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Cooler Master HAF 500 vs NZXT H9 Elite: Comparison
Cooler Master HAF 500 vs NZXT H9 Elite: the gpu clearance difference
On gpu clearance the spread is 8%, Cooler Master HAF 500 400 mm against NZXT H9 Elite 435 mm, so NZXT H9 Elite takes it. There is a split on panel type as well, Polygonal mesh front, tempered glass side on the Cooler Master HAF 500 versus Wraparound tempered glass, dual-chamber on the NZXT H9 Elite. Typical price is not the same on both, 140 USD on the Cooler Master HAF 500 versus 200 USD on the NZXT H9 Elite. Dimensions is not the same on both, 494 x 231 x 468mm on the Cooler Master HAF 500 versus 460 x 230 x 480mm on the NZXT H9 Elite.
Who each one is for
Buy the Cooler Master HAF 500 for high-wattage airflow builds and E-ATX boards in a mid-tower footprint, though it is not the pick for noise-sensitive environments and showcase RGB builds without extra fans. The NZXT H9 Elite is the one to take for RGB showcase builds without extra fan shopping and builders who want NZXT's CAM ecosystem, though it is the wrong buy for airflow-first builds (get the H9 Flow instead) and E-ATX motherboards. Our rating of the Cooler Master HAF 500 (8/10): A strong airflow mid-tower for people who like the HAF 700's looks but not its size. Our rating of the NZXT H9 Elite (8/10): the RGB-and-glass version of an already-good case, priced fairly for what's included.
Which is cheaper, Cooler Master HAF 500 or NZXT H9 Elite?
At the last price check the Cooler Master HAF 500 was $140 and the NZXT H9 Elite $200, a 43% premium.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Cooler Master HAF 500 and NZXT H9 Elite differ on cpu cooler clearance?
Yes. CPU Cooler Clearance reads 175 mm on the Cooler Master HAF 500 versus 165 mm on the NZXT H9 Elite.
Is the Included Fans the same on the Cooler Master HAF 500 and NZXT H9 Elite?
It is. Both are listed at 3, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- Cooler Master
- NZXT H9 Elite
- NZXT
Motherboard Support
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- E-ATX, ATX, mATX, ITX
- NZXT H9 Elite
- ATX, mATX, ITX
Case Type
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- Mid-Tower
- NZXT H9 Elite
- Mid-Tower
Model
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- HAF 500
- NZXT H9 Elite
- H9 Elite
Panel Type
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- Polygonal mesh front, tempered glass side
- NZXT H9 Elite
- Wraparound tempered glass, dual-chamber
GPU Clearance
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- 400 mm-8%
- NZXT H9 Elite
- 435 mmBest
Typical Price
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- 140 USD
- NZXT H9 Elite
- 200 USD
CPU Cooler Clearance
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- 175 mmBest
- NZXT H9 Elite
- 165 mm-6%
Included Fans
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- 3
- NZXT H9 Elite
- 3
Radiator Support
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- Front up to 360mm, top up to 360mm
- NZXT H9 Elite
- Front up to 360mm, top up to 280mm
Front USB-C
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- Yes
- NZXT H9 Elite
- Yes
Dimensions
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- 494 x 231 x 468mm
- NZXT H9 Elite
- 460 x 230 x 480mm
Which one should you pick?
Choose Cooler Master HAF 500 if you want the higher CPU cooler clearance (175 mm vs 165 mm) and the higher included fans (3 vs 3).
Choose NZXT H9 Elite if you want the higher GPU clearance (435 mm vs 400 mm).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Cooler Master HAF 500 | NZXT H9 Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Cooler Master Store | $140.00 View on Cooler Master Store | |
| NZXT Store | $200.00 View on NZXT Store |
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
Cooler Master HAF 500
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A strong airflow mid-tower for people who like the HAF 700's looks but not its size.
NZXT H9 Elite
8 / 10 Expert Rating
The RGB-and-glass version of an already-good case, priced fairly for what's included.