Bargain real estate: Aywun A1-X01 PC case review

todd_h86 (New user):

I prefer the Antech Three Hundred for the cheaper end of case design, much better design, better cooling, and its Antec!
http://store.antec.com/Product/enclosure-gear_for_gamers/three-hundred/0-761345-15300-3.aspx

Can be found for around $55 online as well

ss-rotel (User):

Was that photo taken from by APC? is it me, or does that the Fit and Finish of the case, (look @ the top panel and how it doesn't line up with the front panel, or is the front panel not on properly), a little lack laster?

There are alot of "budget" cases out there by antec and Thermaltake that sub $100.

And todd, there is a huge difference between RRP listed above, and the "Street" pricing. i'm sure this case lists @ most places for the $50-60 mark

Rea9er (New user):

@todd_h66, Antec is a great brand however the three hundred is overpriced for what it is.

Shot for shot the A1-X01 wins hands down; it has far more for far less. The closest Antec case with even some of the features of the A1-X01 is the DF-10 which in itself is a great case but very plastic in look and feel and costs over a lot more.

All in all I was really happy with the first A1-X01 case I got for a budget gaming system build. I thought it would be crap as it was cheap (for what it has included), it’s made by Aywun who, let’s face it is not known for quality cases, in fact most people wouldn’t know of them at all really. The biggest issue I have with the A-X01 is that it wasn’t (and still isn’t) listed on the Aywun site as a product so I couldn’t (and still can’t) get any information on it other than what my supplier has.

I am glad I tried it as it looks and feels like I high end gaming case but doesn’t have the price tag; pair it with a nice PSU with cable management and you will have a really nice base to build your budget gaming system.

Rea9er (New user):

@ss-rotel, hi again… sorry I haven’t replied to the OC posts yet, been a bit busy, but I will get around to it. Btw, you’re right, the site has some issues that really need to be fixed like editing posts...

The photo looks like every other photo out there of the case so I would guess that APC “borrowed” it. The finish of the case is not too bad given the price range, the photo doesn’t really do it justice.

The front and top covers are held by plastic clips only which could be an issue with continued removal as it would be more likely to break with over use (although I haven’t had an issue to date) and they do line up sort of. The front cover has “filtering” and by filtering I mean a blackish fine foam/ fish tank filter type thing that is in every bit of the front cover including the removable drive bay covers. It is cut to size and preinstalled which I must say it’s not a bad touch for a cheap case.

I did learn with the first system build with this case not to complete the cable management until you have installed any top fans (even when they are an afterthought) as the front I/O panel is connected to the top panel and the wires are really tight if you tidy it all up first… lesson learnt.

The internal cable clips are crap and don’t hold the cables if there is any pressure on them at all; using zip ties with them works well but you could just remove the clips and zip tie the cables to the same location. The screwless fixtures in the case are not too bad but as mentioned above they seem brittle although I haven’t broken one yet. Again given the cost, it’s not too bad.

I must point out now that I don’t work for Awyun in any way shape or form. I use their cases for my budget systems and must say that you really do get good bang for your buck. As always though, you do get what you pay for; if you want a high end case, spend the money and get a Silverstone, Corsair or Ikonik case (there are heaps more out there, just listing some of my favs.) If you want a budget case with some high end features this is a beauty for the price.

ss-rotel (User):

i can't see how $55 is over priced, were the Aywun A1-X01 is at least $20 more expensive, (going by shopbot listing).

For the $$$ the ThermalTake V5 is great @ the same sort of pricing.

i hate screwless fittings in cases, plastic or otherwise, they either don't hold the gear right, are flimsy, or just dont make life any easy anyway. Waste of money. better with a fist full of screws at the end of the day

meh, for me personally a "cheap" case is a coolermaster CM690.

Rea9er (New user):

What I said was it (the Antec case) is over priced for what it is which is, a basic boring case with no stand out features.

As mentioned I am simply providing my feedback as I have used this case and for the money you get some nice features not normally seen in the budget end cases. (Happy to stand corrected though)

It doesn't really matter if you like screwless fittings or not, some do and some don't, each to there own I say; you fiddle with your fist full of screws, I'll do the same job with a scotch and dry in one hand and not worry about dropping the fiddly little buggers with the other.

I note you like the coolermaster CM690... unless I am mistaken this case is very similar to the A1-X01 and it has screwless fixtures too??? Both have a bottom mounted PSU, side mounted HDD and well they really are basically the same case just the CM690 is a little more expensive although not much more and it doesn't have a side window unless of course you opt for that feature which is a little more pricey. In saying that the CM690 is likely to have a nicer finish but having never used one myself I can't really comment on that.

Rea9er (New user):

Sorry, I misread. The Thermaltake V5 you liked (for the $$$). Looks decent too from the quick look I had over the TT product page. How sturdy is the handle? (Not a fan of the handle myself, but there are lots of people that are)

ss-rotel (User):

bit solid bit of plastic. If you can find it, the V4, it pretty much the same thing, without the handle, (read a touch cheaper too)

honestly, anything Sub $80 is going to be a bit plasticy