Page 2 - Physical Look - Outside
The NZXT H500 follows in line with a lot of NZXT's other cases in the H-series, with it being clearly made with a ruler and ninety degree angles rather than any protractors or compasses. As such, we have a similar fridge-like design, with the whole thing being pretty much like a rectangular prism. This is not necessarily a bad choice, but a preference thing instead. Its single color exterior is extremely clean with only some light NZXT branding on the front. However, there are also specific parts that make it look a bit less premium than the other cases in the H-series lineup. Small changes like having a three quarter glass side panel and removing the accent colors on the side intake mesh are apparent. However, one thing I am glad NZXT has not cut back in is material choices. While they may differ in relative amounts, we still have the same tempered glass and steel, which makes it still a good feeling case. We received this unit in the matte black color, but other variants include white, black and blue, and black and red. Overall, this H500 reminds me as a replacement to the S340, which is what NZXT intended to do when it was launched.
In addition to the aesthetic changes, you will see how the whole front and top are made from a single sheet of aluminum rather than a front panel that breaks away. As such, intake areas on the front are a bit different from the past H-series cases. On the left, the solid metal half combined with the glass side means you do not have any intake from the left side. Instead, intake to the front fans are located on the other side as well as underneath the front, as we will see soon enough. In terms of dimensions, the NZXT H500 is 210mm wide, 460mm tall with feet installed, and 428mm deep. Compared to the most recently reviewed MetallicGear Neo, this H500 is the same in terms of width, but larger in both height and depth. At a net weight of around 7kg, this comes at a weight that is not too surprising for its size and materials.
As for front facing input and output, we have a pretty standard set of ports here. For one, we have the power button that is outlined with a clear plastic ring that glows white when the computer inside is active. Next, we have two USB 3.1 Type A Gen. 1 ports, followed by two standard 3.5mm audio jacks for headphone output and mic input. Finally, we have a small reset button. At the other end of the top panel, we have an opening for cooling options here. A 120mm fan is preinstalled here to push air out of the chassis. However, you can also put a 140mm fan here if you so desire. A thin mesh lining is placed in between the fan and the opening to prevent dust from entering here.
As for the rear of the case, you can see we have a pretty unsurprising area here. At the top, we have the motherboard cutout with space for exhaust in a honeycomb pattern beside it. A single 120mm fan is already mounted here and it can only be installed in this position rather than on a rail where it can slide up and down based on your needs. Underneath, we have seven expansion slots for horizontal placement, as well as two more vertical slots for those who desire to place their graphics card in that orientation. I should note NZXT has not included any mounting equipment for vertical GPU placement, so you will need to use your own riser stand and cable for this to work with your gear. You can also see a better look at the left side panel, which is a standard steel one. This panel has some perforations at the front to allow air through to the front. The back is fitted with a plastic mesh filter to prevent dust from getting into the case.
Flipping to the bottom of the NZXT H500, we can see some pretty standard things. In each of the four corners, we have feet that extend out with rubber soles on the bottom. This allows the case to make clearance from the surface it sits upon in addition to allowing air to pass freely in here. At the back we have an opening for the power supply, along with a plastic-framed mesh to prevent dust from entering into your PSU. At the front we have an opening to allow air to come in through any front input fans. Like the other front input, this is lined with a mesh finish to stop dust in its track. Finally, you can see some screws that hold the drive cage in place, as you will see later on in our review. The drive cage is held on rails so it can be moved around depending on your needs.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Outside
3. Physical Look - Inside
4. Installation and Conclusion
