WE’RE BIG FANS of NZXT’s H-series
cases, so were eager to get our hands
on the latest model. The previous H510
and H500-series cases were all quality
products, and the Elite variant builds
upon their best features, while adding
some new, flashy extras. The design is as
simple and elegant as ever, looking best
in the clean-cut white. This is a case for
serious builders who want their system
to run fast and look good in the process.
First, let’s go over the basic features.
The H510 Elite feels sturdy and
straightforward, with tempered glass
panels on one side and the front, behind
which two NZXT-branded 140mm RGB
fans lurk. A smaller fan sits at the back,
and there’s a PSU shroud concealing
the bottom of the case. A hard drive
cage lurks down there, too, out of sight,
while two mounting brackets for 2.5-inch
SSDs sit behind the motherboard plate.
There’s a simple vent on the roof, and
another one (protected by a removable
dust filter) beneath the PSU mounting.
So far, business as usual. We could be
describing almost any case.
So, what’s different? The H-series is
somewhat infamous for the large metal
strut that runs through the central case
cavity, bending at a right angle and
concealing multiple clips for securing
cables on its rear. Cable management
is a priority for NZXT, and this case is
no exception. Velcro straps and guiding
plastic channels curve around the rear
of the motherboard plate, creating paths
for organized bundles of cables that
feed through to the mobo. Most of these
can be removed, allowing for greater
customization. Considering the number
of cables already in this case before we
even begin to build in it, it’s a very tidy
affair. The PWM fan and lighting control
hub is enclosed in a clearly labeled
plastic case, looking significantly better
than the haphazard chunks of silicon we
see screwed into cases all too often.
The front I/O is a simplistic affair that
works well with the minimalist design
of the case’s exterior, though it could be
argued that it’s a tad too limited. BesidesAn elite update to an
already great case
NZXT H510
Elite
9
VERDICT NZXT H510 EliteRULING ELITE Brilliant cable
management solutions; elegant
visual design; great lighting effects.
ELITE DANGEROUS Somewhat limited
radiator capacity; a bit pricey.
$170, http://www.nzxt.comSPECIFICATIONSForm Factor Mid-tower
Motherboard Support ATX, mATX, ITX
Colors Available White, black
Window Available Ye s
3.5-Inch Support 3
2.5-Inch Support 2
Radiator Support 280mm front,
120mm rear
Fan Support
2x 140mm front,
1x 140mm roof,
1x 120mm rear
Dimensions 8.3 x 18.1 x 16.9 inches
Graphics Card
Clearance 15 inches
CPU Tower Clearance 6.5 inches
Weight 16.5lbthe round, plain power button, a single
USB 3.1 port sits next to a single USB
Type-C port, then a standard 3.5mm
audio jack. Rather pleasingly, they are
arranged from smallest to largest. The
pleasing visuals of this case don’t end
there, either; there are vertical brackets
for showing off your GPU in an upright
position, and a strip of fully addressable
LEDs along the top interior rim of the
glass window, in addition to the RGB fans
a t t h e f r o nt. T h i s i s n o s t i c k- o n r u b b e r i ze d
lightstrip, either—it’s 10 LEDs mounted
into a removable plastic frame.
We really don’t have many criticisms
of the H510 Elite—at least, not ones that
we couldn’t level at almost any case.
Some parts of the steel interior feel a bit
flimsy, particularly the perforated top of
the PSU shroud, which flexes if you apply
some pressure. Radiator capacity is also
a little limited, but the front fans are easy
to remove should you decide that 140mm
of radiator isn’t enough. Rather than
removing the front glass panel, the whole
interior bracket can be easily detached
from the inside via two screws. There’s
plenty of space to run cables through to
the motherboard, too; no stuffing 28-pin
connectors through tiny holes here.
So, yes, it’s a genuinely great case.
Once price comes into it, though, we
started to get a little nervous. The Elite
will set you back $170, making it feel
pricey, given what it offers in comparison
to the other H510 models. The original
version only costs $80, while the H510i—
which includes almost everything the
Elite offers—will run you $110. Neitherof these have the glass front panel and
RGB fans, though; it’s a premium to pay
for superior appearances. This increased
price is really the only thing holding the
Elite back from being near-perfect; were
it maybe 20 dollars less, we’d be even
more enthusiastic. –CHRISTIAN GUYTONin the lab
88 MAXIMUMPC OCT 2019 maximumpc.com