Exactly one year ago, I was trying to compare NZXT's H500 to the higher end and more expensive H500i to help me decide which one to buy. At the time, the H500 was priced at $76.99 and the H500i at $109.99. And now the H500i is available directly from NZXT for the ridiculously low price of $56.24. This is cheaper than Corsair's Carbide 275R, our pick for the best PC case in the budget category.

The H500i has dropped in price since last year to $74.99. However, you are still saving a good amount of money and can still get a great case at an eye-popping price. Available in matte white, matte black, or matte black & red, the H500 is available in three colors.

The H500 and H500i are great cases with many of the same features. Both are steel mid-towers with tempered glass side windows, are relatively lightweight, and each has ample clearance for all-in-one water cooling radiators up to 280mm.

What sets the H500i apart is its RGB lighting and smart controller that works with NZXT's CAM software. The controller includes three fan channels (10W each channel) and an RGB LED port that supports four Hue+ LED strips or five NZXT Aer RGB fans (note that the RGB channels are not compatible with Hue 2 RGB accessories and Aer RGB 2 fans). (Note that the RGB channel is not compatible with the Hue 2 RGB accessory and the Aer RGB 2 fan).

In short, the H500i remains a great case, and its price of only $56 makes it even easier to recommend.