NZXT H700i Review: Better Without the "Smarts"

[@GamersNexus]

Article by Patrick & Steve: www.gamersnexus.net/hwreviews/3108-nzxt-h700i-case-review-better-if-it-were-dumber You might also like our H500P review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/foPWk2d5asx_gsU

[@noenken]

What a pucked up case!

[@FlashTheManBro]

Nice someone with an indepth review. With the cable management bar can you said you can move it towards the front? If so Im assuming its only half an inch or so, but do you have an approximation?

[@GamersNexus]

It's about ~1.25cm of movement in either direction.

[@FlashTheManBro]

Gamers Nexus Thanks so much!

[@cataria3903]

u said it forces u to register and login for the software to work, so i actually get datamined if i want to use a case now? with nzxt selling or losing my data......? i definitely won't buy any of this "smart" stuff and also don't wanna support a company charging me for getting data mined.....

[@bipbong2906]

>Sees new NZXT case >$200 >Me: why? >NZXT: M A C H I N E L E A R N I N G

[@berengerchristy6256]

OUT OF THE BOX LEARNING

[@epicdestroyer6676]

Berenger Christy bruh that's my profile picture lol

[@Zoranurai13]

T H I C C

[@bipbong2906]

Berenger Christy lmao

[@Dominian1]

I feel really bad for the people who have too much money and too little interest in technology who are being sold this crap by their local PC shop. That's something only a bastard would sell to people; it's so dumb.

[@matacachorro4090]

Gamers Nexus reviews are the best.

[@sidewinder86ify]

Agree!

[@fxrsniper1]

lmao

[@MrArpo75]

totally agree with you !

[@ReZhorw]

"At that price point, your competition is the H500P" 23:53 HAHAHA You're hilarious, caught me off guard.

[@D-Rguitar]

I was looking for this comment. If there wasn't one, I was gonna make it!

[@phoenixbranwen766]

*H500P proceeds to fall apart with minimal force*

[@RapttorX]

such a short moment, but the best moment of the entire video (considering the video was great already)

[@IronmanToday]

LMAOOO

[@joespddmn101]

I like the new trend of SAVAGE intros.

[@BeastOrGod]

YES.

[@-Kalliope-]

It certainly was a necessary change to the channel.

[@KunaiKrazy]

Hell Yeah. I know I will like this before even watching it.

[@landwolf00]

Good shit Steve. I'm kind of annoyed that this is called machine learning. It is literally false advertising and potentially unwanted data mining.

[@Claeys67]

I also feel like it's an insult to professional people that are actually creating machine learning devices.

[@Shichiaikan]

I was thinking the exact same thing. This is just them grabbing info so they can more efficiently produce their own fans or sell the info to someone.

[@TB-zm3zc]

This IS machine learning. And some of you underestimate the value of the data being collected.

[@landwolf00]

T B No it is not. The algorithm is to ship your information to their servers to be averaged out with every other person in a similar boat. This is called a program. It doesn't learn anything except an additional data point to be averaged. A simple while loop can do that.

[@TB-zm3zc]

oh boy, sounds like this one is going to take way more explaining than I have energy for. Gamers Nexus, perhaps a video explaining machine learning is in order, given that this is a new technology implemented in your area of expertise. In the meantime I urge viewers/commenters to research it on their own.

[@dpcoffey]

"An extra half inch would have gone a long way" -Every girl that I've slept with

[@tj9959]

Dustin I can believe that it would have tripled your performance!

[@scottmurphy4946]

two in , one to go

[@jonas2378]

you mean both of them? Wow!

[@urishima]

You know that they put that cable routing puk in just for you. I would almost bet on it. Watch retail versions of the case not actually having it.

[@urishima]

Nate You are just pulling my leg, aren't you?

[@optiquest86]

Hardware Canucks' had one in it.

[@economytechtube2841]

This video has earned my subscription. I’ve admired the in-depth review and deep dives for a long time but I feel like there was something missing. Now I see fantastic videos and I’m here for the long run.

[@neoqueto]

Remember fan controllers with knobs? THOSE WORKED

[@iamezza]

Yeah I have a nice black brushed aluminium one with 6 knobs. Can't use it on most new cases though because they don't have any 5.25" bays any more.

[@zachlabs8806]

Same.

[@MazeFrame]

NZXT even has one with sliders Mind = blown

[@mikem12406]

Yup, I would still be using my old Lamptron controller if my case had a 5.25" bay.

[@Pyroteq]

@iamezza - Which is why you should STOP FUCKING BUYING THEM. There's ZERO excuse not to have a 5.25" bay on any Micro-ATX case and larger. These full size towers are taking the absolute piss by removing practical features and replacing them with RGB bullshit. My Corsair 650D has an inbuilt hotswap bay and I use it all the time. On my next computer build I'm going to be recycling the 650D as a backup machine for clients computers with all 4 5.25" bays running multiple HDD hotswap backplanes.

[@spunkysandoval]

That h500P cameo made me spit my drink out!

[@catbertz]

lololol I love your content and opinion more every single day. So much fun, so much data, SO MUCH TRUTH!

[@recordatron]

Your videos are getting funnier and funnier each time. I love the scathing sarcasm nestled in between your clinical professionalism. Great combo.

[@doppiogali2778]

SAVAGE NEXUS at it again

[@brycejonathan384]

Maybe im weird but I set my own fan curves. Actually I feel like this is the channel where I might not be the only person.

[@brumby92]

Bryce Jonathan yeah baby. We love our fan curves

[@kelpygsus132]

I just set a static fan speed and I leave it

[@hunterlong1820]

Bryce Jonathan I love my fan curves lol

[@DSDSDS1235]

Yea, 6 fans?

[@Demon09-_-]

I wish my case fans could be set to gpu temps threw motherboard software :x that's one place where asus's bios are better then most. I tried using a Nzxt cam but the experience with some fans was not good

[@marcopa86]

I was waiting for your review... the wait was worth! :P

[@sliceofmymind]

You are literally going to become the bane of these companies' existence . Thank you for being one of the very few in our corner, Steve!!!

[@scpulp]

Doubtful. Smart companies may chafe at his delivery, but will take the feedback.

[@sliceofmymind]

You said it yourself, "smart" companies will do that, however, a real smart company wouldn't put out a non-working product or in this example of the case being reviewed, software that doesn't work. You can easily ignore the advanced fan controller in this case, but you are paying for the functionality or lack thereof.

[@Erowens98]

Frank R smart companies do whatever makes the most money. Unfortunately stupid consumers lap up this kind of crap. Hopefully channels like this will force companies to improve attention to detail, but ti be perfectly honest, this channel alone doesn't have enough reach.

[@fxrsniper1]

If he says its bad its a guarantee you need to get it, in my experiences with the 100's of builds we do.

[@GregSalazar]

There's actually a third screw behind the cable routing path you'll need to mind when removing the cable shroud.

[@bipbong2906]

Science Studio Hello my handsome man

[@GamersNexus]

Yeah. Clearly this changes everything.

[@lebeltoottoot9212]

how wude

[@Knives7777]

hi Greg

[@yassinejad2838]

smart

[@mataznuiz]

Remove all the electronics and include a puck. Then it will be my fave case... Maybe make the cable management bracket easier to remove (we need a sexy detach button). it should be reshaped a little too.

[@gavincarl8105]

Agreed!

[@MinamiX3]

Just came here to say, I bought a puck a few days ago after watching your Nzxt case reviews and got it today and I'm loving it. Strong magnet holds my headphones and the puck splits to hold my cables... This is literally apples philosophy of "think different" except Nzxt idea is 11/10. Quality stuff. Much puck. So innovation. I just bought another one for my work case.

[@jbatacan2]

Liked after 5 seconds. Always coming with the heat with the video intros!

[@Multimeter1]

NO FLAKES HERE MEN. Steve tells it how it is! Love the blunt reviews lately. More TechTubers should learn from this instead of kissing companies assess

[@katerwhall1865]

Excellent review GN once again absolutely enjoyed it, learned a lot.

[@Tamer-yd1bj]

YES I was waiting for you to do this review

[@Planehazza]

Was set on getting the H700i, but couldn't justify spending £200 on a "smart" case, when the smart bit is essentially a fan curve. Went for the S340 Elite instead for £75 :) Have contacted NZXT to arrange the purchase of a spare front panel so I can mod the S340E for better air flow, as that was the only bad point in my opinion. 1:57 - I agree, the S340E definitely has airflow problems, but I really think that it being less than half the price of the H700i, it's still very much a strong option. Holes cut into the front panel would massive improve airflow to the case :) Great vid, as always.

[@Hirens.]

Great work with this video ! Keep up good work guys !!

[@Airbag888]

Your rants are the most enjoyable and entertaining ever

[@mudziemodz]

That was an amazing review and I laughed so hard! Great work Steve & Patrick.

[@Lyfesreal]

I've seen cases that crack the top panel/ open up etc when temperatures hit a certain degrees. Would've been much easier/cheaper to implement and probably a nicer gimmick to push that 200$ price tag. That being said sweet review and wow this case is really pretty

[@ZanderLexx]

Gamers Nexus 4 LIFE

[@tee_es_bee]

Love the intro, sir. Well done.

[@briano871]

Ratter have 5 pucks like Steve than the "Smart" Device, this case is gois to be ATROCIOUSLY expensive in Brazil... Steve, you have mastered the "ironically pissed off but i kinda like " type of review, very good work, keep up! You expressed exactly and perfectly how do i feel about the case, maybe at 120USD it will replace my S340.

[@lex_edard]

R$1820 right now and only with the red color...wait....pq eu to falando inglês com um br ?

[@johnbrooks5903]

23:50 Savage! Savage! Savage! Chat disabled for 3 seconds.

[@Torben_Fie]

John Brooks i

[@gunstrucksbbq]

I've watched this a few times, that intro is sooo good.

[@RexxReviews]

Glad they took your advice on doing a non smart version of this case . Now I can’t decide between the black/blue version or the all black

[@Fergunator]

Steve is such a savage I love it. Keep up the good work!

[@taipeitaiwan10]

Nice to see a real review by the best pc hardware tester. Thx.

[@jominator3187]

Lmao- I can't believe this case has literal cable trays in the back to route along.

[@halsaufschneider1446]

This is an actual critical review, and it points out the flaws. Thats how its done right! No shilling, no apologizing no bullsh!t! The product manufacturer can watch this, and improve his product very easily. Good work Steve.

[@ELJefeReviews]

Best review I've seen on this case! I thoroughly agree with you. NZXT should offer this with or without the 2 devices. I already own a Hue+ and I like setting my own fan curves. Price the case slightly above the S340 Elite and I'll definitely buy it and post a build video in it!

[@JoriDiculous]

Really? A computer case part that have to be online and have an account? Laughable. Why didn't they just make the (not particularity)smart device a simple temp / acoustic meter And completely skip the load% thing.

[@qwormuli77]

Mined information is expensive. NZXT wants a piece of the pie.

[@james2042]

I am loving this "mini sarcastic start", its great and even though they are intended to be humorous, they are still on point.

[@YoWho-88]

I'd happily buy one of these for 150 without the fan controller & a free puck instead

[@user-kk4bq7mb8u]

Have you checked the H700?

[@jasielgs8884]

@@user-kk4bq7mb8u by that time the H700 wasn't a thing, the only case available was the H700i

[@blazbohinc5735]

I like how your brain works. Damn I have to become a patreon, you need more money and recognition. Keep up the good work

[@MrPjetlic]

Well, I gotta say, I really love this fresher style with all those "memeish" moments, feels way more natural. Good job GN!

[@Ekksanpher]

Your content recently has been on fleek. I am loving the sass. "Once you retrieve it from the garage"

[@RodrigoSantos-qh7se]

23:52 fucking jump scare, dude!!!

[@nateo200]

When steve lets his wings open up he unleashes hell fire on companies. I love it.

[@MrLoverThe]

I can't believe they don't have more subs. This is one of the best tech channels.

[@MrKZdemos]

steve youre on a savage rampage this month.

[@computerjunkie4761]

i was considering buying this case. thanks for the great review and saving me money on stuff i don't need

[@mattfarrar5472]

You can move the bar closer to the front by a little bit aswell it has a second lot of screw holes.

[@LooneyJuice]

Man, i seriously hope NZXT takes all this in good spirit again. This is an insane amount of pretty priceless critique and evaluation for practically no cost. Like, no joke, without the smart devices, I'd probably snatch it, because it's one of the few solid front panel cases with some actual ventilation. Thanks Steve n' Co. excellent work as always.

[@PERSPECKTiVE]

Holy shit I miss watching you guys @ Gamer's Nexus. Been waaaaaaaaay too busy at work these past 2 months.

[@StudioBrock1337]

"The rest of the case is fantastic, I wish it wasn't $200." That's exactly how I feel about it. Such a nice case, would have been on my short list of cases I'd move from the P400 for. Looks like I'm still waiting for a white Meshify C.

[@user-kk4bq7mb8u]

White Meshify C is here, along with the H700 for $150 without smart devices. So tell me, fortune teller, what will next year bring?

[@hausjell4585]

Brock q

[@swayze240]

So many pucks...

[@verex8579]

Did you see the T-shirt Steve had on XD

[@saladwithsalad]

Puck you.

[@sk8mag99]

Steve just doesn't give a puck anymore

[@bothellkenmore]

No pucks given.

[@swayze240]

Puck off.

[@westislandmedia]

I have this case and I completely agree with you. The smart device doesn't work at all. I've been running it for a week in hopes it might figure itself out and no luck. I will be removing it and plugging everything into the motherboard. Great review!

[@Kjaywest]

I love reviews like this. Love it Steve good job again with this honest review. I want this case, but knowing the CAM is shit I’ll wait until NZXT take it out the case.

[@ChaironDeCeleste]

Good to see I'm not the only one who threw the "smart" device away. Didn't need the adressable 5v rgb (or white led?) stripes and additional fan connectors either ( *plonk*).

[@johnpaulyates4734]

Steve, great review. You tell it the way it is!!!

[@thrashstronaut]

Urgh, bullshit parts on an actually awesome looking case

[@matthewfennell7886]

Pietro Crespi Its their standard case test rig, that's why it's always the same.

[@thrashstronaut]

I meant the "Machine learning" stuff

[@saikrishankumar]

This video is the reason why I love Gamers Nexus.

[@dustinrose5048]

I saw about 3 other reviews on this case, not a single one mentioned anything about the fan controller let alone that it didn’t work properly, rather the software didn’t work properly. Makes me seriously question their reviews especially when they also reviewed the Cooler master one recently and again mentioned nothing about the build quality

[@Mindbulletz]

I suspect that nobody actually tries to break it (or push it) like Steve surely does. And yeah, in that case they're worse than the consumer going to the store and looking at the damn thing themselves.

[@foreignsgamingtech]

This is how politely ripping a new one looks like.

[@Plague_GG]

I feel like Steve is gonna get a box full of smart devices after this video.

[@TCGView]

A very solid review. I hate when companies use stupid marketing buzz words to try and sell us on gimmicks.

[@TheHighborn]

13:20 it doesn't need a computer inside of it. NOW HOLD ON FOR A SECOND STEVE!

[@rubberduck8867]

OMFG THAT OPENING IS BRILLIANT. Been waiting for this review

[@licentioushowler3400]

23:47 I think I've just now realized that this is my favorite tech review group ever.

[@grantkendrick277]

"who plays a game for 20 minutes?" you just earned a new subscriber!

[@FoodTechLife]

This is one of the best if not the best PC hardware channels. Great work! - btw what LED light panel was that (in the solo case shot)?

[@mz1be]

1) lmao @ 23:53 2) wouldn’t think twice for a i700d @ $150 3) great stuff as always!

[@user-kk4bq7mb8u]

H700 is here now for $150, I believe.

[@larslovestech]

agreed...would like to see you do a video on NZXT's cam software and how bad/buggy it is and why they cannot seem to fix it

[@dcphillips1991]

I hope they release a just case version, it looks amazing.

[@TacoUP]

Another great review Steve! Do you wish they would included the puck with the case as well?

[@neat2014]

Another SAVAGE INTRO. Love it 😂

[@ConceptProductions80]

u can change cam software's notifications in the settings... cpu temp warnings can be adjusted to whatever temp u want

[@r000OO00tt]

dafuq a mic built into my case? wtf nzxt now i have to worry about my chassis listening to me

[@CyberianFaux]

Next thing you know we are going to have smart homes with smart toilets in them. Oh wait... we actually did that as well? Why? Because apparently there are advantages to letting people hear you take a dump. I don't really get this move to try to make everything connect to the internet to deal with non-existent problems. We now have smart forks, toilets, locks (meaning it is even easier to break in if you know the software of them), shoes, lights, heating appliances (wish you luck if there is a blizzard and you lose your wifi), cars (more understandable to be honest due to safety), and so much more. I really wonder if we are going to make our jewelry, shirts, walls, and beds smarter so that we really have no privacy. Don't get me wrong, I like the case but I thought it included a really nice RGB strip and fan hub instead of literally a microphone with bad software that defeats the purpose of sacrificing you privacy in the first place.

[@Erowens98]

CyberianWolf money. Adding the word "smart" to a product lets you sell it for a higher margin. Also provide an excuse to sell your information to advertisers. By the way, smart mattresses are a thing too.

[@CyberianFaux]

Birki gts Of course they are! I feel like an idiot for not suspecting them to already exist. I do feel like I am the only one who avoids any "smart" products that are just an excuse to essentially gain information on me. Smart lights, cars, and phones at least have a great many advantages to them including safety for the cars, functionality for the phone, and remote use capabilities for the lights but tell me what is the advantage of this smart mattress?

[@Erowens98]

The smart mattress is supposed to automatically adjust softness and temperature by your preference. But in the end how often would you really change any of that? Might as well just buy something the correct softness to begin with. I don't mind smart gimicks, but i certainly won't pay extra unless the product is actually useful, like light, phones, etc...

[@CyberianFaux]

Birki gts Agreed.

[@TheKidnappedOne]

The 85°c temp warning is an all around temp warning. Ice gotten that for both my 980ti and my 5930k when I was tweaking some fan curve settings and then stress testing an oc. Ice since stopped using cam, for what should be obvious reasons. At this point I just use CPUID HWMonitor. Frankly it better utilizes the sensors in my hardware than even say corsair's own software.

[@King716]

You could take a longer route with that 24 pin and go over the bar and then behind so that it doesn't look so crappy. Not everything has to be as short of a route as possible especially with cable extensions.

[@BrianCroweAcolyte]

H700i looks decent compared to recent cases but the Define R5 is still my favorite. R5 has support for a 420mm radiator on the top and still has room for eight 3.5" drives with two SSD mounts behind the motherboard, all without being a massive full tower. And doesn't hurt that can find the R5 for under $100 while the H700i is $200 with no 5.25" support, weaker fan/radiator support and minuscule 3.5" support. But I guess it looks kinda cool?

[@JetBen555]

13:20 IT DOES FINE ON ITS OWN MERIT IT DOESNT NEED A COMPUTER INSIDE OF IT .. to add cost .. and *oh wait*

[@GamersNexus]

The smart device is a computer.

[@oscarmuhammad4072]

CAM software allows you to customize the temperature threshold for notification to a higher level(see settings/notifications). You are referencing the default value. You may rethink doing a bit more research on these products before making definitive assertions, but I do get that sometimes things just get past us.

[@TheVerrm]

Steve if you listen we NEED for you to put those PUCK T-Shirts onto your store! They look great!

[@suichiro4577]

I have a H700i and I love the case. Only downside is that Smart Device and the Cable management bar. It interferes with any EATX motherboard and any right angled 24Pin. Also if you plan to custom loop. It isn't too friendly with larger graphic cards since you won't have space to place a reservoir unless you mount it ontop of the PSU shroud so you lose 2 2.5 inch mounts.

[@fongvang935]

Yeap, I would've bought this case if: $150 came with a puck without the CAM "smarts" USB 3.1 Gen2 Type C FP It's really too bad because the case IS a pretty slick looking. And yes, please re-release with a "dumb type c" version and I'll be all over it. For now I've settled for a Meshify C. Great Job GN.

[@RGjolstad]

So... The ONLY bad thing with this is that someone at NZXT needs to get their programming-shit together. I mean, this is just a serious case of lackluster programming and missing information for the end user. However, you've inspired me to try to make a similar fan-controller-smart-thingy for myself sometime. Thanks for the idea for a fun project Steve!

[@AlokSomani]

I wish I saw this video before pulling the trigger on the Phanteks Enthoo Pro M TG. I read your review of it on the website and the noise levels on the chart threw me off, but I didn't see it mentioned anywhere that you were running the fans at max. That means the case could be relatively quiet and still cool well with better fans at lower RPMs.

[@BraddaBrod]

Now that newegg sells the h700 that excludes the smart devices, what would you say about h700 vs h500?? Would you recommend the 700 (w/ out smart device) over the h500? Starting my first build and like the h500 however if the h700 has notable better performance, I don't mind spending a little extra. Anybody with their thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

[@ccccdddd8939]

Man this is an excellent review. Totally agree with removing the “smart feature.”

[@xtrash1ove]

Hey, great video, as always. One question - why don't you ever review Phateks cases? Enthoo Evolve for instance, would be great to hear your opinion on such an advertised and popular case.

[@subtypeXi]

Damn I love this Channel

[@jimg.9198]

So, the SSD brackets can come off from the back, and be mounted on top of the grilled power supply shroud?

[@rubberduck8867]

Was struggling between this and Dark base pro 900. Think I will go with a DB PRO tbh, I use optical drives a lot and noise is something I want to control without sacrificing too much thermal...

[@jugostran]

Rubber Duck I have it!And I can say with confidence its a much better buy than this!Just remember,keep the Tempered Glass sticker on it to know how to rotate the glass,also,screw in all screws for optical drive to keep vibrations low,also as well,remember to connect any fans to the fan controller.Also that has wireless charging built in!And its made out of brushed aluminum!You can clean it with a soft cloth and some windex!

[@rubberduck8867]

Hi Nick, Thanks for the reply. I would like to ask a few things if I may though. My desk space is very small so I may have to have it diagonally placed anyway to fit, it's ground level but on a platform, so the tempered glass thing does not really matter to me, I'm thinking of just going with the non pro model. I was wondering, is the fan controller software based? Also does it really give you anything over a BIOS method? I normally just plug my fans into a mobo and leave them like that with no config. The non pro is £50 less, i'm not bothered about tempered glass so the only thing the pro is offering me personally is the fan controller. Also I heard the PSU is a bit of a nightmare screw wise?

[@jugostran]

First of all,the psu isnt all that hard to install,just follow the manual and you will be fine.Also,the case is tall and long,but its just 40mm wider than the S340.So,whilst it is big in every witch way the width is quite small.The fan controller is not software based,its a switch on the front.The non pro model has no TG,no wireless charging pad and no RGB LEDs.But it does have the fan controller.Also,If you decide to connect the front panel both to the mobo and the integrated fan controller all the way right and left is full speed,while in the middle is PWM control.And except the little switch on the front that can put the fans to max rpm,there is no real benefit of the fan controller over the bios except convenience.Also,if you just plug your fans into the controller it will make them run at a higher RPM thus making them louder.

[@rubberduck8867]

Hi Nick, Thank you so much for the response really really appreciated. Will probably go for the non pro then as thermals will be the same and the extra fluff while very nice for some personally does not apply to me. One last thing what did you mean by connecting the fan controller to the mobo and fan controller? I thought you just plugged the fans into the controller and then the controller into the mobo?

[@jugostran]

Yeah,plug the fans into the controller,and the controller into the mobo.Just remember witch fan header you used and also move the switch on the front into the middle position.

[@matthough4124]

Great review! Could you not have routed the main power connector in front of the blue cover bar and then into the cutout behind it? Not ideal but it would have looked better than squeezing and bending the cable behind it.

[@brumby92]

I still like the bitfenix recon fan controller i'm using. Just attach the temp probes to your gpu cooler and play around with the temps until it doesn't overheat and it's nice and quiet while idling.

[@Dominian1]

I love these in-depth reviews of cases. This case isn't appealing at all and I still had fun watching the video.

[@EverythingisFire]

Would be cool to see a review of the H200i. You mentioned the perforation in the PSU shroud doesn't help much with cooling. I'd be curious to see if it makes a difference with an mITX build.

[@nhozdien5058]

PUCK Gamer Nexus is back baebyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

[@nogghan4637]

i just routed the cable under the bar and it REALLY cleans up the look of the case im not sure why you chose to force the 24 pin over the top of the cable bar? just go directly behind it and then flatten out the bowing cables with combs