u/Nick_production

A few quick questions for the experts:

Bottom Fans vs Manual: I chose 3 individual 140mm NZXT Duo fans for the bottom intake instead of a single-frame block (safer if one dies). However, the case manual says the bottom fits "3x140mm fans" but only "up to a 360mm radiator". Will 3 individual 140mm fans actually fit down there without overlapping or clearance issues? Are individual fans tough to wire up for a beginner?
Intel vs AMD: I chose Intel mainly for QuickSync since I use DaVinci Resolve. Is the Core Ultra 7 the right call here, or should I pivot to AMD Ryzen for this workload?
Overall Check: Since it's my first time, do you see any physical incompatibilities, clearance issues with the Kraken 360 at the top, or major blunders?

Any tutorials or pro-tips for a first-timer are highly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I'm currently planning my new workstation build inside the new NZXT H9 Flow (2025 version), but I’ve hit a huge contradiction in the official spec sheet regarding the bottom fan mounts and a massive dilemma regarding my CPU/GPU balance.

Here is the complete part list with the exact retail pricing (VAT/IVA included) from my cart:

Motherboard: MSI MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI – € 272.99

RAM Option 1: Corsair Vengeance DDR5 32GB (2x16GB) 6000MHz CL36 – € 474.32

RAM Option 2: Crucial Pro DDR5 32GB (2x16GB) 6000MHz CL36 (XMP/EXPO) – € 434.09

SSD: Lexar ARES PRO 2TB PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 – € 269.00

Cooler: Arctic Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 A-RGB – € 130.00 (approx)

Case: NZXT H9 Flow (2025) – € 129.90

Power Supply: MSI MAG A1000GL PCIE5 1000W 80+ Gold – € 130.50

Fans Option 1: NZXT F360 RGB Core (360mm single frame) – € 69.99

Fans Option 2: NZXT F420 RGB Reverse (420mm single frame) – € 59.99

CPU Option A: Intel Core Ultra 9 285K – € 554.77

CPU Option B: Intel Core Ultra 7 265K – € 304.77 (exactly €250 cheaper)

GPU Option X: PNY RTX 5070 12GB ARGB OC – € 610.66

GPU Option Y: PNY RTX 5070 Ti 16GB ARGB OC – € 927.19

Total Build Cost Estimations (using Crucial RAM + F360 fan):

Path 1 (Ultra 9 + RTX 5070): € 2,401.41

Path 2 (Ultra 7 + RTX 5070 Ti): € 2,467.94

Question 1: The Case Fan Mystery

The official NZXT graphic says for the bottom panel: "3 x 120 mm / 3 x 140 mm" but right above it, it specifies "Up to 360 mm" for radiators.

If I want to buy a single-frame fan block like the NZXT F420 (which is 420mm long), will it physically fit at the bottom? Or is the 140mm spec a typo/restricted to individual fans, meaning I'm forced to buy the NZXT F360 (360mm block)? Has anyone built in the 2025 H9 Flow yet?

Question 2: The Core Ultra 9 vs Ultra 7 & GPU Overkill Dilemma

I am at a crossroads. My main use case will be video editing and some light local AI automation work.

Right now, I have two options because the price gap matches closely (saving €250 on the CPU almost bridges the gap needed for the Ti GPU):

Go with the Core Ultra 9 285K + RTX 5070 (12GB).

Downgrade to Core Ultra 7 265K + upgrade to RTX 5070 Ti (16GB).

Here is my honest take:

To give you context, I’m upgrading from a 9-year-old MSI Dominator laptop running an old i7 and a mobile GTX 1070 with 8GB of VRAM. Literally anything modern is going to feel like a massive jump to me.

Because of this, I honestly feel that an RTX 5070 Ti is completely overkill and probably wasted on my current workflow. I don't think I strictly need that much graphical power right now. If my workload scales up significantly in the next few years, I could always just upgrade the GPU later down the line.

On the other hand, keeping the Core Ultra 9 gives me Intel's absolute top-of-the-line desktop processor right out of the gate, securing massive raw CPU computing power for rendering.

So, what should I do? Do I stick with the top-tier Ultra 9 CPU + base 5070, or do I take the €250 downgrade on the processor to buy a GPU (the 5070 Ti) that I honestly feel is overkill for my current needs?

Also, I should mention that I have never built a PC before, this is my absolute first time. If you see any incompatibilities or weird choices in my parts list, please let me know. If you have any good tutorials, guides, or pro-tips for a beginner to better understand how these components interact, I would be incredibly grateful.

On top of that, what are your thoughts on Intel vs AMD for this specific workstation use case? Should I even consider switching to an AMD Ryzen platform instead of the new Intel Core Ultra, or is Intel the better way to go for video editing and AI workflows?

Thanks for your input!

Check out my build

NZXT H9 Flow (2025) Bottom Fan Mystery + Build Dilemma: Ultra 9 / RTX 5070 vs Ultra 7 / RTX 5070 Ti