Introduction
Over the years as an IT enthusiast you’ve more than likely come across an Antec product or two. Their unique and durable products have got them to where they are today as one of the top hardware manufactures. Today I will be reviewing the Antec One case. The Antec One is built towards both budget and low profile gamers in mind.
With an MSRP of $59.95 the Antec One joins the ranks of the highly successful Antec One Hundred and Three Hundred Two models.
Packaging and Contents
Upon opening the box you will find the Antec One encased in some good quality foam, unlike most budget cases that ship with Styrofoam which tends to get damaged often.
Once the One is out of the packaging you will see the matt black case in its full glory.
Opening up the Antec One you will notice the entire inside is also coated in matte black paint. Inside the 5.25” optical drive area you will find a bag of accessories containing a small manual, a USB 3.0 to 2.0 motherboard adapter, a packet of screws and standoffs, zip ties and four sets of tool less hard drive brackets.
The External
The case and mesh on the front panel are made out of steel, while the front panel frame is made of plastic with a rubber coating. This coating gives it a soft smooth finish.
At the top of the front panel we can see a reset and power button, 2x USB 3.0 ports as well as audio in and out. Moving down the front casing there are 3x 5.25” mesh bays for optical drives and other devices. Only the mesh optical bays have dust filters, the rest of the mesh below does not have any dust filters. The bottom segment is space for an optional 120mm intake fan.
Not only does the mesh provide style, but it also encourages the airflow through the case which is important to maintain a healthy computer.
Along the right side of the case you will notice the panel is bowed out. This design idea was thought up to give you extra room to hide your cables such as the notoriously big chucky power cable behind the motherboard tray.
Moving to the back of the case, on the top left you will see the section cut out for the I/O shield. To the right of the I/O shield is a fan grill with an Antec case fan preinstalled, more holes have been drilled should you wish to replace the default with your own 60mm, 80mm or 120mm fan. Further down the back of the case we find 1 removable and 6 snap-off PCI expansion slots. On the right side there is a small air flow grill with two water cooling grommets underneath. At the bottom there is the standard ATX PSU cut out.
The left panel is also bowed; this is most likely to match the right panel. A grill for one 120mm intake fan in also cut out but not included.
At the bottom of the case, Antec have provided a washable dust filter for the PSU grill. The feet on the Antec One lack any rubber or grip. This could be an issue if you plan to put the case of a desk or a wooden surface as it could end in an expensive accident. If you were worried about this happening I guess a bit of Blu-Tack wouldn’t hurt.
As for the top of this case, it is largely plain apart from the Antec branded 120mm case fan included.
The Internals
Upon opening up the Antec one, there are several things to note out. Firstly, the motherboard tray has a large hole to provide extra space for fast heatsink installation.
The second thing to point out is that the honeycomb styled hard drive cage is only accessible from the other side panel. The advantage I can see with this design choice is that it will make cable tidying a bit easier to maintain with all the cables being routed through the extra space given behind the motherboard. The hard drive cage can hold up to five 3.5” hard drives with two dedicated spaces for 2.5” hard drives at the top and bottom.
Taking a look at the fastenings for the optical bays, Antec have decided to take the preferred tool-less route.
From the image above you can see Antec have included two 3 pin extractor fans placed at the top and the back of the chassis. This will help to provide much better airflow throughout the case.
The Antec One has drilled holes for ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX standard motherboards so you can be sure that pretty much all of the motherboards you can buy today will fit snug into the case.
On the motherboard tray there are cut outs to route your cables through. There are two to the right of the motherboard and one at the bottom for the power supply cables to be directed. You will notice there are no rubber seals around the holes. If you’re concerned about cutting cables, fear not! Antec has been kind enough to round the edges.
If you have a wide motherboard like me (pictured above) then you may struggle to get the cables through the holes. This may be something to contemplate when selecting your motherboard if you like a tidy case.
Although I didn’t get any pictures, everything seemed to fit in absolutely fine as you would expect. Antec have provided plenty of space for a top of the line graphics card with 10.5” (27cm) to play with.
Conclusion
For $59.95 MSRP the Antec One is a great buy and is probably the best choice for build quality and features while still on a budget. This case should appeal to budget PC builders and will be a fantastic choice for a first time buyer looking to quickly build a PC with high end features. These features include USB 3, two quiet fans included and not forgetting the tool-less drive bays. The style on the Antec One has a stealthy look to it. The bulges at the sides give it an industrial design feel to it which appeals to a lot of people.
The Antec One is priced at $59.95. Looking online you can find it for a lot cheaper. I’d say this is one of the best cases in its category price currently on the market.
Competition!
Now, to finish this review I'm going to give the Antec One case away to one lucky Neowin member! This competition will run from Friday and end Wednesday, May 2nd at 11:59PM GMT. There are three ways to enter this competition and you can enter once per day, per method:
- Simply reply to this article by commenting below
- Like (using Facebook button) and/or Re-Tweet this article; but you must use the hashtag #neoantec
- Like us on Facebook and/or follow @neowinfeed if you already don't.
Remember, you can enter once per day, per method which means that you can opt to use any entry method per day. Good luck to all who enter but only one can walk away with the Antec One case!
This competition is open to all registered Neowin members, and will be shipped (if possible) to the selected winners country.
Comments (375)
Replyvery nice, count me in
Awesome! Good Luck everyone!
I need a new case, my cheap and nasty coolermaster is falling to bits.
My new bought power supply is lying outside my case because it's too big.
(please do not count this reply, I'm commenting below)
My new bought power supply is lying outside my case because it's too big.
(please do not count this reply, I'm commenting below)
Well nevermind.. I suppose the number of comments / replies don't matter..
(and I keep losing the edit button)
hmmmmmmm
Another giveaway! nice!!
nice looking case.
I'm in, could use a new case.
i would love that case!
In!
count me in
"good quality foam"!
Count me in.
Count me in.
Hehe I thought that would make somebody chuckle
i'll take it!
Looks good,count me in!
Nice one, please select me...
Awesome case, I'm in!
count me in
Short review
The lizards on your wall look like they are coming out of the top of the case in the first picture.
Wouldn't mind having one.
ADD ME IN
I'm in!
I can has case?
If I win, please send me a lizard as well.
Would definitely want to have my current case replaced ..
Do want!
I'm in!
I'm in!
Choo choo!
Nice case. Count me in.
Perfect for building that powerhouse of a desktop.
Oh, very nice case. Count me in!
Wow, yes please! Have been looking for a good new case for the past few months. Looking through the review this would be a very welcome replacement for my 10+years old Aopen one
very functional, simple and sharp looking. even if i don't win one. i might just buy one for myself and recommend them for budget builds.
entry here
Count me in...
Nice review and count me in
Awesome case!
Not too shabby. Good luck every one.
Sweet.
Very nice case!! Enter
I want one
Doesn't look all that different in the pictures to the Antec 300, a few obvious amendments and tweaks here and there but nothing majorly substantial.
Oh well I guess if I get my hands on it then I will really know
I'm in for the lucky draw!
Well built case and good quality
Antec are always good
I could do with a new case!
draw me
The comments must flow.
Gimme gimme gimme!
Has Antec dropped the feature where you could hang hard drives on elastic bands essentially eliminating all noise from them? I really liked that in the P150 I had.
Nice case... I like the clean design. Count me in
i'm in need of this case!
Count me in
Awesome giveaway.
Another competition that I'll not win.
trying to win
A new case wouldn't go a miss. Ta.
That is a Nice case indeed
Let me in. I will not win xD
Thanks for the review. I have 2 Antec cases now, will get another for next build.
im in
Nice review.
Love Antec and Neowin!
I loooooooooooooooooove Antec, would love to try this one out too!
Love Antec cases... this looks awesome.
Had an Antec some time ago. Still think it was the best case I've had. Nowdays I use a cheap Lian Li PC-Q08 im okay with, but its too noisy.
no more expectations
no more expectations
Oh yeah. Would be nice
Antec cases are quality!
Awesome
I like the matt black look, might be tempted to buy one if I don't win this.
Nice, looks like the cm storm (inside) !
count me in! It's freaking cool
I've had good experiences with Antec before, definitely count me in for a giveaway of this chassis.
This case would be perfect for my new 24TB Server! Which I could also provide Neowin a tutorial for should I win .
Sweet
Looks like a nice case.
Great review!
Thanks for doing this and good luck everyone!
Looks good.
Nice!
Let's give this a whirl.
Time for a new case !
Compared to my case, this is heaven!
i can use it as my new server
A new case could not hurt
count me in, i could use another case.
Do count me in! Me want this!
That might come in handy while I'm building my new machine.
I really need a new case!
In for Friday!
that case looks awesome
I could do with a new case; my Coolermaster has long since had it's day.
2nd May is my birthday, therefore I should definitely win this .
I could use one.
Just built myself a new machine but I could do some nice things with this one as well!
Oh this is perfect.
I use now a Deluxe case lol.
I really wish for a case like that .
Count me in, I need a new case for a new build
Good luck everyone !
oh yes please, i so baddly need a new case, my current coolermaster is to small
Nice.
Nice review. This case is very similar to my ancient Antec 300
here to win!
I have used many Antec cases over the years--they are top notch.
I've always liked Antec and I think this is a good offering from them and I wouldn't mind having.
Wheeey. This case looks awesome and a great replacement for my media centre (@canoe_rich)
I want one
DAYUM i want this! I love antec cases!
Great case!
awesome case! I would love to get my hands on this!
Nice case, I'm in!
Me wants.
Nice one. I want one!
Nice review. Nice case too. Good luck to everyone!
Nice case, I could certainly use it!
Nice case, count me in on the giveaway!
I don't want it.
But if I had it, I'd want it.
Nice case.
Looks good, even if i do not win i might pick this one up!
Heard good things about the same... Maybe I wil get lucky..
Awesome case...hope I win it!
Nice. Need a case to build a new PC for Win8. Just the ticket.
I could use a new case
I like to take part in the giveaway.
Liked on facebook @James Semaj
Followed & tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/88k8y/status/195878188688228353
Nice looking case! Very impressed by Antec as of late.
nice case! i want it!
I'm upgrading my computer, so it'd be great to have such a case, and save some bucks
Wouldn't be bad to use this as a base for my MythTV server!
very cool case, i would love it!
Excellent case to build a new PC!
Awesome review! Thanks!
Looks cool
I could totally use another case!
Great looking case. I would definitely love to have it!
Trying.
looks like a great case for a quick build...
Day one entry
I might be wrong in this thinking but doesn't having the PS on the bottom cause problems with heat rising? Plus I always seem drop a screw or something in the PS when its on the bottom. Other than that its not a bad case. Although I always look for a Mobo base that can be removed.
Hope I win it. I could use it for my son
Nice case. Been thinking of building a new desktop.
Very nice case and a good review. Will have to look at getting an Antec case next time I build a computer.
This will go great with the new Ivy Bridge mobo I'm gonna win in another giveaway!
I am looking for a replacement case... so this would come in handy :-)
I'm taking this case
I need one! Belgium is allowed?
Count me in
I'm building a new PC soon, so this would come in handy.
Count me in!
Yes please!
Very nice, almost minimalistic case... I like.
Nice review too... I think I want one now.
Amazing some 2 hrs ago i ordered the antec 300 from amazon,it will be a bonus if i win this one,your review confirmed the quality of antec products.
great stuff
Here we go!
Yes please!
Here we go!
Count me in!
I love Antec! Count me in!!!
This would be a fine replacement for my current case which is to be honest, falling to pieces.
I can haz Antec case?
Awesome! Great case.
please count me in!
want!
Count me in
Great cases Antec and a great giveaway. Count me in for this and thanks.
Nice
I'm in!
I need a new case.
I've used so many Antec cabinets, that now I won't buy anything else!
Other than excellent design, one of the very best features is something we don't think of until it 'happens to us' on some other brand. The sheet metal industry calls it "Break sharp edges," which equates to remove anything on the case that would otherwise 'Slice your fingers Open! I have NEVER encountered sharp edges on any Antec box!
I'd like a new PC case and this one looks great!!!
Nice review. Actually bought this case ten days ago for my teen's first attempt at DIY. Simple, well-built, feature rich... and inexpensive. Stick-on rubber feet = $2.00 at hardware store.
I'd love another, so please count me in for the freebie. Good luck everyone... not! :-)
Great case! wouldn't mind having one!
Looks good
Hmmm, I think my good old Nexus Caterpillar needs to rest this summer. My hardware needs AIR!
Big like to that case.
In. We'll see.
another giveaway ...another entry. Great review.
oooh, Antec! yes please
pick me ...Antec
count me in please
Antec is awesome and I would love to have their case as the base for my next build.
I have an ancient (from 2004) Lian-Li ATX midtower that has had two of its fans croak, and I have a new build I am trying to finish (case, either fan-replaced current or new, CPU, PSU, motherboard). The Antec ONE would make a great alternative to the Three Hundred Two (also from Antec) or the HAF912 from CoolerMaster (the two current finalists for a new case - MicroCenter currently doesn't carry the One). Being able to do some cable-fu with the power cables would be a definite plus as far as neatness goes. I can only hope I win this time...
Please, please, please.
I love me a giveaway.
I'm in!
I'm on my first Antec (a Solo) and everything is so well thought out that I have stuck with it for years now...
In it to win it!
In FTW
It looks great! Count me in!
Ooh! Nice! WAY better than my crappy vanilla generic no-name case! Count me in!
im in.
Yeah Antec FTW!
Certainly seems better than the Three Hundred I have.
Pretty nice case..
nice case, good luck everyone!!!
Awesome review! This case is now on my radar for my next build (it's been 7 years!)
Antec rules!
Reply Reply, great review, hopefully I get lucky. -smiles-
yay I totally want that!!
Nice case
I want one! ....or two
Looks like another quality build from Antec. I've been using the P180 series for years.
nice review and that's an awesome case <3
When I eventually get around to building myself a computer I'll try this case.
Awesome! Good Luck everyone! nice review.
The Antec One is a good option for users on a budget. Its price is right, and we can definitely recommend it for users who don't want to spend a lot of money on a computer case. On the other hand, the Antec One has two 2.5” bays and two USB 3.0 ports.
Strong Points
Air filter for the power supply fan
The 5.25” bay covers are meshed with air filters
Two 2.5” bays
A huge hole in the motherboard tray for accessing the backplate of the CPU cooler
Holes for routing cables behind the motherboard tray
Clips for fastening cables using cable ties
Want
Count me in!!
Would be a nice upgrade to the one that I am currently using right now.
Great review! Thanks and count me in.
Looks awesome !! count me in
worth a shot I suppose
nice looking case.
Looks almost like HAF-X case which I just got one.. but I would like this case too... give one to me
the lack of dust filter in the front scares me. I got a twelve hundred v1 and an armor case v1 and I couldn't live without those dust filter. They are badly place in the twelve hundred cause I need to unscrew all 32 internal screws to clean them, but at least, all those cat hair and dust aren't in my computer.
Nice case really, but missing these. Only 1 dust filter in the bottom, not enough. I also see no fan on the front, so no intake fan for the hdd.
nice case
A great review and super giveaway!!! And of course count me in.
Thank you very much for a good review and giveaway!
https://www.facebook.com/vj.onix11/posts/112260635576261
https://twitter.com/#!/vj_onix/status/196103584386007040
Seems to be a good cabinet. I will have to buy new components for it. Mine is getting little too old Core 2 Duo.
Would love a new case. My current NZXT Nemesis is falling apart. Literally.. the front panel fell off a week ago. Have heard great things about Antec but haven't had the time nor money to be able to purchase a new case.
Good luck to everyone else!
Need more case!
Awesome review + Awesome giveaway!Count me in!Thanks for the chance!
second
Nice Case....hope I win!!!!
wow .. awesome - " NICE PRODUCT " WISH YOU ALL GOOD LUCK . WISH FOR ME TOO .
NICE REVIEW WITH EVERY DETAIL - @Dan Norton.
Keep It Up.
Send me one!
Second entry, good luck everyone!
second entry
Reading the review for a 2nd time!
Another day, another comment! (and tweet)
I need it!!
now thats an awesome case
Entry #2
Second entry; got a server that sorely needs a chassis upgrade and this would fit the bill nicely.
Wow awesome review! Thanks for the giveaway!
I want this because my current home server case is louder than 15 meth-addicted squirrels!
Wow! I need one.......would be nice.
This looks interesting.
Looks nice and simple!
Always liked Antec products-- I'd love one !
antec is the bomb
Post a comment
Retweeted from @ConquerThis, followed on Twitter, and replying here... there's my 3 entries
Nice.
looks great may buy this
Attempt no. 2
I need to build a new PC, this could get the ball rolling
Good review, would be nice to own one.
Wow, looks like a great case for the money!! The last case I bought was a Thermaltake for over $100 and it was not bad, this one looks better! If I don't win I might just buy one :-)
Entry for the lols nice case.
Nice plain case that doesn't break the budget.
Second entry
In for my second set of entries! :-D
Hello
.
second shot for this beauty!
I don't really need a new case, but why not! I could rebuild and older system.
looks like a nice case for a small project build...
Looks a little like my P180
Count me in.
Probably don't stand a chance but would LOVE this, it will surely brighten up my day! So please, count me in! :-)
New to the community here at Neowin, but this would sure be a nice welcoming gift. Collecting parts and pieces for a new build and I have yet to decide on the case for it. This would determine the direction for it. Thanks for the giveaway!
Want to build a new pc soon...
me me me
I'm In!!!
Nom nom nom! Want case!
entry number two.
Also entry number two =]
I like the clean and simple look. For a budget case, its pretty damn good.
In for Saturday :
Good review and great timing. After nothing but laptops for the last five years, I'm building a new home based PC for work, media and gaming. This is what it all starts with.
Want to build a new pc
Exelente que clase de Gabo esta de 10, lo quiero lo quiero¡¡
I want one!
I have been looking for a new case to replace my old case, this would be awesome!
This looks like an awesome case to build a new system in. I would love to have this case. Thanks.
cool review
in
Looks like a nice replacement for my Lian Li case
From the comments already posted, it looks like this is the case! Very nice...
in for today!
Look really nice, count me in
again
Been a follower for a while. Lovely case, guys. It's worth to be given away to one lucky fan.
yes,yes i needs a new case
Here's hoping for a new case! Really need a new computer.
beautiful case. Looks like a must have.
I really need a new case, mine looks like this: https://skydrive.live.com/redi...uthkey=!AEgBb3cbW_TEY4Q
Attempt no. 3!
Day 3, another attempt for one of my systems that sorely needs a new chassis.
3rd attempt
Count me in!
I hope I win =)
I hope I get this case. Mines is getting kind of small for all the hard drives I need.
Count me in.
Day 3 entry for me
daily tweet https://twitter.com/#!/mrc...n/status/196656865399152640
One for me please!
Wow. Can I get lucky?
nice case!
Another entry for a chance to win a really cool case!
Again, count me in!!!
Third
I'm still here waiting...
great giveaway
count me in too
Posting.
I love black color ^^
Can i has please???? tht would look sick with my set up!
I want this for my fiance. He would love it
one more try
A lot of excitement around this case =]
Another entry -- still looks awesome.
Sounds groovy, could always use a new case.
Looks awesome!
Can't hurt to jump on in
looks like a neat case...would love to fill it...
<new comment>
Hope i win !!
I has to admit this case look real good for mid-tower well what else could expect from Antec
right now i plan to take HAF X cost almost a fortune but i think it will be worth it .
I want one
2nd attempt
time to change the CM
forgot about this
i think i can win okno
WELL GOOD LUCK TO ALL
Thx Antec and Neowin
Attempt no. 4
Another day, another entry.
Plz only small case
Entry number 3, good luck to everyone! :-)
Really hoping!
Rolling again.
In for Monday
one more time
yet another try
Need to build a new system
Thanks again!
Entry.
count me in, I still have my Antec One Hundred but this would excellent for my other system
one more entry
My case needs an upgrade, this would be great
Would love to build a new PC!
Submitting Monday's entry. Hope I have good luck!
My computer would look great in that!
Count me in on Monday!
In for today aswell! Wish me luck!
this is so so so so so awesome!
Count me in for Monday entry.
My entry for the day!
Thanks for the review...please count me in! I desperately need a new case. I have to leave the side panel off of the old case I used for my new build because of inadequate cooling. This would be perfect!!!
Count me in!
If you have made a comment, that means you want me to win. ;-)
Thanks all.
One entry plase
Nice giveaway
Sweet. id like one of those! Count me in!
I want it!
In before late?
gimme that case! Perfect for my home server
Always down for a giveaway!
Damn! I need a new case
I want the lizards! but only if they come with the case...
I need a new server case over here.
Looks pretty good..
I want to build a new pc now!
second try!
Second roll!
daily tweet https://twitter.com/#!/mrc...n/status/197119360266014721
I'm the winner.
Sweet Review and that case would look good in my room ;-)
once more
nice review... now let me have it!
I need this case like charlie sheen needs help!
Me, me, me!!!
Love the Antec cases!
y0y0 I wnt dis!
Here we go again!
Lets do this...
I'll try again ...It's a very nice case.