NZXT improves the H1 PC case with better cooling, larger internal space, and it won't catch fire!

NZXT H1 V2
NZXT H1 V2 (Image credit: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • NZXT releases a second-gen H1 PC case with numerous improvements on the original.
  • The new case has a revised PCIe riser cable, improved cooling, and larger internal volume for the biggest GPUs.
  • The NZXT H1 V2 is available now in Europe for $400, coming to the U.S. by the end of February.

NZXT launched a new version of the H1 PC case. This was well-reviewed but had a few problems, including one with the PCIe riser that turned out to be rather serious and could lead to a fire. The company handled this problem by issuing a recall and offering PCIe riser replacements for owners, but it also worked on version 2.0 to really move things forward.

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CategoryNZXT H1 V2
MotherboardMini-ITX
I/O1x USB-C 3.1 Gen 22x USB-A 3.1 Gen 11x Headset Audio Jack
Expansion2 horizontal PCI
Storage2x 2.5-inch SSD
PSUSFX (750W Gold included)
Included fans2
Side fans1x 140mm
Rear fan1x 120mm
Side rad140mm
FiltersSides
ClearanceGPU: 324mm
Dimensions15.9 x 7.7 x 7.7 inches(405 x 196 x 196 mm)
Weight16.75 lbs (7.6 kg)
MaterialsSteelTempered glass
WarrantyTwo years
ColorBlackWhite

This latest NZXT H1 V2 has the aforementioned PCIe riser cable that doesn't catch fire. It also has 15.6 liters of internal volume (compared to 13 liters of the original) to accommodate larger graphics cards and to allow for more air to be pulled through the chassis. Speaking of which, an additional fan has been preinstalled to go along with the 140mm blower for the AIO CPU cooler.

The GPU has been bumped to 750W which should be able to handle more demanding GPUs. An extra USB-A port is present on the front I/O, and a new preinstalled fan controller lets you monitor and control cooling using NZXT CAM software. The original was on our best PC cases list and this revised version looks to improve mostly everything we complained about.

If you're looking for a new case for a small, compact PC build, this is a solid choice. The NZXT H1 V2 will be available in the U.S. for $400 towards the end of February, but you can buy one right now elsewhere.

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.