Antec Dark Fleet DF-85 Computer Case Review

In mid-2010, Antec announced a new series of PC cases for gamers – Dark Fleet. At the moment, is represented by a series of four models: DF-10, DF-30, DF-35, DF-85. And if the first three members – the “middle of the tower”, the flagship, DF-85, belongs to a class Full Tower. That’s about it, we would like to tell in this review.

Appearance

We begin, as always, with the packaging. Computer Case DF-85 is quite colorful. Large photo products is one of the side faces and front panels have taken the basic specifications and features of the case. A bit sad that there are no handles for carrying, but such is the peculiarity of this manufacturer packaging.

DF-85 Kit consists of:

• required for the assembly mounting systems;
• reusable tie for cable;
• documentation.

Not too rich, but all you need is present.

Design of Antec Dark Fleet became more aggressive in comparison with a series of Gamer. In DF-85 a lot of protruding elements: the front doors and compartments, and the panel interface and a connector for easy connection SSD. But first things first.

Most of the front is occupied by three 140-mm fan installed in the door compartments for hard drives. All fans are highlighted in red and endowed with the possibility of fine adjustment of speed. Slightly higher for the doors of unusual shape, there are three compartments for the device format, 5.25 inches, and at the very top is a panel interface and a compartment for quick connection SSD.

The original layout of the buttons on / off and reset on the panel edges allowed freely to place in the central part of the four-port USB, one of which supports the third version of the interface. The distance between the ports is quite sufficient to use them all at once. Also, there is a place for indicators of system activity, and audio jacks are compatible with both AC97, and with the HDA.

 

In addition to the ledge on which houses a compartment for quick connection of a 2.5-inch drives on the top panel is a double mesh ventilation under the 140-mm fans.

The left side panel reminds user familiar with the game line corps Antec, Nine Hundred and Model Twelve Hundred. Only in our today’s case both sides of the windows are made ??of transparent plastic. Remained constant presence of air vent under the 120-mm fan for additional cooling of graphics cards. Toward the back of the wall is the traditional buildings Antec ledge over which to pull to remove it.

Right side is perfectly smooth, except for the inscription «Antec DESIGN» at the bottom.

On the rear panel, like the Twelve Hundred, there are two 120-mm fan. True, the DF-85 are red. Next to them is the controller that turns the top and rear fans. Speed control – available in two speeds. Just below we see a removable plug I / O panel of the motherboard, and under it seven expansion slots, one of which set a cap with a cutout for the cable USB 3.0.

The bottom of the case does not include any cuts, not for gaming, and traditional buildings ventilation grille under the power supply. But here were found four holes under mount 2.5-inch speakers.

Conclusion

When testing Hi-End housings made ??to pay attention to every detail and take into account every factor that may not even have a significant impact on the overall opinion about the product. And even with such a rigorous approach Antec DF-85 is commendable. First of all, the cooling system is really beyond all praise - housing for the “excellent” failed in its primary task. However, it was not without shortcomings, among them a high level of noise of the fans at maximum speed, and too little upper chamber of 5.25-inch device. The average price of the product is quite adequate for computer case of this level.

Products mentioned: Antec DF-85 (without PSU) .