are filled

Skip it if:

Builders who need space for several storage drives
Buyers who want a quiet system with the fans at full speed
Anyone who wants a fan or RGB controller included in the box

Read the full NZXT H6 Flow review ›

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