The APNX C1 enters the mid-tower market with a bold design and a focus on airflow. This case, from AeroCool, caters to builders seeking a balance between aesthetics and thermal efficiency. We put the C1 through its paces to see if it lives up to its promises.
First Impressions and Design
The APNX C1 boasts a unique curved design with a prominent mesh front panel. This stylish facade prioritises airflow, a theme that continues throughout the case. A large tempered glass side panel showcases the inner workings of your system, and the overall build quality feels solid.
One of the most striking features is the inclusion of four pre-installed aRGB fans. Three 140mm fans in the front and a single 120mm fan in the rear. These FP1 fans offer decent aesthetics with bright and diffused RGB lighting. The case also includes a 5-port PWM and aRGB fan hub, providing ample control over the included fans and additional components you might add.
Building Experience of the APNX C1
The APNX C1 offers a user-friendly building experience. The side panels, including the tempered glass panel, are attached with a toolless mechanism, making access to the interior a breeze. The interior offers ample space for most ATX builds, with ample cable management options behind a removable shroud. The shroud also helps hide away any PSU cables, keeping the interior clean.
While spacious, there are a couple of minor limitations to consider. The cable management cutouts could be wider for easier manoeuvring of thicker cables. Additionally, while the case boasts support for E-ATX motherboards in an unofficial capacity, it might lead to tighter clearances around the CPU area.
Cooling Performance
The APNX C1 excels in airflow thanks to its comprehensive mesh design and the four included fans. Our testing showed impressive results, with CPU and GPU temperatures staying within safe limits even under load (our test system used an AMD 5900x paired with an RTX 3090 GPU). The case offers ample radiator support – up to a 360mm radiator on the top and front, making it suitable for liquid cooling enthusiasts. It’s worth noting that some users have reported minor clearance issues with specific radiators on the top mount.
Aesthetics and Noise Levels
The APNX C1 stands out with its curved design and prominent mesh front. The included aRGB fans add a nice touch of customisation, with various lighting effects and control options available through the included hub.
While the case prioritises airflow, the included fans operate relatively quietly. Even under load, the noise levels remained acceptable.
Tech Specs
| Model | C1 |
| Case Type | Mid Tower |
| Colors | Black, White, ChromaFlair |
| Body Material | SGCC |
| Front Panel Material | SECC |
| Steel Thickness | 0.8mm |
| Motherboards | ATX/Micro ATX/mini-ITX |
| Case Dimensions (Internal) | 230 x 477 x 440 mm (W x H x D) |
| Case Dimensions (Overall) | 230 x 502 x 464 mm (W x H x D) |
| 3.5” Drive Bays | 3 Max. (3 x 3.5”/2.5″) |
| 2.5” Drive Bays | 3 Max. (3 x 2.5”/3.5”) |
| Expansion Slots | 7 |
| GPU Clearance | Supports GPU up to 395mm |
| CPU Cooler Clearance | Supports CPU cooler up to 166mm |
| Air Cooling | Front: 120mm x 3 or 140mm x 3 (Max.) (140mm ARGB Fan x 3 included) Top: 120mm x 3 or 140mm x 2 (Max.) Side: 120mm x 3 (Max.) Rear: 120mm x 1 (Max.) (120mm ARGB Fan x 1 included) CPU: 120mm x 1 (Max.) |
| Liquid Cooling | Top: 120/240/280/360mm Radiator (Optional) Side: 120/240/360mm Radiator (Optional) Rear: 120mm Radiator (Optional) |
| I/O Ports | USB3.0 x 2 | USB C x 1 | HD Audio & Mic. |
| Internal Cable Management Depth | 40mm |
| Power Supply | ATX PSU (Including cables, up to 270mm) (Optional) |
Final Thoughts on the APNX C1
The APNX C1 is a compelling option for mid-tower builders seeking a stylish case with excellent airflow capabilities. The case offers a user-friendly building experience, ample space for most ATX components, and impressive cooling potential. The inclusion of four pre-installed aRGB fans and a dedicated fan hub adds further value. Check out the APNX website for more information on this and other products.
