APNX V2 Case Review: Rounded Corners at Last

The review title is probably the funniest joke I’ve made in the last 84 years. Because, honestly, my only real complaint about the APNX V2 computer case is the lack of support for 420 mm radiators. In every other respect, it’s an exceptionally interesting and intriguing design. And unquestionably premium. That’s where the joke comes in.

Read also: All reviews of computer cases

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Specifications

Dimensions: 466×309×500 mm
Weight: 11.8 kg
Colours: black / white
Material: SGCC, 0.8 mm + tempered glass
Motherboard support: ATX / Micro ATX / Mini-ITX
Storage support: 1×3.5” or 4×2.5”
PCIe expansion slots: 7
Maximum GPU length: up to 445 mm (without front fan)
Maximum cooler height: 183 mm
Maximum PSU length: 270 mm
Fan support: up to 10×120 mm, up to 6×140 mm, up to 2×160 mm
Pre-installed fans: APNX FP3-140
Radiator support: up to 360 mm
I/O panel: USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2×2, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ×2, combined audio jack

Pricing and Positioning of the APNX V2

So, what do we actually know about APNX? In the best possible sense, it feels like the Apple of the PC component world. The brand was created through a collaboration between nine established industry players, including Caseking, Overclockers UK, Noblechairs, and Aerocool.

The brand made an immediate impact with its first products – in a good way, not a Samsung Galaxy Note7 situation – quickly earning strong respect within the enthusiast community, living up to the hype, and ultimately carving out a very specific niche for itself: aesthetic hardware for the upper tier of PC gaming enthusiasts.

So it should not come as a surprise that the white version of the APNX V2 is priced at around $180. A black version is also available, although it carries essentially the same price tag.

Amazon

Package Contents

The accessory package of the APNX V2 is well thought out. The case ships protected by thick expanded polypropylene foam, and the manual is exceptionally detailed, with clear step-by-step instructions. Inside the accessories box, you’ll find cable ties, screws, motherboard standoffs, cable management mounts, and – something I personally encountered for the first time – a curved cover designed to conceal liquid-cooling tubes.

Overall, the APNX V2 offers a significantly expanded range of liquid cooling configurations. There are numerous mounting locations, and more placement options than I initially expected. While there is no support for 420 mm radiators, 360 mm radiators are supported. Moreover, the manufacturer’s website provides a dedicated guide detailing radiator dimensions and thickness compatibility for liquid cooling systems, which adds useful clarity for planning configurations.

I would recommend reviewing this guide if you’re planning to build a more extensive liquid cooling setup inside the “aquarium” case. It’s the second-best joke I’ve made in the last 84 years. You’re welcome.

Exterior Design of the APNX V2

To be honest, the design of the APNX V2 looks about 99% standard when viewed from a distance. The only real exception is the front-left corner, which is noticeably chamfered. The cut is significant enough that it requires a dedicated internal plastic spacer to provide additional structural support.

Also worth noting is the cable-management cover, designed as silver-toned brackets surrounding the motherboard tray. One of these brackets also serves as a mounting point for a guide rail used to route tubing.

Sections on the motherboard tray are also removable, and the cutouts can be used for installing reverse-connector motherboards such as ASUS BTF-style designs. Motherboard size compatibility includes ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini ITX form factors. The maximum CPU cooler height is up to 183 mm, which is close to a record figure for this class of case.

The maximum GPU length is an almost record-breaking 445 mm, although this is only achievable if front fans are not installed. The case also supports vertical GPU mounting, but only via relatively expensive add-on kits, including the proprietary Vertical GPU Holder Kit 1. That said, basic GPU mounting support is already integrated into the case out of the box.

For the power supply, the layout is quite flexible. A PSU up to 270 mm in length can be repositioned either higher or lower, with the mounting position being adjustable. However, this adjustment is tied to the placement of the 3.5-inch HDD cage, meaning both elements move together as a shared system. On the positive side, the drive cage itself can accommodate up to two 2.5-inch SSDs, and overall the case provides as many as four 2.5-inch mounting positions in total.

On the cooling side, the setup is impressive in its own right. The case comes with four pre-installed fans – not generic units, but full-size APNX FP3-140 models in their case-specific variant. Retail versions also exist, as far as I understand. Their speed ranges from 400 to 1600 RPM, with power consumption exceeding 6 W when RGB is enabled, and noise levels reaching up to 33 dBA. Despite using a rifle-bearing design, the rated lifespan is stated to be up to 40,000 hours of operation.

In total, the APNX V2 supports up to ten 120 mm fans, up to seven 140 mm fans, or even two 160 mm fans. However, the 160 mm configuration is only feasible in the lower mounting position, and APNX itself does not manufacture 160 mm fan models. Still, the case design allows for their installation in that location.

Drawbacks

Next, I’ll point out a few drawbacks. They are not critical and are barely noticeable – but I simply did not expect to see them presented in this form. What does not raise any questions is the fact that the APNX V2 includes a fan and lighting hub in the package – that is entirely expected.

However, first of all, it requires two SATA power connectors, which is somewhat unusual – though this is likely explained by the fact that the pre-installed fans alone can draw up to 25 W. Second, in my specific sample, the fans were not connected to the hub at all; instead, they were simply routed as a bundled cable set from the bottom of the case.

The front I/O panel also raises a few questions. Personally, I would prefer to see two separate 3.5 mm audio jacks on APNX V2, one of which could be a combo jack. This is a subtle but very practical feature that would fit well with the brand’s otherwise refined design approach. Instead, the APNX V2 includes a single combo audio jack, along with a power button, two USB Type-A ports at 5 Gbps, and one USB Type-C port rated at 20 Gbps.

Did you notice something unusual? That’s right – there is no reset button and no dedicated RGB control button. Yes, that’s intentional: the APNX V2 does not support these functions at all. Lighting adjustments must be handled through the motherboard software, while system reset is only possible via external controls. On one hand, this does contribute to an overall sense of “professional” minimalism in the design. On the other hand, it feels somewhat unusual and not entirely user-friendly. Almost like… those chamfered edges, wouldn’t you agree?

Conclusion

This case is 99% exactly what you would expect from a high-end product. It looks premium, offers extensive fan compatibility, demonstrates a high level of design consideration, and comes with a strong accessory package. In a case like this, it is easy to build a flagship PC for a streamer, a design-focused user, or even someone working in tools like DaVinci Resolve or Blender. At the same time, there are a few design decisions I do not fully understand: the absence of a reset button, the fact that fans were not connected in my sample, and, in particular, the lack of support for 420 mm radiators. Still, taking everything good into account, I can recommend the APNX V2 without hesitation.

Read also:

Where to buy the APNX V2

Amazon

Package contents 9
Design 10
Versatility 8
Cooling 9
Price 8