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be quiet! Dark Base 901 vs NZXT H9 Flow: Comparison
What is the difference between be quiet! Dark Base 901 and NZXT H9 Flow?
On cpu cooler clearance the spread is 15%, be quiet! Dark Base 901 195 mm against NZXT H9 Flow 165 mm, so be quiet! Dark Base 901 takes it. Panel type is not the same on both, Tempered glass, tool-free removable on the be quiet! Dark Base 901 versus Wraparound tempered glass on the NZXT H9 Flow. Typical price is not the same on both, 210 USD on the be quiet! Dark Base 901 versus 170 USD on the NZXT H9 Flow. They differ on dimensions too, 547 x 240 x 522mm on the be quiet! Dark Base 901 versus 506 x 315 x 481 mm on the NZXT H9 Flow.
Who each one is for
The be quiet! Dark Base 901 suits Quiet high-end builds and E-ATX motherboards, though it is the wrong buy for budget builds and small desks. Take the NZXT H9 Flow for serious custom-loop builders who want dual-chamber design with 420mm radiator support at two locations. Avoid it for buyers on a tighter budget who don't need that much radiator headroom. Our rating of the be quiet! Dark Base 901 (8.5/10): nearly all of the Dark Base Pro 901 experience for less money, with genuinely quiet stock fans. Our rating of the NZXT H9 Flow (8.5/10): dual-chamber showcase design with 420mm radiator support in two locations.
Which is cheaper, be quiet! Dark Base 901 or NZXT H9 Flow?
The be quiet! Dark Base 901 asks 24% more, $210 against $170 for the NZXT H9 Flow.
Frequently asked questions
Do the be quiet! Dark Base 901 and NZXT H9 Flow differ on gpu clearance?
Yes. GPU Clearance reads 470 mm on the be quiet! Dark Base 901 versus Up to 459 mm on the NZXT H9 Flow.
Is the Included Fans the same on the be quiet! Dark Base 901 and NZXT H9 Flow?
It is. Both are listed at 3, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- be quiet! Dark Base 901
- be quiet!
- NZXT H9 Flow
- NZXT
Motherboard Support
- be quiet! Dark Base 901
- E-ATX, ATX, mATX, ITX
- NZXT H9 Flow
- ATX, mATX, ITX
Case Type
- be quiet! Dark Base 901
- Full-Tower
- NZXT H9 Flow
- Mid-Tower
Model
- be quiet! Dark Base 901
- Dark Base 901
- NZXT H9 Flow
- H9 Flow
Panel Type
- be quiet! Dark Base 901
- Tempered glass, tool-free removable
- NZXT H9 Flow
- Wraparound tempered glass
GPU Clearance
- be quiet! Dark Base 901
- 470 mmBest
- NZXT H9 Flow
- Up to 459 mm (410 mm with 56 mm thick 420 mm AIO and front fans)
Typical Price
- be quiet! Dark Base 901
- 210 USD
- NZXT H9 Flow
- 170 USD
CPU Cooler Clearance
- be quiet! Dark Base 901
- 195 mmBest
- NZXT H9 Flow
- 165 mm-15%
Included Fans
- be quiet! Dark Base 901
- 3
- NZXT H9 Flow
- 3
Radiator Support
- be quiet! Dark Base 901
- Front up to 420mm, top up to 420mm
- NZXT H9 Flow
- Up to 420mm (top and front)
Dimensions
- be quiet! Dark Base 901
- 547 x 240 x 522mm
- NZXT H9 Flow
- 506 x 315 x 481 mm
Which one should you pick?
Choose be quiet! Dark Base 901 if you want the higher GPU clearance (470 mm vs Up to 459 mm (410 mm with 56 mm thick 420 mm AIO and front fans)), the higher CPU cooler clearance (195 mm vs 165 mm) and the higher included fans (3 vs 3).
Choose NZXT H9 Flow if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | be quiet! Dark Base 901 | NZXT H9 Flow |
|---|---|---|
| be quiet! Store | $210.00 View on be quiet! Store | |
| Consumercarts listing | $170.00 View on Consumercarts listing |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
be quiet! Dark Base 901
8.5 / 10 Expert Rating
Nearly all of the Dark Base Pro 901 experience for less money, with genuinely quiet stock fans.
NZXT H9 Flow
8.5 / 10 Expert Rating
Dual-chamber showcase design with 420mm radiator support in two locations.




