This NZXT SFF case is CUTE | usagoldmines.com

Confession: I’ve never built a small form factor case. The ittiest of bitty computers that I’ve assembled is a mere MicroATX. But SFF builds have always appealed to me. There’s something about tons of power concealed in a tiny package, a Muggsy Bogues factor, that has an undeniable draw. Take the new NZXT H2 Flow for example.

The H2 Flow is a gentle evolution of the H1, which was red hot both for its Xbox Series X-adjacent styling and for being literally hot, because it caught fire. The H2 Flow looks a little more conventional as a PC tower, with the Mini-ITX motherboard on top and the power supply chamber below. With 20.7 liters of volume and 435mm (17.13 inches) on its longest side, it’s not the tiniest case around, but it can still handle a GPU of up to 331mm. That’s because it’s tucked in behind the motherboard with a PCIE 5.0 riser cable.

Like all smaller cases, this one comes with some compromises. With a maximum of four 120mm or two 140mm fans (or a 280mm radiator), airflow is going to be tight, helped along by mech panels everywhere except that tempered glass window. You’ll also need an SFX or SFX-L power supply. The motherboard connections are on the back as usual, but with the PCIE output area on the bottom of the case, wiring will be tricky both inside and outside. Surprisingly, it has room for two 2.5-inch storage drives.

Even with all those drawbacks, I imagine there will be some builders who are keen to give the H2 a try, with its appealing mix of mesh for airflow and glass to show off the goods. It’s on sale now for a pricey $150 USD, with two 120mm fans included.