PC enthusiasts rave about how they love NZXT cases due to how easy it is to build computers with it. All of NZXT’s PC towers have a minimalistic approach to their designs while maintaining functionality. NZXT cases come with a lot of extra features that will make life easier such as their intuitive cable management solutions hidden in the side panel.
In this article, we are going to take a look at the NZXT H510i and H710i which are their latest revision of their icon H Series PC cases. The features of each case are neatly listed in the comparison chart. We have a lot of work to do since we are going to cover all of their similarities and differences. After which, we will answer the pending question: Which NZXT H-series PC case is better?
MID-TOWER ATX CASE NZXT H510i vs NZXT H710i
| Name |
NZXT H510i |
NZXT H710i |
| Image |  |
 |
| Motherboard Support | Mini-ITX, MicroATX, ATX | Mini-ITX, MicroATX, ATX, and EATX |
| Materials | SGCC Steel, Tempered Glass | SGCC Steel and Tempered Glass |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 210 x 460 x 428 mm | 230 x 516 x 494 mm |
| Weight | 6.8 kg | 12.3 kg |
| Front I/O Ports | 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C
1x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A 1x Headset Audio Jack |
1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C
2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A 1x Headset Audio Jack |
| Dust Filters | Yes, all air intakes | Yes, all air intakes |
| Smart Device V2 | Yes | Yes |
| RGB Lighting Included | 2 integrated addressable LED strip | 2 integrated addressable LED strip |
| Vertical GPU Support | Yes, up to 2 slots | Yes, up to 2.5 slots |
| Expansion Slots | 7 | 7 |
| Radiator Support | Front: 2x 140 or 2x 120mm with Pull
Rear: 1x 120mm |
Front: 2x 140 or 3x 120mm with Push/Pull
Top: 2x 140 or 3x 120 Rear: 1x 120 |
| Included Fans | 2 Aer F120 Case Version | 3 Aer F120 Case Version
1 Aer F140 Case Version |
| Drive Bays | 2.5”: 2+1
3.5”: 2+1 |
2.5”: 7
3.5”: 2+2 |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Materials and Build
NZXT has been known for their PC cases with quality materials. The frames of both the H510i and H710i are constructed out of SGCC steel which gives them reasonable structural rigidity. Moreover, you can admire your efforts after building your computer from its tempered glass side panel. While most PC cases nowadays do feature a tempered glass front panel, both the H510i and H710i do not. The minimalistic and blank panel designs are also seen in the front panel. Although they are made from the same materials, only the H710i has a full tempered glass side panel (that also covers the PSU shroud) and a removable front panel.
Smart Device V2
As both cases are from series H and ‘i’ versions, the H510i and H710i include NZXT’s CAM-powered smart device which is hidden behind the iconic NZXT bracket. You can effortlessly control all the fans and address all the RGB lights in your case using this black box and the CAM software. Since it is the second iteration of the smart device, you can expect a faster processor and an additional LED plug.
Included RGB Strips
You do not have to buy RGB strips separately because both the H510i and H710i have already integrated 2 sets of RGB strips. These RGB strips can be easily addressed via the CAM software and smart device V2, as mentioned above. You can appreciate all the effort you put into building your PC even in the dark with the help of these RGB strips.
Also Read: NZXT H500 Overwatch vs NZXT H510
Differences between NZXT H510i and NZXT H710i
EATX Support
Having support for EATX motherboards adds versatility to a mid-tower case. However, it does come with a caveat: a larger footprint.
NZXT H510i
The NZXT H510 supports most standard motherboard form factors in the market such as mini-ITX, microATX, and ATX motherboards. However, it lacks the support for larger EATX motherboards. Although this is the case, it is overall more compact than the H710i with a dimension of 210 x 460 x 428 mm and a weight of only 6.8 kilograms. I don’t see any advantage of getting an EATX-compatible mid-tower case since the average gamer or content creator would likely get either a microATX or ATX motherboard.
NZXT H710i
The NZXT H710i indeed covers more floor area than the H510i since it can support EATX motherboards. It has a larger dimension and heavier weight at 230 x 516 x 494 mm and 12.3 kilograms, respectively. One advantage I see is a longer GPU clearance. The H710i can support GPUs up to 413 mm in length versus the 381 mm of the H510i. While both cases can install a GPU vertically, only the H710i can install thicker GPUs due to its wider body.
The Winner Is- NZXT H710i
Included Fans and Fan Support
One can save money in building their PCs if the case they get already has included fans. If you intend to add more fans or upgrade to a liquid cooling solution down the line, you should know the fan support of the case you will buy.
NZXT H510i
The H510i comes with only two 120 mm fans, one for the rear exhaust and the other is for the top intake. Ideally, this fan setup is not enough for decent thermals. That is why you need to buy 2 more intakes for the front panel. The H510i can support dual 140 mm radiators or dual 120 mm in the front panel or a single 120 mm radiator for the rear exhaust.
NZXT H710i
The H710i stumps the H510i with its included triple 120 mm fans and a single 140 mm fan. This fan configuration is enough for most use cases. But if you want to upgrade to liquid cooling, you can do so. The difference is the H710i can support top-mounted radiators. You can either install a dual 140 mm or a triple 120 mm radiator. The same can be said with the front panel.
The Winner Is- NZXT H710i
Ports and Drive Bays
If storage and expandability are important to you, then you should look at the ports and drive bays of the H510i and H710i.
NZXT H510i
The I/O of both H-series cases are found on their top. Both have an audio jack, USB 3.1 Type-C, and USB 3.1 Type-A that sit beside their power button. With the Type-C port, you can effortlessly connect modern smartphones, high-speed external storage, or other latest PC peripherals. Speaking of storage, the H510i has ample room for hard drives and solid-state drives. You can connect up to 6 storage devices – 3 for HDDs, and 3 for SSDs.
NZXT H710i
While the H710i has all the ports mentioned above, it includes an extra USB 3.1 Type-A port. Moreover, it has wider support for more hard drives and solid-state drives. You can easily fit a total of 11 drives – 7 SSDs and 4 HDDs.
The Winner Is- NZXT H710i
Also read: NZXT H510i vs NZXT H510 Elite
Pros and Cons
Finally, some pros and cons of the mid-tower ATX cases NZXT H510i and NZXT H710i will help us determine which is the best option.
NZXT H510i
Pros:
- Putting a PC build together is a breeze with the cable management in both mid-tower cases.
- It has the premium features that other NZXT cases have like, vertical GPU mount and tempered glass side panel.
- Priced at almost half the cost of H710i, the H510 has a better value proposition.
Cons:
- Internal temperature is not the best since it only includes two 120 mm fans.
NZXT H710i
Pros:
- Clearance issues in the H710i are minimal due to its larger dimensions.
- Thermal performance is better with the H710i since it includes more fans out of the box.
- Storage and expandability are better with its additional USB port and added drive bays.
Cons:
- All of its additional features come with a hefty price.
The Final Verdict
It comes as no surprise that the NZXT H710i is better across the board due to its higher price point. You will undeniably love all the additional features it has. But at a higher price tag, it is harder to recommend. If you have the cash to get one, by no means, purchase one. For most gamers and content creators who are looking to get into the world of PC building, the NZXT H510i is a great way to start. The features and convenience you get with it is indeed a steal, especially when you get it on sale.