Monday, November 06, 2006

Antec Fusion Media Center Case Reviewed

fusion picHardwareZone takes a close look at the Antec Fusion Media Center Case (US$185), an HTPC enclosure that features MicroATX motherboard support, 1 x 5.25" External Drive Bay, 2 x 3.5" Internal Drive Bays, 2 x Front USB2.0 ports, 1 x FireWire (IEEE 1394) port, Audio In/Out, 2 x side mounted 120mm TriCool Fan with 3-speed switch control, 430W ATX12V v2.01 PSU included, Aluminum/Plastic Exterior with Steel Chassis, and 9.2kg gross weight.

"Design-wise, its HTPC credentials are solid, from its unmistakably 'home theater' exterior to the inclusion of a VFD and volume control knob. Its dimensions mean it supports microATX motherboards only and you may have a problem with longer graphics cards but the HTPC segment is more forgiving of these expansion limitations as long as it can blend into the living room and this is what the Antec Fusion does well. At around US$185, it may not be as affordable as your conventional enclosure but that price comes with the HTPC territory. If you have the patience and don't expect to upgrade your system soon, the Antec Fusion is a good alternative to the other HTPC enclosures available now." [HardwareZone]

The reviewer was not very pleased with the inadequate space requirements and cable management of the Fusion. Routing cables would definitely be a challenge, but this also hold true to other microATX cases.

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