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NZXT H5 Flow · Charcoal — Mid-tower
NZXT

NZXT H5 Flow · Charcoal

Mid-tower

86
/ 100
From $94
VS
Fractal North wins by 6
Fractal North — Mid-tower
Fractal

Fractal North

Mid-tower

92
/ 100
From $139
Specdex verdict

Fractal North takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, NZXT H5 Flow · Charcoal lands at 86 and Fractal North at 92. That puts Fractal North ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick NZXT H5 Flow · Charcoal if…

  • ✓Tool-less panels on most
  • ✓Cable-management channels
  • ✓Dust filters

Pick Fractal North if…

  • ✓Tool-less panels on most
  • ✓Cable-management channels
  • ✓Dust filters
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Airflow

Fractal North

Compared on the airflow sub-score

Fractal North leads on airflow (92 vs 86).

Build

Fractal North

Compared on the build sub-score

Fractal North leads on build (90 vs 84).

Features

Tie

Compared on the features sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

NZXT H5 Flow · Charcoal

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

NZXT H5 Flow · Charcoal more score per dollar ($94 vs $139).

NZXT H5 Flow · Charcoal 86
vs
92 Fractal North

Score breakdown

NZXT H5 Flow · Charcoal
86
airflow 86
build 84
features 84
value 86
Fractal North
92
airflow 92
build 90
features 84
value 86

Specs side-by-side

NZXT H5 Flow · Charcoal versus Fractal North — full spec comparison
Spec NZXT H5 Flow · Charcoal Fractal North
Type
Mid-tower
Mid-tower

NZXT H5 Flow · Charcoal

Pros
  • +Tool-less panels on most
  • +Cable-management channels
  • +Dust filters
Cons
  • −Fan inclusion varies
  • −GPU clearance limits for triple-slot cards
  • −Weight on glass panels

Fractal North

Pros
  • +Tool-less panels on most
  • +Cable-management channels
  • +Dust filters
Cons
  • −Fan inclusion varies
  • −GPU clearance limits for triple-slot cards
  • −Weight on glass panels

FAQ: NZXT H5 Flow · Charcoal vs Fractal North

Which is better, NZXT H5 Flow · Charcoal or Fractal North? +

Fractal North scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is NZXT H5 Flow · Charcoal worth the price? +

At $94, NZXT H5 Flow · Charcoal delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in airflow.

Is Fractal North worth the price? +

At $139, Fractal North delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in airflow.

Does NZXT H5 Flow · Charcoal or Fractal North last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for airflow, NZXT H5 Flow · Charcoal or Fractal North? +

Fractal North — leads on airflow (92 vs 86). Compared on the airflow sub-score.

Which is better for build, NZXT H5 Flow · Charcoal or Fractal North? +

Fractal North — leads on build (90 vs 84). Compared on the build sub-score.