A Closer Look - Outside

Taking a look at the exterior, the ONE reminds us of another chassis in this price segment from a manufacturer with a large fractal pattern as a logo. Nonetheless, the ONE has a better build quality to it and offers more external expandability. The clean lines are a great choice for a timeless design as well.


The front is made of plastic and metal mesh. Even though only the top three drive bays are real, the entire front is made to look like nothing but covers. You will find all the I/O and buttons located at the top front of the chassis. Antec sticks to the basics with this one, offering the traditional pair of audio connectivity along with two USB 3.0 plugs. A power and reset combo can be found on either side of the array of I/O. The rear reveals an all black case body and bottom mounted PSU bay. As you can see, two of the covers for the expansion slots had already been removed, as this chassis was used for training purposes before we got our hands on it. This is probably also the reason why we did not get any of the contents.


Taking a closer look at the back of the unit, you may install the PSU with the fan facing downward only, as there is only one set of holes to screw it down with. Above that are the seven expansion slots. Antec has only protected the very top one with a removable cover, with all the other ones apparently being of the break-out variety. It would have been nice to see all separate covers here - especially since a chassis like the Fractal Design CORE 3000 offers such a feature. Antec has placed a 120 mm exhaust fan in the rear of the chassis, which comes with a separate switch to adjust the fan speed between high and low.


Both sides of the ONE are extruded. This is clearly a measure to gain some much needed space. While both of these panels are shaped identical, the main one has an opening for a 120 mm fan, allowing you to install one to cool the expansion slots of the motherboard and whatever may be plugged in there.


You will find an additional 120 mm fan in the ceiling of the chassis, pulling hot air out the top of the case. It is of the same variety as the one in the rear with a switch as well. A simple but effective, removable dust filter has been placed under the chassis. This protects the power supply from dirt and should easily be cleanable under a running tap.