As the Antec Performance 1 FT is more than a simple refresh from the brand there is a lot to unpack here. Starting with the price. At $150, it certainly isn't cheap, but it does include four of their signature Storm T3 30 mm fans which are essentially the same as you can buy in retail. As such, you could weigh the cost of the chassis at around $110 - especially considering that it has that built-in display to set it apart from other cases of that price segment. All considered, the cost is actually quite good when you look at the size and the dual 4 mm glass panels the Performance 1 FT ships with. But at a high-level, it would have been nice if the case did also offer a PWM hub PCB for example at the price - just to tie it all together for the user.

Looking at the Performance 1 FT exterior, it looks modern and the front cover design is rooted in pulling air in at an angle away from the user. Thus its looks serve a function. Also, the glass panel on the backside of the motherboard tray is a nice and equally important touch as the case doesn't otherwise push visual boundaries overall. While a select few other enclosures also offer class and covers just like the Performance 1 FT does, most of those enclosures also push design into a bit more intricacy, whereas Antec tries to offer the 30 mm fans and that built-in temperature display instead. In that similar vein, the removable top for easier AIO/fan installation is great, but not something completely unique.

Some of that feeling continues in the interior, it looks like Antec is trying to cautiously design elements their own way, while still keeping one foot on the breaks. You get the general, modern layout with the space of a larger chassis. That means that big air coolers or multiple large radiators like 360 and 420 variants are an option. A highlight in that regard is the potential for push/pull setups in the front of the chassis. On top of that, the Performance 1 FT can easily hold long GPUs and PSUs without compromise. Antec also does try to make good use of the dimensions for things like three fans on the shroud or larger motherboards, while still providing needed cable routing options. Even though none of that is re-inventing the wheel, the implementations feel useful, non-compromising and work well.

Where Antec does seem to step out of its usual comfort zone a bit more is on the backside of the motherboard tray. And the results are positive, with the interior covers working well even with lots of cables going all over the place for example. And even their own take on Velcro strip based cable trenches is very good and somewhat surprisingly different, so that you could potentially skip zip ties completely if you utilize their additional Velcro strips in the process - even on the rear of the chassis. Antec also manages to provide plenty of storage options - all in a very sturdy body.

In terms of performance, the four Storm T3 30 mm fans are also an uncommon USP, as most brands just employ some cheap 25 mm units instead. However they did not make the giant leap in cooling performance we had hoped to see - especially considering Antec goes for three 140 mm units in the front. But that could be chalked up to the fact that a big case offers less focused air flow, with the effective funnel being longer and taller than more compact cases. In that sense, the Performance 1 FT could benefit from a solid top panel - maybe a magnetic metal cover that replaces the mesh.

So, all things considered, you get a voluminous, clean and unassuming chassis with a rock solid steel frame, plenty of storage and tons of cooling potential alongside a few nifty details. If you like the exposed backside and need the space in a classic tower format, the Antec Performance 1 FT is certainly a recommendable choice.