Page 2 - Physical Look - Outside
On first glance, the Antec Performance 1 FT does not necessarily seem like a large case, but there are some things that make it stand out. The chassis is mostly black in color, but its front gray grille pops out visually. Its asymmetrical front with vertical bars is a neat look that sort of reminds me of the front of a car. These bars do not face directly forward, but are angled to the side. Antec's name is printed on a small trapezoid portion of the right edge, which also doubles as a handle to remove the front panel. Around the case, we have a mostly rectangular prism shape with sharp corners everywhere other than the front. From this angle, you can also see the tempered glass side panel. All in all, the Performance 1 FT is rather striking for its front, but the rest of the frame is pretty tame. Even so, I do appreciate the look of the Antec Performance 1 FT, with its large front to allow air to flow through.
The measurements of the Antec Performance 1 FT are 522mm in depth, 230mm in width, and 522 mm in height. Compared to the last Antec case, the P20C, this is larger in all dimensions, which is understandable given its classification as a full-tower chassis. Even so, the largest difference is 5cm in depth, which is why the Performance 1 FT does not seem much larger. Other full towers we have reviewed like the be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900 and Cooler Master HAF 700 are even larger than the one we have today. As for its mass, the Antec Performance 1 FT tips the scales at 12.55kg, which again is not too surprising for this size. This is explained by the fact we have two tempered glass panels, a steel frame internally, but a mixed plastic and steel front. These materials are quite solid and do not exhibit any signs of bending easily.
The top-facing inputs and outputs can be seen here. From the front to the back of the Antec Performance 1 FT, we first have a large square power button followed by a smaller square reset button. Next, we have a combination 3.5mm headphone and microphone jack. Unfortunately, we do not have a splitter included in the box. Next, there are two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports. Finally, we have a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port. All of these ports are given rubber covers from Antec to prevent dust from settling in here. While I usually leave my ports exposed, I do appreciate the inclusion here. The last button is marked "Temp", and this is used to control what is displayed on the glossy area. Indeed, while it just looks like a black glossy plastic, underneath is a three-digit seven-segment display to show the CPU or GPU temperature. This button cycles through the two options or turns the display off. We will see the display later when we look inside. Interestingly enough, we do not have any power or drive activity light, although the top display would double as one since it only turns on when the computer is on. Otherwise, there is also the ventilation area at the top. The large opening is made up of triangles and a mesh filter exists underneath. This top panel can be easily removed so users can clean the filter.
From this angle, you can see the second tempered glass panel on the other side of the Antec Performance 1 FT. Otherwise, the backside looks pretty typical. At the top, we have the motherboard I/O cutout with an exhaust area next to it. This has rails for users to mount a single 120mm fan here, although it is already occupied. Underneath, we have eight expansion slots, which are secured in place with screws. These slots are bridgeless and therefore are not divided by the rest of the frame. The slots also have perforations to allow air to pass through here. I do appreciate the unity in design, as we have the same triangle pattern at the back as we have on the top panel. Beside the slots, we also have two pairs of cable tiedown points on the outside, and these are used to help with exterior cable management as you will see later on. Moving forward, we have a power supply opening at the bottom of the case with a bracket around it to mount an ATX PSU. This bracket is held on by captive thumbscrews, just like the two side panels.
On the bottom, the Antec Performance 1 FT looks as you might expect. Each corner has a large foot with rubber padding underneath to prevent vibrations between the case and the surface it sits on. It also keeps the case from sliding on hard and smooth surfaces. Together, the four feet raise the Performance 1 FT above the surface by 2.2cm, which should allow air to flow in and out. This is important as the bottom area is also where ventilation exists for intake to the power supply. As you can see, the middle area holds a large mesh filter that is held on a plastic frame. It can be removed from the front for cleaning, which is the ideal place of removal. A label with the serial number can be found on one side. Otherwise, there is not too much else to see here, so let us move on.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Outside
3. Physical Look - Inside
4. Installation and Conclusion
