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Corsair iCUE Link 3500X vs NZXT H9 Elite: Comparison
What is the difference between Corsair iCUE Link 3500X and NZXT H9 Elite?
Gpu clearance is where these two genuinely part company, Corsair iCUE Link 3500X 370 mm against NZXT H9 Elite 435 mm, a 15% lead for NZXT H9 Elite. Typical price is not the same on both, 170 USD on the Corsair iCUE Link 3500X versus 200 USD on the NZXT H9 Elite. There is a split on dimensions as well, 478 x 230 x 465mm on the Corsair iCUE Link 3500X versus 460 x 230 x 480mm on the NZXT H9 Elite.
Corsair iCUE Link 3500X vs NZXT H9 Elite: which one fits your build
The Corsair iCUE Link 3500X is the one to take for iCUE Link ecosystem builds and cable-management-obsessed builders, though it is not the pick for Non-Corsair fan ecosystems and E-ATX motherboards. Buy the NZXT H9 Elite for RGB showcase builds without extra fan shopping and builders who want NZXT's CAM ecosystem, though it is not built for airflow-first builds (get the H9 Flow instead) and E-ATX motherboards. Our rating of the Corsair iCUE Link 3500X (8/10): the cleanest cabling you'll get out of the box if you're buying into iCUE Link fans, with a solid mid-tower dual-chamber design underneath. 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.
Corsair iCUE Link 3500X vs NZXT H9 Elite price
Cost splits them too. Corsair iCUE Link 3500X sits at $170, NZXT H9 Elite at $200, 18% more.
What Corsair iCUE Link 3500X and NZXT H9 Elite have in common
The common ground is wider than the gap: included fans, motherboard support, case type and front usb-c are identical here.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Corsair iCUE Link 3500X and NZXT H9 Elite differ on cpu cooler clearance?
Yes. CPU Cooler Clearance reads 170 mm on the Corsair iCUE Link 3500X versus 165 mm on the NZXT H9 Elite.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Corsair iCUE Link 3500X
- Corsair
- NZXT H9 Elite
- NZXT
Motherboard Support
- Corsair iCUE Link 3500X
- ATX, mATX, ITX
- NZXT H9 Elite
- ATX, mATX, ITX
Case Type
- Corsair iCUE Link 3500X
- Mid-Tower
- NZXT H9 Elite
- Mid-Tower
Model
- Corsair iCUE Link 3500X
- iCUE Link 3500X
- NZXT H9 Elite
- H9 Elite
Panel Type
- Corsair iCUE Link 3500X
- Tempered glass, dual-chamber
- NZXT H9 Elite
- Wraparound tempered glass, dual-chamber
GPU Clearance
- Corsair iCUE Link 3500X
- 370 mm-15%
- NZXT H9 Elite
- 435 mmBest
Typical Price
- Corsair iCUE Link 3500X
- 170 USD
- NZXT H9 Elite
- 200 USD
CPU Cooler Clearance
- Corsair iCUE Link 3500X
- 170 mmBest
- NZXT H9 Elite
- 165 mm-3%
Included Fans
- Corsair iCUE Link 3500X
- 3
- NZXT H9 Elite
- 3
Radiator Support
- Corsair iCUE Link 3500X
- Front up to 360mm, top up to 360mm
- NZXT H9 Elite
- Front up to 360mm, top up to 280mm
Front USB-C
- Corsair iCUE Link 3500X
- Yes
- NZXT H9 Elite
- Yes
Dimensions
- Corsair iCUE Link 3500X
- 478 x 230 x 465mm
- NZXT H9 Elite
- 460 x 230 x 480mm
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair iCUE Link 3500X if you want the higher CPU cooler clearance (170 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 370 mm).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair iCUE Link 3500X | NZXT H9 Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $170.00 View on Amazon | |
| Corsair Store | View on Corsair 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
Corsair iCUE Link 3500X
8 / 10 Expert Rating
The cleanest cabling you'll get out of the box if you're buying into iCUE Link fans, with a solid mid-tower dual-chamber design underneath.
NZXT H9 Elite
8 / 10 Expert Rating
The RGB-and-glass version of an already-good case, priced fairly for what's included.