A Closer Look - Outside

The Antec Constellation C8, or just C8 for short, sports the usual straight, edgy design most dual-chamber cases are known for. The glass wraps around the front corner nicely, offering an unobstructed view into the belly with black framing at the top and bottom.


Looking at the front, the glass tint is nice and light, with a solid metal cover running down the right side of this part of the C8. In the rear, the layout is divided as expected, with the PSU and drives hidden behind the motherboard tray. Antec has opted to put the PSU at the top left, whereas other dual-chamber enclosures sometimes place it at the bottom instead.


Taking a look at the main side, it is all glass with the same level of subtle tint. On the opposite side, Antec has employed a full mesh cover, which is a step up from the partially ventilated variants we have seen on other dual-chamber enclosures.


At the top of the backside, the PSU bay sports a single set of screw holes, as you are meant to have the fan of the unit facing towards the side panel to draw in cool air. Next to this, the C8 has a fan mount that can be filled with a 120 or 140 mm unit. Alternatively, a 120 mm AIO will also fit here as well. Thanks to the elongated holes, you can adjust the placement height of any such cooling units to best suit your needs. On the bottom you will find eight expansion slots, to the left of which are two hooks allowing for clean cable routing on the exterior of the chassis as well.


In the top, there is a singular metal panel which is partially perforated to allow for airflow above the motherboard compartment. It may easily be pulled off without the need for any tools, revealing mounting possibilities for three 120 or 140 mm fans, or even two 160 mm units. Those wanting to install liquid cooling here can do so with radiators of up to 360 mm in size. The IO consists of two USB-A and one USB-C port, as well as an audio combo jack, these are protected by silicone plugs. Interestingly enough, Antec ships an additional set of these inside the box alongside the screws, perhaps a spare?


The entire length of the underside is one big dust filter which may easily be pulled out the front for cleaning without having to tip over the entire system. The dust filter utilizes a really fine mesh and Antec has designed it to have no plastic obstructions at all. While this surely helps to keep things looking clean and offer the most airflow, it also increases the odds of the mesh getting damaged.


Before diving into the interior of the Antec C8, it is best to remove both glass panels for ease of installation. Antec is one of the few brands that goes the extra mile here by cutting the edge of the glass at 45° to join these together nice and clean. Most brands go the cheaper route and butt the corners instead.