For PC builders, though, the most important distinction is less photogenic: the H5 RGB+ gives up top-mounted cooling in exchange for its glass roof. That makes choosing between these cases a layout decision—not merely a question of how much RGB lighting belongs on the desk. NZXT’s support specifications explicitly distinguish the two configurations.
H7: A glass showcase with an airflow alternative
The new H7 and H7 RGB+ use a single curved tempered-glass panel across the front and left side. Both also include a glass top, which NZXT calls Vista Mode, plus an alternative steel-mesh top and fan bracket. Builders can therefore change the top configuration without purchasing another panel.
This is a substantial mid-tower: NZXT lists a 75.2-liter volume and dimensions of 551 × 260 × 525 mm. Published clearances include a graphics card up to 495 mm long with a 30 mm front-right fan installed, a CPU air cooler up to 188 mm tall and a power supply up to 200 mm long. Top radiator support reaches 420 mm with the mesh top fitted.
The standard H7 includes no fans. The H7 RGB+ instead arrives with two F420 RGB Reverse single-frame assemblies, an F140 RGB rear fan and a Control Hub Lite. Both support ATX back-connect motherboards and include an adjustable GPU anti-sag bracket.
The practical appeal is flexibility: the H7’s glass presentation need not permanently determine its cooling layout. That is a configuration advantage, not evidence of superior temperatures.
H5: The RGB+ model changes the cooling plan
NZXT’s H5 specification sheet shows why the smaller cases deserve closer inspection. Both occupy 47 liters and support ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards, including ATX back-connect designs. GPU clearance reaches 420 mm, CPU cooler clearance is 172 mm, and both have an adjustable anti-sag bracket.
Their cooling provisions differ:
| Configuration | Standard H5 | H5 RGB+ |
|---|---|---|
| Top panel | Steel mesh | Vista Mode glass |
| Top radiator support | Up to 360 mm | None |
| Side radiator support | Up to 360 mm | Up to 360 mm |
| Fan positions | 10 | 7 |
| Included cooling | No fans or controller | F360 RGB Reverse, F120 RGB and Control Hub Lite |
These are NZXT’s published specifications, rather than interchangeable configurations.
There is another useful compatibility warning: NZXT limits the standard H5’s top radiator-and-fan stack to 56 mm. With a top-mounted 280 mm radiator and fans, its recommended maximum memory height is 34.8 mm because taller RAM or motherboard heatsinks may interfere. Check the complete cooling stack, not just the radiator’s nominal size.
Kraken Plus and Core take different approaches
The Kraken Plus 360 RGB combines an Asetek Gen 9 pump with a customizable 1.8-inch, 360 × 360-pixel display running at 60 Hz. NZXT CAM handles images, GIFs, system information and display orientation. Its included F360 RGB assembly combines three fans into one frame, with NZXT specifying two cables to route for that assembly.
The screenless Kraken Core comes in 360 mm and 420 mm versions with Asetek Gen 9V pumps. Its magnetic faceplate offers four orientations, while the radiator fans share a single frame and one four-pin PWM cable. NZXT specifies no fan hub or controller for this arrangement.
A useful pairing conclusion follows from the published specifications: neither H5 model lists support for a 420 mm radiator, so the Kraken Core 420 should not be treated as a companion cooler for those cases simply because it belongs to the same launch.
Fans, power and vertical GPU mounting
The F360Q and F420Q Quiet Airflow products also combine three fans in one frame and use fluid-dynamic bearings. The new vertical GPU kit includes a 175 mm PCIe 5.0 riser and steel anti-sag hardware.
The C1200 Platinum supplies 1,200 watts, supports ATX 3.1 and is fully modular. NZXT lists both 80 PLUS Platinum and Cybenetics Platinum efficiency certifications, plus a fan-stop mode under light load. Its specifications include a 600-watt 12V-2x6 GPU connection. These describe capability and certification—not a reason every gaming PC needs a 1,200-watt PSU.
Launch pricing and the buying takeaway
NZXT’s announced Americas prices are:
| Product | Launch price |
|---|---|
| H5 / H5 RGB+ | $89.99 / $134.99 |
| H7 / H7 RGB+ | $159.99 / $259.99 |
| Kraken Core 360 / 420 | $79.99 / $99.99 |
| Kraken Plus 360 RGB | $149.99 |
| F360Q / F420Q | $24.99 / $29.99 |
| C1200 Platinum | $199.99 |
| PCIe 5.0 vertical GPU kit | $49.99 |
The manufacturer describes a worldwide retailer rollout over the coming months, varying by region and store; these are announced prices, not confirmation of local stock or street pricing.
The clearest takeaway is to choose the cooling layout before choosing the glass. The H7 includes both top-panel approaches; the H5 requires a more deliberate choice between top-mounted cooling and the RGB+ model’s glass-roof presentation. A seamless view is attractive, but it cannot make an incompatible radiator fit.