With an emphasis on airflow and a distinctive design, the APNX C1 joins the mid-tower market. Builders looking to strike a balance between thermal efficiency and aesthetics may find this case from AeroCool appealing. To find out if the C1 delivers on its promises, we put it through its paces.
First Views and Style
The APNX C1 has a striking mesh front panel and a distinctive curved shape. Airflow is prioritised by this attractive facade, a motif that is carried throughout the case. The internal components of your system are visible through a sizable side panel made of tempered glass, and the construction feels sturdy overall.
The four aRGB fans that come pre-installed is one of the most noticeable characteristics. There is one 120mm fan in the back and three 140mm fans up front. The brilliant and diffused RGB lighting on these FP1 fans provides respectable aesthetics. In addition, the case has an RGB fan hub and a 5-port PWM, which offer plenty of control over the built-in fans as well as any other parts you choose to install.
Building the APNX C1’s Experience
Building with the APNX C1 is a user-friendly process. It is very easy to reach the inside thanks to the toolless mechanism that attaches the side panels, including the tempered glass panel. With many of cable management choices hidden behind a detachable shroud, the inside provides enough room for the majority of ATX configurations. The shroud also keeps the interior tidy by concealing any PSU cords.
Despite being roomy, there are a few small drawbacks to take into account. Wider cable management cutouts would make it simpler to maneuver bigger cables. Furthermore, even though the case claims unofficial support for E-ATX motherboards, this could result in tighter clearances around the CPU area.
Cooling Performance
The APNX C1’s four integrated fans and extensive mesh design allow it to perform exceptionally well in terms of airflow. Our testing yielded outstanding results, with the CPU and GPU temperatures (using an AMD 5900x combined with an RTX 3090 GPU) remaining within safe levels even under stress. Liquid cooling enthusiasts can use the case since it provides sufficient radiator support, supporting up to a 360mm radiator on both the top and front. It’s important to note that a few customers have mentioned that certain top-mount radiators have slight clearance concerns.
Noise levels and aesthetics
The big mesh front and curved shape of the APNX C1 make it stand out. With a hub included, the accompanying aRGB fans offer a pleasant level of customization along with a variety of lighting effects and control possibilities.
The integrated fans run relatively quietly, even if the casing prioritizes airflow. The noise levels were manageable even when they were loaded.
| 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) |
Last Words on the APNX C1
For mid-tower builders looking for a chic case with superior airflow, the APNX C1 is an attractive choice. The case has great cooling capabilities, plenty of room for most ATX components, and an easy-to-use assembly experience. Additional value is added by the four aRGB fans that come pre-installed and the specialized fan hub. For additional information on this and other products, visit the APNX website.