It's been some time since we have seen a case review around these parts, and our first crack at it after the long hiatus has us taking a look at the NZXT H2 Classic Series Silent Chassis. NZXT is targeting the case at those who are looking for a quiet PC and also great value.
As we uncover in this review, the H2 brings with it a some great ideas, the likes of which are rarely seen in the sub $100 case category. NZXT has included a "wireless" front fan system, allowing for easy access to tool-less hard drive cage and they have given focus to quiet computing with noise dampening foam.
We were especially fond of the interior layout; double digit priced cases are notorious for having woefully inadequate layouts for assembly and effective airflow. The H2 takes design cues from the very successful Phantom series and shrinks it into midtower form very neatly.
While this all sounds great, we couldn't help but feel a little underwhelmed by the effort (or possibly lack thereof) to make the H2 a truly innovative competitor. The case has some potential, but it feels like too much focus was placed on making the H2 into a value product. We thing that NZXT failed to fully develop the chassis's unique features into something that would have given it a competitive identity. The quiet/silent case market currently has very few contenders, but all of them have worked very hard to offer products that focus heavily on what the consumers of this specific segment is looking for.
The H2 winds up trying to offer many solutions that just don't feel complete; as the saying goes "jack of all trades, master of none".
As we uncover in this review, the H2 brings with it a some great ideas, the likes of which are rarely seen in the sub $100 case category. NZXT has included a "wireless" front fan system, allowing for easy access to tool-less hard drive cage and they have given focus to quiet computing with noise dampening foam.
We were especially fond of the interior layout; double digit priced cases are notorious for having woefully inadequate layouts for assembly and effective airflow. The H2 takes design cues from the very successful Phantom series and shrinks it into midtower form very neatly.
While this all sounds great, we couldn't help but feel a little underwhelmed by the effort (or possibly lack thereof) to make the H2 a truly innovative competitor. The case has some potential, but it feels like too much focus was placed on making the H2 into a value product. We thing that NZXT failed to fully develop the chassis's unique features into something that would have given it a competitive identity. The quiet/silent case market currently has very few contenders, but all of them have worked very hard to offer products that focus heavily on what the consumers of this specific segment is looking for.
The H2 winds up trying to offer many solutions that just don't feel complete; as the saying goes "jack of all trades, master of none".
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