APNX V1 Case Review – Stylish on the Outside, Spacious on the Inside

APNX is a sub-brand of AeroCool, a long-time favorite among gamers whose stated mission is to create technologically advanced and aesthetically pleasing PC components. We’ll begin our exploration with the APNX V1 case, which impressed us with its generous build space, well-thought-out layout, and bold design. Read our review for more details.

Technical specifications

• Dimensions:  500 x 290 x 485.5 mm
• Material:  SGCC, ABS plastic, tempered glass (front and side panels)
• Motherboard form factor:  ITX, Mini-ATX,  Micro-ATX , ATX
• Panel for storage devices:  2.5 inches – up to 6 pcs, 3.5 inches – up to 2 pcs.
• I/O ports:  2 x USB 3.2 Type A, USB 3.2 Type C, 3.5mm audio/microphone combo jack
• Fan support:
  • Upper:  120 mm – 3 pcs., 140 mm – 2 pcs.;
  • Bottom:  120 mm – 3 pcs., 140 mm – 2 pcs.;
  • Front:  120 mm – 3 pcs., 140 mm – 2 pcs., 160 mm – 2 pcs.;
  • Rear:  120 mm.
• Radiator support:
  • Upper:  up to 360 mm
  • Bottom:  up to 360 mm
  • Front:  up to 360 mm
  • Rear:  120 mm
• Video card length limit:  395 mm
• CPU Cooler Height Limit:  170mm
• Power supply length limit:  220mm
• Weight:  11.8 kg

Packaging and assembly

The case is packaged in a large box made of plain, unpainted cardboard with monochrome black printing. The front side features only the brand logo, case size, and a large model number, next to which is a large sticker with a color photo of the case. The back side features a specifications table.

The side edges feature traditionally cut-out carrying handles, which is especially useful given the device’s size and weight. The top edge is marked with a warning for easy and safe transport, as well as brief visual instructions for removing the case from the box.

Inside the box, the case is secured with foam pads and wrapped in clear plastic film. In addition to the case itself, the package includes an unusually detailed user manual, which covers virtually every aspect of PC assembly , as well as a hardware box containing screws for various purposes, individually labeled in ziplock bags. The screws and instructions are secured with paper tape and stored in a special recess in one of the foam pads.

Design and layout

The APNX V1 is a large, massive, and spacious case. It’s definitely not suitable for cramped rooms or compact setups , and despite its mid-tower designation, it’s only slightly smaller than a full-sized case—looking at it, you’ll wonder how much bigger it could get. The frame and supporting structures, as well as the right and top panels, are made of 0.8 mm thick galvanized SGCC steel. Compared to simple cold-rolled steel, it offers greater strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring a longer lifespan and greater load-bearing capacity.

The case immediately stands out with its design, which goes beyond the typical “box.” The top panel is held in place with clips and features a special clip on the back for easy removal. The left panel is made entirely of tempered glass and offers a full view of the case’s interior. It is also held in place with clips and secured with a screw, which can be removed by removing the top panel.

The front of the case curves to the right, dividing into two panels: a standard, straight, tempered glass panel on the left and a beveled, latticed panel slightly to the right. This design serves not only an aesthetic purpose but also a functional one, increasing airflow. The panel housing the USB ports, headphone jack , and power and reset buttons is located at the top, parallel to this bevel.

Depending on the model, the front right grille can be made of ABS plastic or wood—in the latter case, the model is designated V1-W. Additionally, cases with each grille type are available in three colors: white, black, and a two-tone black and white. We received the single-color black version for review.

Next, on the right, is the side panel, also secured with clips and a screw at the top. A good half of its surface is perforated, ensuring excellent air circulation and equipped with a mesh dust filter to help keep the interior clean. Dust filters are also present at the top, where it’s mounted in a removable panel, and at the bottom, on a sliding plastic frame. The angled grille section also has a dust filter.

The rear panel has a standard structure for most cases – space for a case fan or radiator, a window for the motherboard I/O unit , and plugs for expansion cards – but it is made entirely of openwork, which again improves air circulation.

The bottom of the case has feet for placing it on a table or other surface. They’re plastic, shaped like curved brackets, and have rubberized pads for improved stability and to prevent scratching the table or floor. They’re fairly low, but still provide clearance for air circulation.

The case is divided by a frame into a main compartment for mounting the motherboard and fans, and a compartment for the power supply , cable management, and additional 2.5- and 3.5-inch drives. The power supply is installed vertically, and the drives are mounted on a special door held in place by magnets and secured with screws.

The motherboard tray has mounting holes marked with letters for the corresponding form factors. There’s a large window near the processor , making it easy to install coolers, and five cable management windows are located around the perimeter of the tray: one extended window at the top and bottom, another small window at the top, and two windows on the right, covered by thick rubber pads.

Beyond them begins the aforementioned beveled panel, which can be used to mount case fans or a radiator. The mounting points are well thought out, and thanks to the easy adjustment and numerous mounting holes, all standard fan and radiator sizes can be installed. Also worth noting is the height-adjustable graphics card stand , which is mounted on the bottom panel of the chassis, right where the motherboard tray and front right panel meet.

Cooling system mounts are also provided on the top and bottom panels of the frame, and one small fan or radiator can be installed in the rear. The case can accommodate up to ten fans (with a diameter of 120 mm). All options for each panel are listed in the specifications section. Our case didn’t come with any fans, and I scavenged them from another case, but APNX makes the FP1 and FP2 case fans, which would be a perfect match for the case we’re reviewing.

Assembly Features

Building a computer in a large case is always a pleasure, and the APNX V1 is no exception. There’s plenty of space, and the well-designed layout makes building a breeze. As mentioned, the motherboard mounting holes are marked with appropriate letters. The case supports motherboards from ITX to ATX. By default, the pins and nuts are installed in the ATX position; I had to re-tighten them for micro-ATX.

The extensive use of clips and thumbscrews minimizes tool usage, but a Phillips-head screwdriver is still required—all internal screws are Phillips-head. All necessary fasteners are included, as is a tool for installing the motherboard mounting pins.

The cable management deserves special attention. In addition to the slots and windows, it boasts a multitude of Velcro straps, hooks, and other convenient cable management features located on the back of the frame. Standard cable management options for different cable types are described in the instructions.

The PSU’s installation location and orientation are virtually unlimited—the stated maximum length is 220 mm, fully covering all the potential needs of a gaming PC . Additionally, the spacious interior accommodates graphics cards up to 395 mm long and CPU coolers up to 170 mm high, such as the tower-mounted APNX AP1-V, pictured above. A set of brackets for vertical graphics card placement is available as an optional accessory.

Verdict

If you’re looking for a case that combines a stylish and eye-catching design with practicality and ease of assembly, the APNX V1 is definitely worth a look. It impressed us with its well-thought-out layout, excellent airflow, ample interior space that can accommodate any components, and very convenient cable management. Its aesthetic appeal is enhanced by two tempered glass panels and a unique curved front panel with a decorative grille (which is also available in wood).

This case doesn’t have any serious drawbacks, but its impressive weight and dimensions, as well as its hefty price, are worth considering. However, cases of this caliber are rarely cheap, and the size and weight are to be expected for the generous space and easy assembly. But, as always, we leave the final choice to you.