Classy* looking case options (Fractal North, Antec Flux etc)

Rob_B

Rob_B

Rob_B

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I might treat myself to a new case soon and am looking for an understated style, no RGB, no glass panels. I do like the North and to a lesser extent the Flux (the SE has a metal dampening panel instead of glass)
Looking for ATX, good airflow as wanting to keep it quiet, would like the option for 140mm fans top and front, back is a bonus (the Flux has this) The Asus Proart PA401 looks interesting but I'd prefr brown wood to just black (what's the point?)
The non Pro Flux is £100, the North is ~ £130 so around that sort of price.

Currently using an NZXT H5 Flow (OG version) and to be honest it's fine. Also using a 240mm AiO but might go back to my old tower cooler if I can use more 140mm fans.

Are there any other decent cases I'm missing?

Cheers!

Rob


* Opinions, YMMV
 
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If performance is important to you, the flux (and flux pro) does give some of the best thermals.

Gamers Nexus did a case roundup on his best cases in 2025. The FLUX PRO came in with the best GPU cooling award from him (and this is the 2nd year in a row - unheard of) and is still top 5 in CPU cooling aswell, but didn't win that award.

If you buy the FLUX or FLUX PRO you even get the support of some Antec rep guy, I heard he is quite a nice guy and can be helpful.
 
I have and love the Fractal North in White and Beech. Then paired with white mouse and white keyboard it's gorgeous.
 
A bit older now but what about the Fractal torrent? The solid version is no frills, no RGB and you get great airflow. It's ideal for air coolers. Arguably one of the best air cooled cases.

It comes with 3 140mm at the bottom and two 180mm at the front, which can be changed for 140mm fans if you wish.

The only other case I'd be tempted by would be the HAVN BF 360 but I'm also not a fan of glass panels, I prefer solid where possible but it seems it's only really Fractal that offer solid side panel options in most of their cases.
 
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I do like the torrent, but for £170 I'd buy a North XL, but I really don't want to go that high price wise :)
 
I've just bought another Fractal Define 7 Compact. Full of sorrows at all the bling and bonkers cases that are super popular at the minute.
 
ChocAndGray said:
A bit older now but what about the Fractal torrent? The solid version is no frills, no RGB and you get great airflow. It's ideal for air coolers. Arguably one of the best air cooled cases.

It comes with 3 140mm at the bottom and two 180mm at the front, which can be changed for 140mm fans if you wish.

The only other case I'd be tempted by would be the HAVN BF 360 but I'm also not a fan of glass panels, I prefer solid where possible but it seems it's only really Fractal that offer solid side panel options in most of their cases.
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You seen our Antec FLUX SE? That is none glass version with solid (vented) panels.
 
If I do grab a new case I think the SE is the current winner. They're not being carried by OCUK though.

The Performance 1 also looks ok, but I think the wood accents are what I'm after.
 
Ace Modder said:
If performance is important to you, the flux (and flux pro) does give some of the best thermals.

Gamers Nexus did a case roundup on his best cases in 2025. The FLUX PRO came in with the best GPU cooling award from him (and this is the 2nd year in a row - unheard of) and is still top 5 in CPU cooling aswell, but didn't win that award.

If you buy the FLUX or FLUX PRO you even get the support of some Antec rep guy, I heard he is quite a nice guy and can be helpful.
Click to expand...


Really pleased I found this thread, I was considering the usual suspects, Lian Li Evo, Havn, Nzxt H9 etc but this thing looks fantastic for a reasonable price.

I like the stealthy, classy kind of look and I like a bit of window and some subdued RGB, but not the full-on black box experience or the full fish tank. This seems to be great compromise, and I love the walnut accent on the front panel. Top IO panel too, and a PWM and ARGB hub built in, and comes with fans pre-installed. It's a bit tall but I can work with that, the fishtanks were too wide really with limited leg room under the desk to my right.

There looks to be plenty of room at the back for cable management as well. Obviously not going to be anything like a dual chamber though.

Plenty of food for thought here, and there's a mid tower which looks very similair.
 
I have the Flux PRO Built into it backend of last year. It was an upgrade from my 2007 case a Silverstone TJ09. Like the silverstone it looks and feels very high end and was a dream to build into. Amazing case with amazing thermals.

Edit only thing that let me down on the case was on the wood on the front has a slight mark on it out the box. Was going to send it back but just live with it.
 
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Ordered the Antec Flux Pro, got a really good deal on a 9600X, which is making me feel a little less nauseous about such an expensive case. Although it does from all accounts appear to be a top class product.
 
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