Reviews & awards

Whether or not you take the leap for the Antec Flux Pro Noctua Edition almost certainly depends on how much you like Noctua’s fine fans. They sure are nice! Of course, those of us who think that the discounted price of around $35 per fan sounds more like a good steak dinner will probably build with something cheaper.

That said, this case illustrates the old chestnut of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. Even with its few quirks, the Antec Flux Pro Noctua Edition delivers exactly what its unapologetically niche concept promises: a lavishly engineered airflow showcase built around some of the best PC fans money can buy. Plus, Antec’s wood styling complements the classic Noctua look, making for a statement piece for air-cooling obsessives. And the massive radiator support, thoughtful interior layout, excellent thermals, and surprisingly restrained acoustics make for real substance behind the appearance.

Sure, $399 for a case is steep, and anyone unmoved by Noctua’s famous beige-and-brown aesthetic will find far cheaper ways to house a high-performance rig. But if you dream in NF-A12s and NF-A14s, the Flux Pro Noctua Edition justifies the money by feeling purpose-built, extravagantly overdone, and very, very well executed.