NZXT Addresses Past PCIe Riser Cable Issues with Redesigned H2 Flow Case
In 2020, the PC building community was rocked by reports of a fire risk associated with the PCIe riser cable in the original NZXT H1 mini ITX case. The issue, which stemmed from a short circuit caused by a mounting screw making contact with an internal power plane in the riser cable’s PCB, led to a widespread recall and replacement program. With the release of the new NZXT H2 Flow small form factor (SFF) case, NZXT has taken proactive steps to ensure that such safety concerns are a thing of the past.
Engineering Improvements in the H2 Flow PCIe Riser Cable
NZXT has detailed the engineering changes implemented in the H2 Flow’s PCIe riser cable to address the previous generation’s vulnerabilities. The company has introduced two key safety features to prevent electrical shorts and enhance overall reliability.
The first improvement is the addition of a physical boss, or “shoulder,” that extends into the PCB through-hole. This design element acts as a protective barrier, ensuring that the mounting screw threads cannot come into contact with the PCB itself. By maintaining a consistent and guaranteed gap between the screw and the PCB, the risk of accidental shorts is significantly reduced.
The second major change involves a redesign of the PCB layout around the screw hole. In the new riser cable, there are no power planes or traces near the mounting point. Instead, all traces in the vicinity are grounded, and the ground plane is extended to a copper screw pad on both the top and bottom surfaces of the PCB. This additional layer of grounding provides further protection against electrical faults.
NZXT has acknowledged that some early review samples of the H2 Flow may lack the copper screw pad, but confirms that this feature is present in all final mass production units. According to NZXT, these comprehensive safety measures have effectively eliminated the failure mode that affected the original H1 chassis.
Commitment to Safety and Quality in PC Case Design
The redesign of the PCIe riser cable in the NZXT H2 Flow demonstrates the company’s commitment to safety, quality, and user trust. By addressing the root cause of the previous issue with thoughtful engineering solutions, NZXT aims to restore confidence among PC builders and enthusiasts who prioritize both performance and safety in their small form factor builds.
