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MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW 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 MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW at 7.1/10.

The MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW leads on value.

The NZXT H5 Flow (2024) leads on build and ease of building, space and compatibility and noise.

They score the same on airflow and cooling.

The biggest difference is noise, where the NZXT H5 Flow (2024) scores 8/10 to the MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW's 5/10.

MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW

MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW

7.1/10verdict: buy

The MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW is for builders who want a mesh-fronted ATX mid tower with plenty of fans already fitted. It suits gaming and general-purpose desktops where cooling matters more than silence. It also fits anyone who wants a glass side panel without buying extra fans.

Typically about £54.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at 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 itCheck price at 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

CriterionWeightMSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOWNZXT H5 Flow (2024)
Airflow and cooling30%8/108/10
Build and ease of building20%6/107/10
Space and compatibility20%7/108/10
Noise15%5/108/10
Value15%9/107/10
Overall7.1/107.7/10

Specifications

SpecMSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOWNZXT H5 Flow (2024)
Case typeMid TowerCompact Mid-Tower, 465 x 225 x 430 mm, 45.0 L
Board sizesATX / Micro-ATX / Mini-ITXE-ATX (up to 277 mm wide), ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX; back-connect boards not supported
Max GPU length330 mm (12.99 in)Up to 410 mm (a front radiator can reduce this by up to 60 mm)
Max cooler height160 mm (6.29 in), listed by MSI as maximum CPU cooler length; not verified as a height measurementUp to 170 mm
PSU supportATX, maximum PSU length 200 mm (7.87 in) without 2.5"/3.5" HDD tray installationPSU length up to 200 mm; form factor not stated
RadiatorsFront 120/140/240 mm; Top 120/240 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
FansSix auto-RGB 120 mm fans pre-installed (front 3, top 2, rear 1). Support: front 3x120 or 2x140, top 2x120 or 2x140, rear 1x120, plus 2x120 on PSU shroudIncluded: 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 bays3 x 2.5 inch and 2 x 2.5/3.5 inch2.5" x 2 and 3.5" x 1

Strengths and weaknesses

MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW

  • + Six 120 mm fans included
  • + Mesh front panel with praised airflow
  • + Radiator support at front, top and rear
  • − Owners complain about fan RGB control
  • − PSU length limit of 200 mm is tied to HDD tray
  • − Front I/O is two USB-A ports only

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a quiet case with a solid front panel
  • Builders planning a 280 mm or 360 mm radiator
  • Anyone who needs many 3.5 inch bays or lots of front USB ports
Read the full MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW 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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