INTRODUCTION

   It's no secret that we've always favored full over mid-towers to house our primary test rigs since it's not only far easier and quicker to swap hardware components but airflow levels (thus cooling efficiency) are generally much higher due to the larger number of supported fans (win win scenario for us really). Still there's no denying that Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX cases are lately being favored by gamers and consumers in general who either don't have or just don't want to sacrifice too much space for a large tower. Now the good thing about Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX cases is that since interior space is quite limited manufacturers focus a lot more on their looks in an effort to make them blend in easier in most places (including right next or beneath your TV set) and thus far more appealing to people of all ages. Antec needs no introductions and since they recently released their Cube Mini-ITX Case certified by our good friends over at EKWB we couldn't resist checking it out.

   For 30 years, Antec, Inc. has been the global leader in high-performance computer components and accessories for the gaming, PC upgrade and Do-It-Yourself markets, being the pioneer and market leader for quiet, efficient and innovative products such as the P280 and SOLO II enclosures as well as for their award-winning PSUs having the lowest returns in the industry. Antec continues to further the industry with performance-rich enclosures, efficient power supplies, reliable cooling components, the cutting-edge Antec Advance accessories line, and the Antec Mobile Products (A.M.P). Founded in 1986, Antec is headquartered in Fremont, California, with additional offices in The Netherlands, Germany, China and Taiwan.

   The Cube is currently available in two editions one in cooperation with EKWB (EK Water Blocks) which is also the one we have here today and one which Antec developed alongside Razer. Now the main differences these two versions have are aesthetic ones and to be more precise the EKWB one features RGB LED illumination (7 different colors) and the EKWB logo whereas the Razer model features just Green LEDs and of course the Razer logo (illuminated). Secondary differences include a 6-fan hub, LED light switch and an 120mm white LED fan mounted on the EKWB model (the Razer edition has a Green LED 120mm fan). Both models are based on a hexagonal design, are identical in size, feature 3 transparent acrylic windows (sides and top) and have enough interior space to support a 240mm radiator (up to 60mm thick) at the front, four 2.5" drives (or two 2.5" and one 3.5"), three single slot cards, graphics cards up to 350mm in length, CPU coolers up to 190mm in height and power supply units up to 200m long.