A Closer Look - Outside

Out of the box, the ASUS Prime AP201 sports an understated design with round corners and straight lines. ASUS advertises 57,000 1.5 mm holes inside the panels to provide excellent air flow. Even with these holes, the assembled chassis feels sturdy and well built.


In the front there is a top and bottom band of the cover, which is solid metal. You may pull the cover to reveal an internal vent in a simpler shape. This is where you may install a PSU and some storage drives, as we will see later on. The IO panel in the front is centered nicely with the square, LED framed, power button in the middle. To the left, there is USB-C and the two usual audio ports. To the right, you will find two USB 3.0 type A connectors.


Looking at the rear of the AP201, it quickly becomes apparent why the chassis is short but quite deep. Thanks to the PSU being moved into the interior front of the chassis, ASUS can manage to keep the case low in height but still provide ample room to squeeze in long components as well. The entire rear of the chassis is vented as well, with four expansion slots for your motherboard and a single 120 mm exhaust fan in the rear of the chassis, the only active cooling element included with the AP201. There is plenty of height above the fan, allowing for installation of an AIO or radiator in the ceiling of the chassis.


Both panels on the AP201 are perforated as well, with the solid bands across the top and bottom for design continuity. On one of the panels you will find some subtle branding as well, a nice touch.


The same perforation trend continues on the top of the case. You may remove the cover to reveal mounting possibilities for three 120 or two 140 mm fans. This translates to radiator compatibility of up to 360 mm in size, which is excellent.


Even the underside of the AP201 is one big air vent, which means the chassis truly is one of the least airflow restricted enclosures out there. A fine magnetic dust filter helps protect the interior from ingested dirt and grime. While this is easily removable, you will have to tilt your case to get to it. Thanks to the tall feet of the chassis, there is also ample clearance for unobstructed access to the cooler, exterior air.