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Trying out the Antec DF700 Flux Mid Tower ARGB Case (2024)
Introduction
I just got my hands on the Antec DF700 Flux, a new PC case that has been getting some positive reviews lately. It’s designed for those who need proper computer cooling. Building with it there were a fec hiccups - but nothing major, which I’ll elaborate on below.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Antec | Color | DF700 FLUX |
| Product Dimensions | 18.39”D x 8.66”W x 19.13”H | Size | one size |
| Material | Alloy Steel, Plastic |
Photos
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Prices
Check prices of the Antec DF700 Flux Mid Tower ARGB Case on:
The Merits of Innovative Ventilation: A Deep Dive
When evaluating the Antec DF700 Flux case, I’m struck by the advancements Antec brings to the table, particularly with its focus on ventilation. To break it down, here’s a quick rundown on essentials:
The F-Lux Platform revolves around superior airflow.
Five 120mm fans are included, which is a generous bundle.
There’s potential for up to 9 x 120mm fans without the optical drive.
Ample support for high-end GPUs, ensuring they stay cool under pressure.
The airflow design of this case really piqued my interest. It’s no secret that components like the GPU and CPU generate a lot of heat, especially when pushed to their limits with high-res gaming or intensive creative work. Antec’s approach, creating generous space for a multitude of fans and allowing for dual 360mm radiators, shows that they’re not messing around when it comes to cooling efficiency.
On the flip side, installing the power supply was a bit of a squeeze, and routing cables, particularly with a Mini-ATX board, turned out to be somewhat fiddly. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it did add time to the setup process. And speaking of SSD installations, brace yourself for a little game of tetris—aligning those straight-end SATA cables requires patience.
Fans are obviously crucial in a structure that emphasizes ventilation, and while the Antec DF700 Flux includes enough to set up a decent cooling strategy, having non-RGB fans felt like a missed opportunity, especially for RGB aficionados. The fans aren’t whisper-quiet, either. However, they do move air efficiently, and a little noise is a small price to pay for keeping thermal throttling at bay.
From a personal perspective, I appreciate Antec’s dedication to pushing the envelope with case ventilation while still acknowledging that improvements can be made. Sure, some workarounds were necessary during the build—like the creative use of dryer sheets for additional dust filtering. But seeing my setup, with its optimized airflow buzzing along, certainly filled me with a sense of accomplishment.
Overall, the DF700 Flux is a testament to Antec’s legacy of stirring innovation in the PC building space. It challenges builders like us to think critically about our cooling solutions, which is a cornerstone for any rig with aspirations of power and longevity. Despite a few quirks, this case is a solid foundation for a cooling-heavy build, and it’s a direction I’d like to see more manufacturers take seriously.
Illuminating Elegance: The Fusion of Aesthetics and Functionality
The Antec DF700 Flux certainly brings something fresh to the table with its modern design and included features; it’s like getting a few solid extras without hitting your wallet too hard. Here’s the deal:
Stunning Aesthetics: With its wavy front panel and tempered glass side, the case is a looker. Pairs nicely with any high-end gaming setup.
Pre-Installed ARGB Fans: The trio of front panel fans provide that cool aesthetic light show, and you don’t have to be a DIY guru to set it up.
Thoughtful Cable Management: The chassis design and included Velcro ties mean no more fighting a spaghetti monster behind your motherboard.
The ARGB & PWM fan controller is a great touch; you’re looking at hassle-free management of those pretty lights and fan speeds straight out of the box. It’s like having the remote to your vibe, and who doesn’t like to be in control of that?
But it’s not all roses and unicorns. While there’s no denying that Antec has nailed the ‘looks to kill’ aspect with the DS700 Flux, some design elements seem to be a bit of an afterthought. For instance, mounting the 2.5” drives was a bit of a tight squeeze. You definitely need the straight-end type cables, meaning any stockpile of 45-degree SATA cables might have to be abandoned.
Then there’s the “sleight of hand” needed to snugly fit your PSU in place, especially if you’ve opted for something beefy. It felt like a Tetris game on hard mode, where I had to pre-plan my cable paths with surgical precision.
In terms of the ARGB setup, while it’s neat that you only need the LED mode button to control all the addressable LEDs, a bit more guidance on the effects would’ve been appreciated. It’s a bit like finding Easter eggs in a video game: fun if you’re into that, but potentially annoying if you just want to get to the desired effect without the trial and error.
Overall, the Antec DF700 Flux case impresses with its blend of elegance, functionality, and value. It’s not perfect—what case is? But if you’re looking for a case that matches your creativity for building a unique and cool-looking rig without breaking a sweat (or the bank), this might just be your ticket. Plus, it hits that sweet spot of a larger mid-sized tower that doesn’t shy away from housing a beast of a GPU. Sure, a few more millimeters here and there for cable management wouldn’t go amiss, but that’s hardly a deal breaker in the grand scheme of things.
Expandability and Compatibility: A Future-Proof Approach
When evaluating a PC case for my latest build, compatibility and expandability were top of my priorities. My experience with the Antec DF700 Flux has been a mixed bag, but mostly on the positive side. Here’s a quick list of the major pros and cons I found:
Pros:
Plenty of Space: The case is spacious enough to house high-end GPUs without a sweat, supporting up to 405 mm length.
Fan Support: With room for up to 9 x 120mm fans, my cooling worries were practically over.
Drive Support: Accommodating 3 x 3.5” HDDs and 3 x 2.5” SSDs means my storage needs are well taken care of, even in a world leaning heavily on cloud storage.
Motherboard Compatibility: It supports ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX, which is great for future upgrades or swappable builds.
Cons:
Cable Management: Despite ample space, routing cables was a tad challenging, especially with a miniATX board.
Dust Filters: I wish the front panel had a removable filter to handle finer dust particles, not just the big stuff.
From the get-go, the Flux allowed me to think about future upgrades without worry. The motherboard support is a breeze, and being someone who might switch from an ATX to a Mini-ITX for a compact server down the line, I appreciate the flexibility. There’s also enough vertical clearance for beefy CPU coolers, so a switch to a more powerful processor isn’t off the cards.
The storage situation is a huge win. I’ve got a few hefty game libraries that hog space, and knowing I can slot in several drives without compromising on airflow is reassuring. As we all know, games aren’t getting any smaller!
Moreover, these drive bays are conveniently removable. So, when it was time to pop in the PSU, I wasn’t playing Tetris with metal and cables. As for the SSD frames - the toolless approach with rubber grommets is a nice touch, despite the cables needing to be just right.
For me, a case has to last several builds, and the DF700 Flux feels future-proof in that regard. However, it isn’t without its drawbacks. Cable management took patience, and slightly longer cables might be needed for cleaner routing. The potential dust buildup due to the lack of fine dust filters means I may need to open it up for cleaning more often than I’d like.
Despite the setbacks, I’m content. My unit looks sleek in my workspace, and it’s packed with features that make it a worthy investment. This case doesn’t only house my current build; it’s ready for whatever tech I throw at it down the road.
Noise vs. Performance: Striking the Right Balance
When it comes down to balancing noise and performance, the Antec DF700 Flux is a bit of a mixed bag. But let’s be real – this isn’t a deal-breaker for most. In my setup, the case’s generous inclusion of five fans meant I was ready to cool my rig straight out of the box, without the need for additional spending. While these fans do a fantastic job at keeping things chill, I’ve noticed that they aren’t the stealthiest bunch around. So here’s my take:
Pros:
Five fans included, offering excellent airflow without additional costs
Solid cooling capabilities right out of the box
The fan and RGB controller streamline management
Cons:
Fans are audible under load; sound-sensitive users might be irked
Cable management can pose a challenge, especially with non-standard SSD cables
Some drive bays can be inconvenient to access
Let’s face it, finding the sweet spot between silence and efficient cooling is often subjective and hinges on your particular tolerance for noise. If you’re like me and prefer a cool system over whisper-quiet operation, the DF700 Flux’s fan noise is a small price to pay for top-notch performance. On the flip side, I do wish Antec had thrown in some quieter fan options.
Cable management can be a hassle if you’re not used to some creative routing – that’s just the nature of the beast with mid-tower cases. In my review of the Zalman T6 ATX Mid Tower Case Black, I delve into how this particular model accommodates cable management. But once you get everything tucked away nicely, the satisfaction is undeniable. As for the SSD installation? Just make sure you have the right cables (straight-end types), and you’re golden.
Although some areas could do with a bit more space – like behind the motherboard tray where you hide those pesky cables – it’s manageable. It’s something you work around, not a deal-breaker. But note, if you’re meticulous about cable management, brace for a tiny battle to get that side panel closed.
On the plus side, I absolutely appreciate that the case is built to accommodate larger GPUs, ensuring my beefy card doesn’t feel cramped. Plus, the case oozes with a modern vibe that really showcases the components, especially with the RGB lighting providing that extra flair.
So here’s my closing argument: For a case at this price point, the Antec DF700 Flux punches above its weight in cooling performance. Sure, the noise might remind you it’s working hard, but isn’t that a small concession for keeping your precious components icy cool? If you’re after a no-thrills, efficient case with solid airflow and don’t mind a bit of fan hum, this could very well be the chassis for you.