The NZXT H7 Flow and Lian Li Lancool 216 are both airflow-focused mid tower cases in the £80–£130 price range. Both feature mesh front panels and support 360mm front radiators. They are frequently compared because they target the same builder — someone who wants strong airflow and a clean aesthetic without paying full-tower prices.
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Side-by-Side Specifications
| Specification | NZXT H7 Flow | Lian Li Lancool 216 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (H×W×D) | 480×230×495mm | 476×230×495mm |
| Weight | 10.55kg | 7.6kg |
| Form factors supported | ATX, mATX, ITX | ATX, mATX, ITX |
| Max GPU length | 400mm | 400mm |
| Max CPU cooler height | 185mm | 175mm |
| Included fans | None (base model) | 2× 160mm PWM |
| Front fan slots | 3× 120mm or 2× 140mm | 2× 160mm or 3× 120mm |
| Top fan slots | 2× 120mm or 2× 140mm | 2× 120mm or 2× 140mm |
| Rear fan slot | 1× 120mm | 1× 120mm |
| Max front radiator | 360mm | 360mm |
| Max top radiator | 280mm | 240mm |
| 3.5″ drive bays | 2 | 2 |
| 2.5″ drive bays | 3 | 4 |
| Side panel | Tempered glass | Tempered glass |
| Typical UK price | £110–£130 | £80–£95 |
| Amazon UK | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Key Differences
Weight
The H7 Flow is 2.95kg heavier than the Lancool 216 — a substantial difference that is immediately noticeable when lifting or moving the case. At 10.55kg, the H7 Flow is on the heavier end for a mid tower. The Lancool 216 at 7.6kg is considerably easier to transport, which matters during the build process and for anyone who moves their PC between locations.
Included fans
The Lancool 216 ships with two 160mm PWM fans pre-installed at the front. These are purpose-designed for the case and provide immediate airflow performance out of the box. The H7 Flow base model includes no fans at all, meaning additional budget is required before the system can move air effectively. This is one of the most significant practical differences between the two cases.
Top radiator clearance
The H7 Flow supports a 280mm radiator in the top position, while the Lancool 216 is limited to 240mm at the top. For builders pairing the case with a 280mm all-in-one liquid cooler, the H7 Flow is the only option of the two that accommodates this configuration without mounting the radiator at the front. Both cases support a 360mm radiator at the front.
Front fan sizing and replacement
The Lancool 216’s included 160mm fans are a non-standard size. While they offer excellent airflow coverage across the front mesh, replacing them or adding a third fan requires either sourcing 160mm fans — which have a limited selection compared to 120mm and 140mm options — or switching to three 120mm fans in the available alternative mounting positions. The H7 Flow uses standard 120mm and 140mm fan slots throughout, giving access to the full range of aftermarket fans without compatibility concerns.
CPU cooler clearance
The H7 Flow offers 185mm of CPU cooler clearance versus 175mm in the Lancool 216 — a 10mm difference. In practice, both figures comfortably accommodate most large tower coolers. The Noctua NH-D15, widely regarded as one of the tallest and most effective air coolers available, measures 165mm and fits in both cases. The difference becomes relevant only for a small number of exceptionally tall coolers that exceed 175mm.
Storage
The Lancool 216 provides four 2.5″ drive bays compared to three in the H7 Flow. Both cases include two 3.5″ bays. For builders running multiple SSDs alongside a hard drive, the extra bay in the Lancool 216 provides more flexibility without requiring an adapter or bracket.
Price
The Lancool 216 typically retails at £80–£95, while the H7 Flow sits at £110–£130. The Lancool 216 is not only cheaper but also includes fans, increasing the effective value gap between the two cases.
Effective Cost Comparison
When accounting for fans, the cost comparison shifts. The H7 Flow requires at least three 120mm fans to fill the front panel — a set of quality PWM fans typically costs £25–£45 depending on brand and performance tier. Adding this to the H7 Flow’s purchase price brings the total to roughly £135–£175.
The Lancool 216 at £80–£95 includes two 160mm fans that are well-suited to the case from day one. A third 120mm fan for the rear costs under £15. The total equipped cost sits at approximately £95–£110.
Builders who already own preferred fans, or who are integrating with an existing NZXT ecosystem, will find the H7 Flow’s fan-free pricing less of a drawback. For those starting from scratch, the Lancool 216’s included fans represent meaningful savings.
Who the H7 Flow Suits
The H7 Flow is a strong fit for builders who need a 280mm top radiator mount — particularly those pairing the case with a 280mm AIO cooler and a 360mm front radiator simultaneously. It also suits builders who already own a set of preferred 120mm or 140mm fans and do not want the included fans of another case going to waste. Those using NZXT CAM software and integrating with other NZXT components such as AIO coolers, fan controllers, or lighting strips will benefit from a consistent ecosystem experience. The H7 Flow’s aesthetic — characterised by clean lines and a polished finish — appeals to builders prioritising a specific look.
View the NZXT H7 Flow on Amazon UK
Who the Lancool 216 Suits
The Lancool 216 suits value-focused builders who want strong out-of-box airflow without spending separately on fans. The included 160mm PWM fans perform well and the case is ready to cool a full build immediately after purchase. Builders who plan to use a 240mm or 360mm AIO — or air cooling — and do not require a 280mm top mount will find the Lancool 216’s cooling options more than sufficient. It is also well-suited to those who prefer a straightforward build experience without proprietary software or ecosystem lock-in. The additional 2.5″ drive bay makes it a practical choice for storage-heavy builds.
View the Lian Li Lancool 216 on Amazon UK
Summary
The NZXT H7 Flow and Lian Li Lancool 216 share the same footprint and support the same motherboard form factors and maximum GPU lengths. The differences come down to weight, included fans, top radiator size, fan standardisation, and price. The H7 Flow’s 280mm top radiator support and use of standard fan sizes are its distinguishing technical advantages. The Lancool 216’s lower price, included fans, lighter weight, and extra drive bay define its value proposition. Neither case is objectively superior — the right choice depends on the specific cooling configuration planned and whether fans are already available to bring to the build.
Related articles: Best PC Cases UK: Complete Guide
