Antec MicroFusion Remote 350
Antec has been developing high quality computer cases for as long as I can remember. Traditionally Antec specializes in constructing sturdy but heavy all-steel cases.
The Antec computer case range is broad to say the least, catering for hardcore gamers to general users alike. The range also covers media components, with the Veris family, which features a neat little case called the MicroFusion. This case is available in a few flavors, we will be looking at the "MicroFusion Remote 350" version which scores a 350-watt power supply, and as the name suggests a remote control.
Much of the success Antec has seen over the years can be attributed to their competitive pricing. Besides developing a wide range of top notch computer cases, the company often manages to undercut the competition, and this also appears to be the case with the MicroFusion Remote 350. Despite all the included features, this HTPC case is set to cost $190, making it one of the cheapest cases included in this roundup.
External Design
The Antec MicroFusion Remote 350 is a fairly compact HTPC case measuring just 15" wide, 5" tall, and 16" long, but because it's largely made up of steel there is quite a bit of weight in it. Still, the MicroFusion Remote 350 is an impressive looking case featuring a rather attractive looking facade.
The front face features a 5.25" external optical drive bay with a built-in door to hide the drive. This design is very similar to that of the Thermaltake DH104, meaning that it is very clean. Next to the external optical drive bay is a small inbuilt LCD display, both are recessed into an aluminum panel.
Below the aluminum panel is a plastic layer which houses the front I/O connectors, power and reset buttons. Like the Lian-Li PC-C37, which we will look at shortly, this Antec case makes no attempt to hide the I/O connectors when not in use, leaving them constantly exposed. This spoils the look of the case a bit but it's a matter of preference.
When jumping around to the back of the MicroFusion we find four low-profile expansion slots for add-in cards and the 350 watt power supply. There is a small amount of ventilation at the rear of the case, though other than the PSU fan, there is nothing forcing the air out through the rear of the case.
Each side of the case features two 80mm fan grills. The case lid also offers additional ventilation and will likely allow the CPU cooler to draw in cool air from outside the case.
When flipping the MicroFusion Remote 350 upside down we find four feet, though the front ones are different to the rear set. These rear feet are more like large rubber stoppers. We are not exactly sure why Antec used them though they seem to give the case better traction, so perhaps that is our answer.