A Closer Look - Outside

Taking a first look at the chassis, there is really nothing here to draw a bridge between the GX500 and GX700. While the GX700 sports a military look, great use of metal, and certain very unique design elements to make it stand out in the crowded case market, the GX500 is only bland in comparison. The front is mostly out of plastic, with a metal mesh element covering both 120 mm fan placements, and the PSU bay can be found in the bottom of the back. A trained eye will notice that the chassis is quite slim, which leaves less space for large CPU coolers.


Both side panels are shaped identically. There is a punch out, which adds to the look a bit and helps by adding some space to the chassis interior. The main panel includes a simple air vent for a 120 mm fan. It should be situated low enough not interfere with a tower cooler you install within the GX500.


Focusing on the front, the metal mesh cover also includes Antec's logo. The mesh can easily be removed for access to both fan placements in the front. Doing so also gives you the ability to clean the dust filter behind the mesh cover easily. Above both fan placement possibilities are two 5.25" and one 3.5" drive bay.


The aforementioned bottom-mounted PSU bay in the rear comes with two sets of mounting holes, which gives you the flexibility to install the power supply with the fan either facing up- or down. Above the bay are the seven motherboard expansion slots. At this point, it is obvious that these are of the break-out variety, so you can't opt to put the covers back on once you remove them. In the very top are a 120 mm exhaust fan and two openings through which you could route liquid-cooling tubes out the back of the enclosure.


Taking a look at the top panel, its front is taken up by a large LED bar in the front, two USB 3.0 plugs, and the usual audio I/O. Antec also included two separate fan controllers, which is nice to see in a case of this price range. The panel also comes with another air vent in the back; it can easily be removed, which reveals two more 120 mm fans. These are positioned to blow hot air out the top of the case. Having a chassis of this price point come with three fans out of the box is also quite unusual.


Tipping the chassis on its side, there is a dust filter to protect your PSU from dust and grime on its underside; it may be removed for easy cleaning.