Page 4 - Installation and Conclusion
With a screwdriver, I started building in the Endorfy Arx 700 ARGB. The parts I used today came from an old system that I had originally built ten years back. Thankfully, the system still works, albeit with some slightly updated parts. First, I started by installing my power supply in place. The GAMDIAS HELIOS P2-750G 750W does not fill up the basement with its 14cm length, so it is no surprise the Arx 700 ARGB has no issues here. Endorfy states a maximum length of 340mm, so I do not think you need to worry about any power supply filling the entire basement. I routed the CPU power cable out and up the back, while using the middle area for the motherboard power cable. I also placed the front I/O and fan cables through the holes on the bottom edge or the side holes at this point.
Behind the motherboard, I mounted the ADATA SU670 Ultimate 250GB SSD in place. This can be done by screwing in the included screws and placing the rubber spacers in place. Next, you can slide the rubber spacers through the set of four holes and push it over to secure in place. As solid state drives do not have any moving parts, this is sufficient to ensure this component stays in place.
In the main compartment, I installed my old Gigabyte Z87X-D3H motherboard. Installation was quick with the pre-installed risers in place for a standard ATX motherboard. With a venerable Intel Core i5-4670K under the low-profile CRYORIG C7, we are not stretching the capabilities of the Endorfy Arx 700 ARGB by any mans. The manufacturer states we can install CPU coolers up to 179mm in height. I also have a pair of Kingston HyperX Fury DDR3 memory modules in place. The motherboard is mounted away from the top of the case, so if you did want to mount a radiator or fans at the top, you should have more than enough space. I did not have a graphics card in this system, but there is up to 410mm of space for your GPU. It would have been nice to see a support brace included, but we do not have one. Overall, the clearances inside the Endorfy Arx 700 ARGB are sufficient to accommodate large components.
Cable management is very straightforward in the Endorfy Arx 700 ARGB. There is sufficient cable room at the back with many Velcro straps and anchor points. Endorfy also includes extra zip ties if you need more ways to secure loose cables, and I am quite appreciative of their efforts here. Overall, the building experience went off without a hitch, and the system was properly connected in little to no time.
After connecting the power cable, plugging in my peripherals, and flipping the PSU switch on, I clicked the power button, and the system turned on. The addressable ARGB fans glowed, and I was able to choose between several distinct colors and patterns. Of course, if you want more control, you can connect the controller to your motherboard. The fans were truly quiet. The Stratus 140 PWM ARGB fans did not make much more than a whisper under nominal loads with its minimum 200 RPM fan speed. Using our standard APH Networks sound scale, where 0 represents silence and 10 is loud, I would rate the Endorfy Arx 700 ARGB at 2.5/10. These fans are great for a quiet build, and while the case does not do much to reduce noise, I can appreciate the fan's operating speed for a silent build. It does get louder when I start applying loads, but even then, it is not too noticeable.
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After my time with the Endorfy Arx 700 ARGB, I can appreciate the true function it brings to the forefront. I can be clear in saying the Arx 700 ARGB will not win any design awards anytime soon, as it really has an unremarkable design. However, when we start looking at the details, Endorfy has made using and building inside easy. First, build quality is good, albeit nothing too special. Its mesh-incorporated panels mean we do not need to have multiple layers at the front or top to keep dust out and I like the use of magnets for the front. Using captive thumbscrews in the right places is also good. Internally, compatibility for larger components, including radiators and fans, is more than sufficient. The use of rubber grommets is also excellent to hide cables from onlookers. Four retail-grade 140mm Stratus fans with PWM and ARGB LED lighting, plus the included controller to manage it, are all great additions too. Building into the Endorfy Arx 700 ARGB is a mostly painless process, as there is enough space to fit everything in easily, and all the holes are rounded off or with rubber grommets to ensure cables are not exposed to hard edges. The included hook-and-loop straps are another bonus to make it easy to tidy up your finished build. Best of all, this air-focused case comes with fans that are quiet. There are still areas to improve for Endorfy, such as using a frame for the bottom filter. Those wanting to hold more 3.5" drives will also need to look elsewhere. Finally, it would be nice to see a GPU support bracket. At the time of the review, the Endorfy Arx 700 ARGB is not conveniently available for users in North America, but it has an MSRP of approximately €120. Compared to other cases, this puts it in a highly competitive price point. Overall, the Endorfy Arx 700 ARGB may not win over buyers with its looks, but it brings the fundamentals in providing a functional and capable enclosure.
Endorfy provided this product to APH Networks for the purpose of evaluation.
APH Networks Review Focus Summary:
8/10 means Definitely a very good product with drawbacks that are not likely going to matter to the end user.
7/10 means Great product with many advantages and certain insignificant drawbacks, but should be considered before purchasing.
-- Final APH Networks Numeric Rating is 7.5/10
Please note that the APH Networks Numeric Rating system is based off our proprietary guidelines in the Review Focus, and should not be compared to other publications.
The Endorfy Arx 700 ARGB mid-tower case is an unassuming but functionally sound enclosure.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Outside
3. Physical Look - Inside
4. Installation and Conclusion
