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Fractal Design Terra 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 Terra at 5.6/10.

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 airflow and cooling, where the NZXT H5 Flow (2024) scores 8/10 to the Fractal Design Terra's 5/10.

Fractal Design Terra

Fractal Design Terra

5.6/10verdict: good, not the best

The Fractal Design Terra is for builders who want a compact, well-finished Mini-ITX system and are happy to choose their own cooling. It suits people planning a full-size graphics card in a 10.4-litre case with an SFX or SFX-L power supply. It is a poorer fit for anyone who wants a big radiator, lots of storage or a roomy, forgiving build.

Typically about £174.95 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 TerraNZXT H5 Flow (2024)
Airflow and cooling30%5/108/10
Build and ease of building20%7/107/10
Space and compatibility20%6/108/10
Noise15%5/108/10
Value15%5/107/10
Overall5.6/107.7/10

Specifications

SpecFractal Design TerraNZXT H5 Flow (2024)
Case type (mid tower, Micro-ATX, small form factor…)Small form factor case, 10.4 L (343 x 153 x 218 mm)Compact Mid-Tower, 465 x 225 x 430 mm, 45.0 L
Motherboard sizes supported (E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX)Mini-ITXE-ATX (up to 277 mm wide), ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX; back-connect boards not supported
Maximum graphics card length (mm)322 mm maximum (drops to 200 mm if a 120 mm radiator is installed)Up to 410 mm (a front radiator can reduce this by up to 60 mm)
Maximum CPU cooler height (mm)77 mm maximum with spine set for CPU clearance; 48 mm when configured for maximum GPU lengthUp to 170 mm
Power supply type supported (ATX or SFX) and maximum PSU length (mm)SFX and SFX-L, maximum length 130 mmPSU length up to 200 mm; form factor not stated
Radiator support (e.g. 360mm top, 280mm front)One 120 mm side radiator slotFront 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 mountsNone included; one 120 mm bottom fan mountIncluded: 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 2.5-inch mounts included; no 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch bays2.5" x 2 and 3.5" x 1

Strengths and weaknesses

Fractal Design Terra

  • + Premium anodised aluminium build, with a solid walnut front option
  • + Room for graphics cards up to 322 mm
  • + Owners describe the build as easy
  • − No fans or dust filters included
  • − Weak AIO support and tight clearance for CPU cooling
  • − Two 2.5-inch mounts and no 3.5-inch bays

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a 240 mm or larger radiator for liquid cooling
  • Anyone needing 3.5-inch drive bays or lots of internal storage
  • Builders who want a cooler and fans included, or a roomy, forgiving case
Read the full Fractal Design Terra 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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