The Havn HS 360 builds upon the success of its predecessor, the HS 420, offering a slightly more compact design and enhanced ease of construction, all while maintaining its position as one of the most aesthetically pleasing mid-tower PC cases available. While it may not be significantly cheaper, its visual appeal and build quality are undeniable.
The HS 360 is offered in two primary configurations: one with vertical GPU mounting (VGPU) and one without, and in either black or white colorways. This review examines both, providing insights into the building experience with different GPU mounting solutions.
Refined Design and Features
Fundamentally similar to the HS 420, the HS 360 is marginally smaller, a change that enhances its desktop presence without sacrificing usability. The case supports Back Connect motherboards, features a tighter curve on its panoramic glass panel, and boasts larger cutouts for easier access to PCIe slot screws. Havn has also addressed user feedback by improving accessibility for rear fan installation, allowing replacements without needing to dismantle other components.
The VGPU model introduces a magnetic 'Airflow Divider' and a glass divider on a tilted fan bracket. These are designed to better manage GPU thermals by separating the case into distinct cool and hot zones. While testing showed a modest temperature reduction for the GPU, the added complexity and aesthetic clutter led the reviewer to prefer the standard configuration.
The standard HS 360 includes a three-fan bracket at the bottom, oriented to direct airflow towards the GPU, and an integrated, adjustable GPU support. The case's dimensions are 491 x 451 x 521 mm, supporting ATX, BTF ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards. Radiator support includes up to 360mm on the top and right sides (up to 58mm thick). Fan support is generous, with placements for 120mm fans on the top, right, bottom, and rear, though notably, no fans are included out of the box.
Storage options include two bays, each capable of holding either two 2.5-inch SSDs or one 3.5-inch HDD. These bays can be reconfigured or removed entirely to accommodate additional fans or an All-In-One (AIO) cooler on the bottom, provided it doesn't exceed 58mm in thickness.
Included accessories consist of zip-ties, hook-and-loop fasteners, spare cable grommet sliders, a VESA mounting bracket, and various bags of labeled screws.
Installation Experience
Building within the HS 360 is a smooth process, aided by removable fan brackets and ample space for components. Cable management is straightforward, with numerous tie-down points and included fasteners ensuring a tidy build. The PSU bay accommodates units up to 230mm, though certain PSU designs, like the Corsair Shift, may not fit due to the case's orientation.
The vertical GPU mount, while functional, adds complexity to the build process and can lead to awkwardly routed power cables. The reviewer found the visual appeal and simplicity of the standard configuration more compelling.
Aesthetics and Thermals
The HS 360 excels in aesthetics, featuring a clean, modern design with a subtly curved tempered glass side panel that effectively conceals internal clutter. The rear panel includes black accents that can aid in component color matching. The case offers good airflow, particularly in the standard configuration, with a chimney-style design channeling hot air upwards. For the VGPU model, the airflow dividers aim to improve thermal performance, although their impact on overall CPU temperatures was negligible in testing, and the GPU temperature reduction was modest.
Value Proposition
The standard HS 360 is priced at $200, making it a competitive option for its premium look and build quality, despite the absence of included fans. The VGPU model, at $280, presents a more challenging value proposition, especially when compared to similarly priced alternatives that may include fans. The UK pricing shows the HS 360 at £170 and the VGPU version at £240, offering a more consistent saving over the previous HS 420 models.
Ultimately, the Havn HS 360 stands out for its stunning visuals and refined build experience. While the lack of included fans and the premium pricing, particularly for the VGPU variant, are points to consider, its overall design and construction make it a strong contender for those prioritizing aesthetics and quality in their PC build.