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Lian Li LANCOOL 217 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 Lian Li LANCOOL 217 at 7.4/10.

The Lian Li LANCOOL 217 leads on value.

The NZXT H5 Flow (2024) leads on noise.

They score the same on airflow and cooling, 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 Lian Li LANCOOL 217's 5/10.

Lian Li LANCOOL 217

Lian Li LANCOOL 217

7.4/10verdict: good, not the best

The Lian Li LANCOOL 217 is for builders who want a mesh-front mid-tower with plenty of fans already fitted. It suits people fitting a long graphics card, a large air cooler or a 360 mm radiator in the top. It also suits anyone planning a vertical GPU mount, since Lian Li lists the case as supported by its VG4 kit.

Typically about £109.99 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

CriterionWeightLian Li LANCOOL 217NZXT H5 Flow (2024)
Airflow and cooling30%8/108/10
Build and ease of building20%7/107/10
Space and compatibility20%8/108/10
Noise15%5/108/10
Value15%8/107/10
Overall7.4/107.7/10

Specifications

SpecLian Li LANCOOL 217NZXT H5 Flow (2024)
Case type (mid tower, Micro-ATX, small form factor…)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, EEB (back-connect compatible)E-ATX (up to 277 mm wide), ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX; back-connect boards not supported
Maximum graphics card length (mm)380 mm (max)Up to 410 mm (a front radiator can reduce this by up to 60 mm)
Maximum CPU cooler height (mm)180 mm (max)Up to 170 mm
Power supply type supported (ATX or SFX) and maximum PSU length (mm)ATX; max length 220 mm in standard mode, 180 mm when rotatedPSU length up to 200 mm; form factor not stated
Radiator support (e.g. 360mm top, 280mm front)Top: 360 / 280 / 240 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 mounts5 pre-installed, including two 170 mm front fansIncluded: 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

Lian Li LANCOOL 217

  • + Five fans pre-installed, including two 170 mm front fans
  • + 380 mm GPU room with anti-sag bracket included
  • + Takes E-ATX and EEB boards plus 360 mm top radiator
  • − PSU length limit drops to 180 mm when rotated
  • − CPU cooler height is capped at 180 mm

Skip it if:

  • Buyers with a CPU cooler taller than 180 mm
  • Buyers with a power supply longer than 220 mm
  • Anyone who wants a solid-panel case chosen for quiet running
Read the full Lian Li LANCOOL 217 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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