Today we’re checking out the new H2 Flow case from NZXT. It’s a small-form-factor chassis designed to focus on cooling performance while maintaining the clean, minimal looks NZXT is known for. It has a full mesh panels, support for high-end hardware and according to NZXT, a layout aimed at making the build process as straightforward as possible. There’s even support for several fan and radiator configurations, so on paper at least, it looks like NZXT is addressing one of the biggest criticisms of its previous ITX case. But how well does it actually perform? Let’s find out.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
00:50 Pricing and details
01:34 Overview / Dimensions / Materials
02:10 Panels / A look Inside
04:20 Front IO
04:56 Cooling Support
06:27 Motherboard and PSU support
07:03 Cable Management support
08:14 Graphics Card and some issues
11:45 Motherboard layout and air flow
12:37 Cable Management features
12:52 Power Supply / Drive support
13:46 Building inside the case / accessories
14:41 Thermal and Noise Performance
16:16 James thoughts

Features:

• High-airflow mesh design: Ultra-fine mesh panels on multiple sides maximise air flow while also helping to filter dust, keeping components cool and clean.
• Strong liquid cooling support: Designed primarily for AIO setups, with support for up to a 280mm front-mounted radiator to keep thermals under control in a compact system.
• Compact footprint, high-end compatibility: Despite the small 20.7L layout, it supports GPUs up to 331mm and 3-slots wide, making it capable of handling modern high-performance hardware.
• Builder-friendly design: the H2 Flow Features tool-less panels, smart cable management, pre-installed fans, and a PCIe 5.0 riser cable, all aimed at making the build process quick and straightforward.

Specifications:

• Case Type: Small Form Factor
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 435 mm x 181 mm x 263 mm
• Materials: Steel, tempered glass
• Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX
• Back-connect motherboard support: N/A
• Expansion Slots: 3 (Standard Vertical)
• Storage bays: 2 x 2.5”
• Max GPU Length: 331mm
• Max GPU Thickness: 65mm
• Max GPU Width: 150mm
• Max CPU Cooler Height: 75mm
• PSU Type: SFX up to 130mm
• Cable Management: Fixed Velcro Straps / Zip Ties Included
• Supplied Fans: 2 x F120Q (Top)
• Fan Support: 2 x 120 / 2 x 140mm (Front), 2 x 120mm (Top),
• Radiator Support: up to 280mm (Top)
• Font I/O: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 2 x USB 3.2 Type-A, 1 x combined 3.5mm Auio/Mic jack
• LCD Screen: N/A

Thermal Performance Testing

To simulate thermal demand, we run the Cinebench R23 multi-thread benchmark and 3DMark Speed Way stress test simultaneously in a loop for 30 minutes to load the system fully. This gives the CPU and GPU enough time to reach constant steady-state temperature. With this data, we can compare how the system handles the thermal demand and measure peak noise levels.

Thermal performance is measured with the case in various configurations, such as the default, with the tempered glass left-hand side panel removed and with the front panel removed to see how these configurations affect the CPU and GPU temperature. During testing, only stock case fans are used unless otherwise specified. All water pumps are set to maximum RPM and fans are set to a custom RPM curve by the Motherboard software/BIOS.

All temperature measurements are presented as Deltas – meaning the ambient temperature has been deducted from the CPU temperature, giving us a Delta. Data shown in the charts represents the average component temperature over the length of the test as measured by HWiNFO, and then the last 15 minutes of the data are calculated to get the average. The ambient temperature during thermal tests is between 19-20⁰C.

Test System Specification:

• CPU – AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
• Motherboard – ASROCK Phantom Gaming B850i Lightning WiFi
• Graphics Card – ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 XT OC Edition
• Memory – 32GB (2 x 16GB Modules) G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5-6000
• Storage – 1TB Corsair MP600 Elite PCIE Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD
• CPU Cooler – NZXT Kraken Elite 280
• Power Supply – NZXT C850 SFX Gold
• Case fans – Stock (2 x F120Q)
• Chassis – NZXT H2 Flow
• Operating System – Windows 11 24H2

Thermal Performance Overview

We test case thermals using a 280mm AIO as the intake at the front and with the case in several different fan configurations. The default configuration shown in the charts is with the Front 280mm AIO cooler, 2 x 120mm top exhaust fans and with all case panels installed.

Looking at the thermal results, the H2 Flow delivers pretty solid performance overall, with some interesting quirks. With the side panels removed, we see CPU temperature at 61°C over ambient and 39°C on the GPU. In the default configuration with all panels installed, CPU temperature increases to 65°C over ambient on the CPU and 41°C on the GPU, so out of the box airflow seems reliable, but there's some restriction.

Switching the top fans to intake doesn’t help CPU temperature at all and pushes GPU temperatures up a couple of degrees. Using an AIO as exhaust at the front sees CPU temperatures climb to 68°C, although GPU temps drop back down to 39°C in this configuration, so there’s a bit of a trade-off depending on your setup.

Noise Output

Moving on to noise output, again the H2 performs quite consistently. With the side panels removed we see a maximum load noise level of 41dBA, rising slightly to 42dBA in the default setup with all side panels installed, due to increased temperatures and higher fan speeds.

Switching the top fans to intake doesn’t change things at all, but using the AIO as exhaust pushes noise up slightly to 43dBA, due to higher CPU temperature and AIO fan speed. However, an increase of 1dBA shouldn’t be too noticeable in real-world scenarios. At idle, everything sits between 36 – 37dBA regardless of configuration, so overall the H2 Flow delivers controlled acoustics — its not the quietest case we’ve tested, but certainly nothing much to complain about either.

Closing Thoughts

Overall, the H2 Flow is a bit of a mixed bag, but there are some positives worth highlighting. The compact footprint is one of its best features — it takes up less space desk space than mid-towers and some compact SFF cases with horizontal layouts, which will appeal to users who are working with a smaller desk setup. At the same time, NZXT has done a solid job with cooling support, with compatibility for 280mm AIOs and 140mm fans, so you don’t have to sacrifice cooling for desk space, which is great and a big improvement on its predecessor, the H1.

Building inside the case is mostly a smooth experience. System installation is straightforward, there’s a decent amount of space to work with given the overall size, and cable routing is handled reasonably well for the most part. There are clear channels for running cables, which work well. It's not the most radical design, nor does it include any genuinely innovative ideas, but NZXT has clearly put some thought into making the build process as painless as possible for most users.

That said, there are a few downsides that hold it back. One of those issues is GPU compatibility — the maximum graphics card length is quite restrictive; it's an improvement on the H1 at 331mm, but a lot of current high-end cards simply won’t fit. There are also some concerns around build quality. The motherboard tray has excessive flex, the PCIe riser cable fouls the motherboard tray and the back of the GPU, some of the outer panels feel a bit weak, and small details like the Velcro straps don’t properly secure the 24-pin cable, even though generally cable management is good.

There are a few usability niggles too. Removing a graphics card can be awkward due to the limited access to the PCIe retaining latch, which you only notice when removing the graphcis card. There's only a small cutout in the chassis frame to get a finger in to release the PCIe latch, you may be tempted to use a tool and pry it open, which can result in damage. So while the H2 Flow gets things right in terms of size, airflow, and ease of use, the compromises — particularly around GPU support and build quality mean it doesn’t quite hit the mark.

The NZXT H2 Flow is available to purchase now from Scan priced at £129.98 HERE.

Pros: 

• Decent cooling support
• Small footprint.
• Easy system installation.

Cons:

• Max graphics card space limits options.
• Build quality issues.
• Cable management Velcro straps are a bit weak.
• A little expensive.

KitGuru says: The H2 Flow is certainly an improvement in terms of cooling compared to the H1, but it still falls short in some areas, which makes it difficult to recommend. The potential for a solid small form factor case is there, but there's still room for improvement.

The post NZXT H2 Flow PC Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.

Today we’re taking a look at the Antec Flux Pro Noctua Edition, a full-tower case designed around high airflow and low-noise performance. It combines Antec’s Flux Pro chassis with a set of pre-installed Noctua G2 fans, tuned to deliver strong cooling with minimal acoustic impact. The case features extensive ventilation and support for large radiators, high-end GPUs, and oversized air coolers. In this review, we’ll be checking build quality, layout, and thermal performance to see how it stacks up.

Timestamps:

00:00 Start
00:44 Pricing / Costs
01:38 Accessories
02:02 Dimensions
02:14 Materials / Build
03:00 Recommended Fan Config
03:19 Front I/O (top)
03:47 Temperature display
04:27 Getting Inside the case / Colours
07:13 Install Options
12:27 Rotated PSU Design
13:36 Right hand side / drive positions
17:10 Floor of the case
17:55 Testing Methodology
19:08 Thermal and Noise Performance
21:09 Visual Airflow demo and thoughts
23:22 Closing Thoughts

Features:

• Pre-installed Noctua G2 fans – Includes four Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 and two NF-A12x25 G2 premium fans, delivering high-end airflow straight out of the box.
• Optimised for low noise operation – Noctua’s Extensive lab testing and offset fan speeds are designed to reduce vibration and “beat frequency” hum for quieter performance.
• Integrated fan hub and clean wiring – It also comes with a pre-wired NA-FH1 fan hub for synchronised control and simplified cable management.
• High-airflow Flux Pro chassis design – Flux Pro Noctua Edition is built on a low-airflow-resistance platform designed to maximise cooling efficiency for high-performance systems.

Specifications:

• Case Type: ATX Full Tower
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 530 x 245 x 546 mm
• Materials: Steel, Tempered Glass, Walnut Wood, Silicone, Plastic
• Motherboard Support: STX, Mini-ITX, µATX, ATX, E-ATX (Max 280mm)
• Back-connect motherboard support: No
• Expansion Slots: 8
• Storage bays: 5” x 2 / 2.5/3.5” x 4
• Max GPU Length: 455mm
• Max CPU Cooler Height: 190mm
• PSU Type: ATX up to 470mm (300mm with HDD) (180mm Rotated 90°)
• Cable Routing Space: 5mm
• Supplied Fans: 3x NF-A14x25 G2 PWM (Front), 2x NF-A12x25 G2 PWM (PSU shroud), 1x NF-A14x25 G2 PWM (rear)
• Fan Support: 3 x 120 / 3 x 140mm (Front), 3 x 120 /  3 x 140mm (Top), 2 x 120 / 2 x 140mm (Bottom), 1 x 120 / 1 x 140mm (Rear) 3 x 120mm (PSU Shroud)
• Radiator Support: 120/140/240/280/360/420 mm (Front/Top), 120/140mm (Rear/Bottom), 120/240/360mm (PSU Shroud)
• Dust Filters:
• Font I/O: 1x USB-C 3.1 (10 Gbit/s), 2x USB-A 3.0 (5 Gbit/s), 3.5 mm headphone/mic combo jack, Power / Reset / Temperature / Display Switch
• LCD Screen: Yes – Temperature Display

Thermal Performance Testing

To simulate thermal demand, we run the Cinebench R23 multi-thread benchmark and 3DMark Speed Way stress test simultaneously in a loop for 30 minutes to load the system fully. This gives the CPU and GPU enough time to reach constant steady-state temperature. With this data, we can compare how the system handles the thermal demand and measure peak noise levels.

Thermal performance is measured with the case in various configurations, such as the default, with the tempered glass left-hand side panel removed and with the front panel removed to see how these configurations affect the CPU and GPU temperature. During testing, only stock case fans are used unless otherwise specified. All water pumps are set to maximum RPM and fans are set to a custom RPM curve by the Motherboard software/BIOS.

All temperature measurements are presented as Deltas – meaning the ambient temperature has been deducted from the CPU temperature, giving us a Delta. Data shown in the charts represents the average component temperature over the length of the test as measured by HWiNFO, and then the last 15 minutes of the data are calculated to get the average. The ambient temperature during thermal tests is between 19-20⁰C.

Test System Specification:

• CPU – AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
• Motherboard – MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi
• Graphics Card – Gigabyte RTX 5080 Gaming OC
• Memory – 32GB (2 x 16GB Modules) G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5-6000
• Storage – 1TB Corsair MP600 Elite PCIE Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD
• CPU Cooler – Noctua NH-D15 G2 LBC
• Power Supply – Seasonic Focus GX-1000 ATX 3
• Case fans – Stock (Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 PWM / NF-A12x25 G2 PWM)
• Chassis – Antec Flux Pro Noctua Edition
• Operating System – Windows 11 24H2

Thermal Performance Overview

We tested the case thermals using a Noctua NH-D15 G2 LBC / 360mm AIO as the exhaust at the top and with the case in several different fan configurations. The default configuration shown in the charts is with the Noctua NH-D15 G2 LBC CPU cooler, 3 x 140mm front intake fans, 2 x 120mm PSU shroud intake fans, 1 x 140mm rear exhaust fan and with all panels installed.

Thermal performance from the Flux Pro Noctua Edition is generally very strong. In the default configuration, CPU temperatures average 56°C over ambient, with the GPU at 45 °C. There is a clear improvement over the air-cooled setup when using a top-mounted 360mm AIO. This is due to the AIO's increased cooling power rather than any limitation of the case.

However, in the air-cooled setup, adding top fans as exhaust negatively affects CPU thermals, raising temperatures to 58°C, suggesting an airflow disruption. Adding a 120mm top intake fan can have a minor improvement in CPU temperature, but GPU temperature is unchanged with both top fan configurations, so leaving top fans out completely is fine.

GPU temperature remains consistent across most setups at around 45°C over ambient, highlighting the effectiveness of the case’s airflow design in the recommended configuration. Removing the PSU shroud fans leads to a small increase in GPU temperature at 48°C. Overall, the results show that the case performs best with balanced airflow in the default configuration, delivering solid all-around thermal performance.

Noise Output

Noise performance is fairly consistent across test configurations, with load noise at 46 dBA in the default setup, which doesn’t really change whether you switch to top intake or add extra exhaust fans. Noise shifts slightly when you remove the PSU shroud fans or install a top-mounted AIO, increasing to 48 dBA under load, suggesting those configurations introduce a bit of fan noise from the GPU cooler and from the AIO compared with the default configuration and using the D15 G2 air cooler.

Idle noise, however, is rock solid across the board at 36 dBA. Overall, it’s a pretty well-balanced acoustic in any configuration, but clearly best optimised in the recommended Noctua configuration.

Closing Thoughts

The Antec Flux Pro Noctua Edition is a case that does exactly what it sets out to do — deliver strong airflow, great cooling and low noise performance. In testing, it handles both CPU and GPU thermals with ease, and more importantly, it manages to keep noise levels impressively low, not just at idle, but also under load. Something that case manufacturers don’t always get right with pre-installed fan configurations. However, the Noctua Fans are not pre-installed; this is the job of the user. They arrive in a separate box.

A big part of that comes down to the included Noctua fans. You’re getting a set of high-quality NF-A12x25 and NF-A14x25 G2 units, along with a Noctua fan hub, all designed to work together. Build quality is exactly what you’d expect from an Antec/Noctua partnership, and the colour scheme is carried throughout the case, giving it a very distinct look that suits the whole package very well and will no doubt please Noctua enthusiasts.

In terms of compatibility, there’s plenty to like here too, including support for dual 420mm radiator installation, as well as generous clearance for large air coolers such as the Noctua NH-D15 G2 and high-end graphics cards. So whether you’re building a high-performance air-cooled system or going all-in with liquid cooling, the Flux Pro has the space and layout to handle it. But this means the case is quite large with Full tower dimensions, not ideally suited to placement on top of the desk.

That said, it’s not without its downsides. At around £350, it’s a very expensive case; at that price, you start to expect a bit more in terms of features. There’s no integrated GPU support bracket, no back-connect motherboard support, and some of the internal panels — particularly the top and front fan mounting brackets could be more intuitive to remove. Even so, if your main priority is excellent cooling performance with low noise levels straight out of the box, the Antec Flux Pro Noctua Edition is a very capable, premium option.

The Antec Flux Pro Noctua Edition is available to purchase now from Amazon priced at £348.90 HERE.

Pros: 

• Great thermal performance and low noise.
• Very high-quality fans included.
• Built-in fan hub.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• Missing basic key features such as an integrated GPU support arm, tool-free parts, and back-connect motherboard support.
• Fans are not pre-installed.

KitGuru says: If you have the cash to splash on a case and want a large chassis with great cooling and low noise, then this might be ideal, especially for Noctua enthusiasts. But in the current economic conditions, it could be money better spent on core system components.

The post Antec Flux Pro Noctua Edition PC Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.

Today we’re checking out the new 3200D case from Corsair. It’s a compact mid-tower chassis aiming to combine strong airflow with the latest builder-friendly features, including support for 360mm radiators, reverse-connection motherboards, and graphics cards up to 370mm long. In this RS ARGB version, you also get three included fans, a tempered glass side panel, and a built-in GPU support bracket. But how well does it actually perform? Let’s find out.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
00:48 Meet the 3200D – pricing and variants
01:19 Key specs
03:08 Accessing internals
05:34 Cooling and hardware support
07:51 At the back of the case
08:22 Behind the mobo tray
11:02 The case floor
11:48 Accessories and setup
12:24 Thermals and noise
13:34 James’ thoughts so far
14:45 Some compromises made…
16:19 USB 2.0?! And a potential explanation…
19:24 Last minor negative
19:55 Closing thoughts

Features:

• Strong Cooling Potential – Supports up to nine 120mm fans with three RS120 ARGB fans included out of the box and 360mm radiators are supported front and top.
• Reverse-Connector Motherboard Support – Compatible with reverse-connector motherboards, helping create clean builds with minimal visible cabling.
• GPU-Focused Design – Includes a built-in GPU anti-sag stabilisation arm and angled PSU-shroud fan mount to direct airflow toward the graphics card.

Specifications:

• Case Type: ATX Mid Tower
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 476 x 214 x 446mm
• Materials: Steel, Plastic, Tempered Glass
• Motherboard Support: ATX / mATX, Mini-ITX
• Back-connect motherboard support: Yes
• Expansion Slots: 7
• Storage bays: 2 x 2.5” / 1 x 3.5”
• Max GPU Length: 370mm
• Max CPU Cooler Height: 165mm
• PSU Type: ATX up to 180mm
• Pre-installed Fans: 3 x RS120 ARGB (Front)
• Fan Support: 3 x 120 / 2 x 140mm (Top), 3 x 120 / 2 x 140mm (Front), 2 x 120mm (Bottom), 1 x 120mm (Rear)
• Radiator Support: 360 / 280 / 240mm (Top), 360 / 280 / 240mm (Front)
• Dust Filters: Front / Bottom / Top
• Front I/O: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (20Gbps), 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A, 3.5mm Audio and Mic Combo Jack, Power Button
• LCD Screen: N/A

Thermal Performance Testing

To simulate thermal demand, we run the Cinebench R23 multi-thread benchmark and 3DMark Speed Way stress test simultaneously in a loop for 30 minutes to load the system fully. This gives the CPU and GPU enough time to reach constant steady-state temperature. With this data, we can compare how the system handles the thermal demand and measure peak noise levels.

Thermal performance is measured with the case in various configurations, such as the default, with the tempered glass left-hand side panel removed and with the front panel removed to see how these configurations affect the CPU and GPU temperature. During testing, only stock case fans are used unless otherwise specified. All water pumps are set to maximum RPM and fans are set to a custom RPM curve by the Motherboard software/BIOS.

All temperature measurements are presented as Deltas – meaning the ambient temperature has been deducted from the CPU temperature, giving us a Delta. Data shown in the charts represents the average component temperature over the length of the test as measured by HWiNFO, and then the last 15 minutes of the data are calculated to get the average. The ambient temperature during thermal tests is between 19-20⁰C.

Test System Specification:

• CPU – AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
• Motherboard – MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi
• Graphics Card – Gigabyte RTX 5080 Gaming OC
• Memory – 32GB (2 x 16GB Modules) G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5-6000
• Storage – 1TB Corsair MP600 Elite PCIE Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD
• CPU Cooler – Corsair Nautilus 360 RS ARGB
• Power Supply – Seasonic Focus GX-1000 ATX 3
• Case fans – Stock (Corsair RS120 ARGB)
• Chassis – Corsair 3200D RS ARGB
• Operating System – Windows 11 24H2

Thermal Performance Overview

We tested the case thermals with a 360mm AIO as the exhaust at the top and in several different configurations. The default configuration shown in the charts is with the 360mm AIO at the top, 3 x 120mm RS ARGB fans at the front as intake and with all panels installed.

Looking at the thermal results, the 3200D performs consistently across all of our test configurations. With the case in its default setup, we saw CPU temperatures of 52°C and GPU temperatures of 47°C above ambient, which are solid out of the box results.

Removing the glass side panel or the dust filters doesn't make a meaningful difference, suggesting airflow through the chassis is already quite unrestricted by default. Interestingly, adding bottom fans shaves a few degrees off the GPU temperature, dropping it to 44°C, which shows that directing airflow toward the graphics card can provide a small benefit.

Noise Output

Moving on to noise output, results are again consistent across the different configurations. In the default setup the system measures 49 dBA under full load, while idle noise sits at a steady 36 dBA regardless of configuration.

Removing the dust filters or the glass side has little impact, with load noise varying only slightly from 49 to 50 dBA. The configuration with bottom fans installed produces the lowest load noise at 48 dBA, suggesting the additional airflow allows the GPU fans to work a little less aggressively under load, lowering overall system noise.

Closing Thoughts

Taken as a whole, the Corsair 3200D is a solid addition to the affordable airflow-focused case market. In our testing it delivers strong thermal performance with little variation in performance across configurations, so the case is well optimised for airflow and cooling straight out of the box. Build quality is also impressive for the price point, with a sturdy overall feel and a generally clean, understated design that should appeal to a wide range of consumers.

Hardware support is positive too, as the case manages to squeeze in high-end components despite its fairly compact mid-tower footprint. There’s room for large graphics cards, decent CPU cooler clearance, 360mm AIOs and support for several motherboard formats, which helps make the 3200D a flexible platform for mainstream gaming builds. While the interior layout does involve a few compromises due to the case dimensions, overall it still offers a fairly straightforward building experience.

That said, there are a few areas where the design feels slightly underdeveloped. The 360mm top radiator support is there technically, but compatibility can be limited depending on radiators and fan size, plus installation itself is a little awkward without a detachable top panel or radiator/fan bracket. Similarly, the front I/O feels somewhat dated with the inclusion of a USB 2.0 Type-A port, where a USB 3.0 connection would make more sense for a modern chassis. This could come down to the choice of reverse connector motherboard support and tight right-hand side clearance for cable management, although Corsair suggests otherwise.

There are also some smaller usability quirks to be aware of. The included GPU support bracket may not work with some graphics cards, particularly those with fans that extend lower than the shroud, plus there's no fan/ARGB hub included. However, these drawbacks don’t completely undermine what the Corsair 3200D does well. With strong airflow performance, solid build quality and good overall hardware support, it remains a capable budget builder-friendly case – even if a few design tweaks could have made it a much stronger contender.

The Corsair 3200D RS ARGB is has an MSRP of £79.99 here in the UK.

Pros:

• Strong airflow and cooling,
• Solid build quality at this price point.
• Good hardware support for its size, even with the compromises with a top 360 rad.

Cons:

• Top 360 radiator compatibility is limited, and installation can be awkward.
• USB 2.0 Type-A should be upgraded to USB 3.0.
• No detachable top rad/fan mount.
• GPU support bracket not compatible/interferes with fans on some graphics cards.
• No fan/ARGB hub included.

KitGuru says: Corsair almost nailed it with the 3200D, it has great cooling potential and hardware support, but some extra attention to detail would have resulted in a more well-rounded case.

The post Corsair 3200D RS ARGB Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.

Today we’re taking a look at the Cougar CFV235 mid-tower chassis. It features Cougar’s Central Floating Ventilation design, support for up to EATX motherboards, including back connect, and comes with pre-installed ARGB PWM fans straight out of the box. On paper, there’s plenty of cooling potential too with support for up to nine fans and 360mm radiators, along with clearance for graphics cards up to 430mm long. As always, we’ll be checking out build quality, ease of installation, thermal performance, and overall value to see if the CFV235 is worth considering for your next build.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
00:45 Pricing + key info
02:38 Getting inside
04:10 Cooling support, pre-installed fans
05:55 CPU and GPU compatibility
06:52 Looking at the rear
07:18 Area behind the mobo tray
09:32 Storage support
10:21 Floor of the case
11:17 Accessories
12:14 Thermal tests + noise
13:49 James’ experience so far
15:19 Closing thoughts

Features:

• Central Floating Ventilation (CFV) structure: A unique floating chamber design that creates separation between the PSU cabin and main chamber to enhance airflow and gives the case its distinctive look.
• Pre-installed Unity 240 ARGB PWM reverse-blade fan & Aurora RGB lighting: Included is a Cougar Unity 240 single-frame ARGB fan and an integrated Aurora RGB lighting strip for enhanced cooling and aesthetics.
• Versatile hardware support: CFV235 is compatible with motherboards up to E-ATX size, including back connect, 360mm radiators, 175mm tall air coolers and supports GPUs up to 430 mm in length.

Specifications:

• Case Type: Mid Tower
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 235 × 493 × 460 mm
• Materials: Steel, Plastic, Glass
• Motherboard Support: Mini ITX / Micro ATX / ATX / CEB
• Back-connect motherboard support: Yes
• Expansion Slots: 7
• Storage bays: 5″ ×2, 2.5″ ×2 + 2 (converted from 3.5″ bays)
• Max GPU Length: 430mm
• Max CPU Cooler Height: 175mm
• PSU Type: ATX up to 200mm
• Pre-installed Fans: Unity 240 ARGB PWM Reversed Fan × 1 (Side) 120mm ARGB PWM Fan × 1 (Rear)
• Fan Support: 120mm × 3 / 140mm × 3 (Top), 120mm ×2 (Side), 120mm x 3 (Bottom), 120mm x 1 (Rear)
• Radiator Support: 360mm / 280mm / 240mm / 140mm / 120mm (Top), 120mm (Rear)
• Dust Filters: Bottom
• Front I/O: USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ×1, USB 3.0 Type-A ×2, 4-Pole Headset Audio Jack ×1, RGB Button
• LCD Screen: N/A

Thermal Performance Testing

To simulate thermal demand, we run the Cinebench R23 multi-thread benchmark and 3DMark Speed Way stress test simultaneously in a loop for 30 minutes to load the system fully. This gives the CPU and GPU enough time to reach constant steady-state temperature. With this data, we can compare how the system handles the thermal demand and measure peak noise levels.

Thermal performance is measured with the case in various configurations, such as the default, with the tempered glass left-hand side panel removed and with the front panel removed to see how these configurations affect the CPU and GPU temperature. During testing, only stock case fans are used unless otherwise specified. All water pumps are set to maximum RPM and fans are set to a custom RPM curve by the Motherboard software/BIOS.

All temperature measurements are presented as Deltas – meaning the ambient temperature has been deducted from the CPU temperature, giving us a Delta. Data shown in the charts represents the average component temperature over the length of the test as measured by HWiNFO, and then the last 15 minutes of the data are calculated to get the average. The ambient temperature during thermal tests is between 19-20⁰C.

Test System Specification:

• CPU – AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
• Motherboard – MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi
• Graphics Card – Gigabyte RTX 5080 Gaming OC
• Memory – 32GB (2 x 16GB Modules) G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5-6000
• Storage – 1TB Corsair MP600 Elite PCIE Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD
• CPU Cooler – Montech HyperFlow Digital 360
• Power Supply – Seasonic Focus GX-1000 ATX 3
• Case fans – Stock
• Chassis – Cougar CFV235
• Operating System – Windows 11 24H2

Thermal Performance Overview

We tested the case thermals with a 360mm AIO as the exhaust at the top and in several different configurations. The default configuration shown in the charts is with the 360mm AIO at the top, Cougar Unity 240 intake side fan, 1 x 120mm rear exhaust and with all panels installed.

In our thermal testing the Cougar CFV235 delivered fairly consistent thermal results across different configurations. With the default setup, the system recorded 53°C over ambient on the CPU and 49°C on the GPU. Taking off the mesh top panel produced similar behaviour, with the CPU reaching 53°C and the GPU 49°C. So the mesh isn’t too restrictive.

Removing the glass side panel had little effect on CPU or GPU thermals at 52°C and 48°C, respectively. But adding bottom intake fans reduced GPU temperature further to 46°C over ambient, while CPU temperature remained the same at 52°C. Overall, the results suggest the case’s stock airflow configuration is reasonably well balanced, but there are minor GPU thermal gains to be had from adding bottom intake airflow.

Noise Output

As with thermals, the noise testing shows only a minor difference between configurations under load. In the default configuration, the maximum load noise measures 52 dBA, which drops to 49 dBA when bottom intake fans are installed – showing the cooler GPU temperature helped reduce fan speed.

At idle, the system remained consistent across all configurations at around 36–37 dBA. Overall, our testing would suggest the additional bottom fans help reduce system noise slightly under load, while panel removal has a minor impact on acoustics.

Closing Thoughts

First impressions of the Cougar CFV235 are good thanks to its distinctive design. Cougar’s Central Floating Ventilation layout gives the chassis a unique look that stands out from more conventional mid-tower designs, while the overall construction feels surprisingly solid and well put together. Panel fitment is good, materials feel sturdy, and the case generally gives the impression of a well-built product.

Thermal performance is decent rather than class-leading. The stock configuration delivers stable temperatures in our testing, but it doesn’t quite extract the maximum possible cooling potential straight out of the box. That said, adding bottom intake fans provides a small but noticeable improvement in GPU temperature and noise, suggesting the airflow design benefits from a little extra intake to help feed the GPU and main chamber. Based on that, it does seem odd that Cougar doesn’t include bottom intake fans as the default.

There are a couple of minor usability issues worth mentioning, such as the lack of removable radiator brackets, meaning that it's difficult to connect cables at the top of the motherboard with an AIO installed. This is a feature I like to see at this price point. Additionally, the side cable cut-out grommet can be easily dislodged during cable routing, which may prove to be a little frustrating during the build process.

Even with those small drawbacks, the CFV235 still offers a well-rounded package with strong build quality, extensive hardware compatibility, including back-connect motherboards, big graphics cards, plenty of cooling potential, and a distinctive aesthetic that all work in its favour. Thermal performance is also perfectly respectable once airflow is optimised with bottom intake fans. For builders looking for something a little different visually without sacrificing practicality or build quality, the Cougar CFV235 is a solid option.

UK availability is scarce but we found it listed on Amazon HERE.

Pros: 

• Unique look with the free-floating top chamber.
• No adverse chassis flex due to the 1.5mm thick steel frame.
• Good hardware support, with up to EATX motherboards, including back connect, and big graphics cards.
• Included six-port PWM ARGB hub.

Cons:

• Thermal performance is a little limited out of the box.
• Non-removable top radiator bracket.
• Side cable grommet is easily dislodged.

KitGuru says: If you want a case that has a distinctive look but doesn't sacrifice build quality or practicality, the Cougar CFV235 is worth a look.

The post Cougar CFV235 Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.

Today we’re taking a look at the Antec Vortex View 360, a premium 360mm AIO cooler built around Asetek’s latest 9th-generation pump design, featuring an integrated 5-inch 360-degree rotatable IPS display. On paper, Antec is targeting both strong thermal performance and a high level of visual customisation with the Vortex View 360. In this review, we’ll be testing installation, build quality, acoustics and, of course, thermal performance to see how it compares against other 360mm AIOs.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
00:44 Pricing and key details
01:42 Closer look – radiator
03:29 CPU block + screen!
07:00 Tranquil fans
08:19 Other accessories
09:09 Installation process
10:30 Screen software
11:41 Acoustics and thermals
13:48 Closing thoughts

Features:

• Huge 5-inch IPS display — Vortex View 360 is equipped with a 1280 x 720 IPS panel that can be oriented through 360 degrees to suit your build, perfect for monitoring real-time system stats or custom visuals that show through your chassis side panel.
• 9th-Gen Asetek cooling platform with quieter pump — engineered for up to ~400 W TDP cooling power with reduced vibration and optimised acoustics, pairing performance with lower noise.
• Integrated iUnity 2.0 — Users can fine-tune fan and pump curves, customise lighting zones and control what the display shows, all through Antec’s updated iUnity 2.0 software.

Specifications:

• CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA115X / 1200 / 1700 / 1851, AMD: AM4 / AM5
• Radiator Material: Aluminium
• Radiator Dimensions: 394 × 120 × 27 mm
• Pump Speed: up to 3000RPM
• Pump Noise: ≤27 dB(A)
• Cold Plate Material: Micro Skived Copper
• Pump Connector: 4-pin Molex
• Fan Dimensions: 120 × 120 × 25 mm
• Fan Speed (PWM): 400 ±100 ~ 2000 ±150 RPM
• Air flow: 59.23 CFM (max.)
• Air Pressure: 2.46 mmH₂O (max.)
• Fan Noise: 28.6 dB(A)
• Fan Connector: 4-pin PWM
• LCD Screen: IPS 1280 x 720 resolution, 60Hz refresh, 300 nits brightness
• Warranty: 6 Years

Test System Specifications:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
• Motherboard: ASRock Phantom Gaming X870E Nova WiFi
• Memory: 32GB (2 x 16GB Modules) Kingston Fury DDR5-6000
• Graphics card: MSI Radeon RX 6600 XT Gaming X
• Storage: 1TB Corsair MP600 Elite PCIe Gen4x4 NVME M.2 SSD
• Power Supply: Seasonic Prime TX-1600
• Chassis: Open Test Bench
• Thermal Compound: Arctic MX-6
• O/S: Windows 11 Version 24H2

The post Antec Vortex View 360 AIO CPU Cooler Review first appeared on KitGuru.

The most exciting part of reviewing PC hardware is looking at brand new products from a fresh new company. Levelplay debuted its cooling line at Computex 2024, so its products are very new to the market. Today we get our first look at one of the company's AIO coolers, the Combat Liquid 360 HUD, equipped with a 360mm radiator, RGB fans, and an LCD screen, or you could say… a Heads-Up Display! 

Features:

• Integrated 2.6″ circular display: Combat Liquid 360 HUD is equipped with a built-in HUD, providing real-time system info like CPU temperature, power draw, usage rate, and clock speeds directly on the pump cap mounted LCD.
• Jet impingement pump technology: Levelplay AIOs use a high-velocity coolant flow pumped directly onto the cold plate to improve thermal transfer from the CPU.
• Rigid All-in-one fan design: Three 120mm ARGB fans are encased in a unified frame design, pre-installed to the cooler for less cable clutter and maximum airflow.
• Engineering designed to last: Durable metal brackets support installation on AMD and Intel desktop platforms while reinforced rubber tubing with braided sleeving allows for maximum flexibility, leak protection and a clean look.

Specifications:

• CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA1851 / LGA1700, AMD AM5 / AM4
• Radiator Material: Aluminium
• Radiator Dimensions: 397 x 120 x 27mm
• CPU Block/Pump Dimensions: 89 × 80 × 64 mm
• Pump Speed: 800 ~ 3000 RPM ± 10%
• Cold Plate Material: Micro-Skived Copper
• Pump Connector: 4-Pin PWM / 9-Pin USB (LCD)
• Fan Dimensions: 360 × 120 × 25.5 mm
• Fan Speed (PWM): 800 ~ 2000 RPM ± 10%
• Fan Static Pressure: 2.1mm H20 (max)
• Fan Airflow: 71 CFM (Max)
• Fan Noise: 6 ~ 36 dBA
• Fan Connector: 4-Pin PWM / 3 Pin 5V ARGB
• LCD Screen: 2.6-Inch Segmen LED screen
• Warranty: 3 Years

Levelplay ships the Combat Liquid 360 HUD in a cardboard box with an image of the cooler and Combat logos on the front. On the back, some key features are listed with images. Inside the box, the contents are packed into a cardboard crate for protection during shipping. The cooler is wrapped in plastic, and the accessories are included separately in a smaller box.

The included fans are mounted in a single-frame design to reduce cable clutter and feature a PWM speed range of 800-2000 RPM. The opaque fan blades illuminate with ARGB lighting once the cooler is powered on, and a single cable connects from the centre, featuring standard 4-pin PWM and 3-pin ARGB connections.

The Combat 360 HUD uses a standard 27mm thick aluminium radiator with 12 waterways and a dense fin pitch with fixed position tubing at the radiator tank. The radiator is coated with a slightly textured, satin black finish that appears high-quality. The tubing is fitted with premium-looking braided sleeving.

For an LCD-equipped pump, the Levelplay Combat Liquid 360 HUD is a compact unit, with dimensions of 89 x 80 x 64 mm with the screen housing installed. The screen housing is attached to the pump body magnetically and can be easily removed and rotated so that the display can always be mounted in the correct orientation.

Tubing is flexible EPDM rubber connected to the CPU block on 90-degree rotary fittings. At the base of the CPU block, the cold plate is manufactured from micro-skived copper. Wiring to the pump is standard 4-pin PWM, and the LCD connects to the PC motherboard via a 9-pin USB header connection.

In terms of included accessories, all installation hardware for current AMD and Intel platforms is shipped with the cooler. There is also a small tube of thermal compound, as there isn't any pre-applied to the cold plate and a thermal paste spreading tool. A physical copy of the installation guide is included too, which I prefer to digital versions that seem to be more common these days.

The post Levelplay Combat Liquid 360 HUD AIO CPU Cooler Review first appeared on KitGuru.