Conclusions
The Antec Fusion has proven that it is a worthy HTPC case. It offers very good value for its performance and lives up to the Antec name and the firm’s history of producing very good products at a good price. However, there are some features that Antec could improve.
The Good
- Price
- VFD and included software work well
- Very solid construction makes it stackable
- Stylish enough for most home theaters or A/V racks
- Feels and looks like a receiver
- Volume knob adds to the experience
The Average
- 430 Watt PSU is not bad but could be better
- Two 120 mm fans noisy on any setting but low
- Cable management is built in but needs to flow better
- No ATX boards allowed
- Tall CPU coolers will not fit (any tower like a Scythe Katana 2)
The Bad
- DVD noise not dampened at all
- No sound dampening material included
- Should include a remote with the IR receiver
- No multi-media reader included or easily added
- VFD text is too small for viewing past eight or nine feet
The Antec Fusion 430 proved to be a pleasurable case to work with. It was easy to install most of the components and the quality of the construction was very good. It would be nice if Antec could fix the flaws. They would also benefit by improving some of the things listed in "The Average" category, as well. That said you cannot expect to put full-size parts in a small case so they have no real reason to make massive design changes to support ATX boards or tower CPU coolers. If you need those items you are most likely not building an HTPC. I would like them to improve the PSU and fans. Yet, the good far outweighs the bad, and the Antec Fusion has proven it deserves a chance to be your HTPC case.
