NZXT H440 Special Edition Review

NZXT H440 Special Edition Review

Manufacturer: NZXT
UK price (as reviewed): £124.13 (inc VAT)
US price (as reviewed): $194.99 (ex TAX)

We're big fans of most of NZXT's cases, especially so of its recent efforts at offering minimalist disigns that are really pushing the boundaries of PC case aesthetics. In addition, you're usually guaranteed a case that's well-equipped to deal with your typical PC's needs with features such as fan controllers, fan hubs, decent cable routing and even lighting on offer. Most of these sought-after bits are present in one of its latest cases too - the H440 Special Edition.


As the name suggests, this is a souped-up version of its popular H440 case with the added wow factor coming from collaboration with peripheral manufacturer Razer. Thankfully, the extra eye candy is fairly tasteful so the otherwise sleek and minimalist design of the H440 isn't spoiled. In fact, there are just a couple of additions and they're purely aesthetic too.


There's a Razer logo on the front panel that's illuminated and another situated on the PSU cover. This latter one appears to float thanks to the tinted side window. The H440 Special Edition also sports under-case lighting and a couple of green LEDs illuminate the rear of the case too. However, as we've said, it's tastefully done and the lighting isn't garish, even in a dark room. Aside from this, the case has also been coated inside and out in a matt black finish. This looks fantastic and gives the case a real quality feel as well as drawing attention to the logos and tinted side window. If you're not a fan of the latter, then Mnpctech has recently announced a clear replacement window for it as well its intention to offer a tinted window for standard case owners.


The front panel is fairly simple with audio jacks plus two USB 2 and two USB 3 ports. NZXT has coloured the latter green to match the green Razer details too. The sleek exterior is pretty devoid of vents and drive bays, though, with just small vents in the sides of the removable top and front fascias, and there's also no way to use an optical drive - something SilverStone did manage with its similar-looking FT05. Most other features are here though, including removable dust filters in the front and PSU areas as well as sound-proofing in the front and roof fascias.


If you're not keen on the lighting, then you can switch everything off via a button at the back of the case or individually by disconnecting the internal connectors. The fascias are relatively easy to remove and provide excellent access to the fan mounts beneath, and there are quite a few of them, with the front fascia revealing the large removable dust filter too.

Specifications

• Dimensions (mm) 220 x 475 x 510 (W x D x H)
  
• Material Steel, plastic
  
• Available colours Black/green
  
• Weight 9.75kg
  
• Front panel Power, reset, 2 x USB 3, 2 x USB 2, stereo, microphone
  
• Drive bays 6 x 3.5/2.5in, 2 x 2.5in
  
• Form factor(s) Mini-ITX, MicroATX, ATX
  
• Cooling 3 x 120mm or 2 x 140mm front fan mounts (3 x 120mm fans included), 3 x 120mm or 2 x 140mm roof fan mounts (fans not included), 1 x 140/120mm rear fan mounts (1 x 140mm fan included)
  
• CPU cooler clearance 180mm
  
• Maximum graphics card length 294mm (406mm with drive mount removed)
  
• Extras10-port 3-pin fan hub, illuminated front panel, base and PSU cover, removable dust filters