Antec Lifestyle Fusion HTPC Case

You can only fit so many components in this case, so the Fusion is good for a light or medium-duty home theater PC, or a HTPC client. Those looking for an expandable home theater server would do well looking at Silverstone’s LC16M, which allows full-size motherboard and up to 6 hard drives.

The Antec Fusion case packs a lot of hardware into a small footprint that easily fits in most home theater racks. The innovative use of chambers helps reduce “heat bleed” and noise in the case. The optical drive installation is a snap, but the hard drive installation (although innovative) can get easily turned around. Although Antec says you can mount an IR sensor next to the VFD, most users will not bother, and opt for a case that has this pre-installed. If you like the looks of the case, then you will be equally impressed with the case features.

	REPORT CARD : Antec Lifestyle Fusion Home Theater PC Enclosure category rating comments Quality 5 The aluminum panel is top notch, as is the cases’ construction. Rubber grommets, foam pads and rubber feet are thoughtful touches to make for a quiet case. Innovation 4 Although it requires a miniATX motherboard, it uses one of the most creative layouts of any HTPC case. The case is segmented to physically separate components, reducing “heat bleed” throughtout the case. Thoughtful touches like these are offset by unmatching cheap silicon feet and exposed USB/audio jacks. Performance 4 The case is definitely quiet, and the segmented chambers absolutely prevent heat buildup. The integrated iMON VFD software works very well, but sometimes can become “stuck” on a screen. The USB volume knob is very smooth and works well. Installation 4 DVD drive installation is a snap. You have to snake cables through the segmented areas, which can be a pain if using ATA drives. SATA components will make your installation much easier. Value 4 Home theater cases are never cheap. The Fusion can be had for $170, is very expensive for a case, but on the cheap end of home theater cases. This case has good features, if you can live without an integrated IR and front panel buttons. FINAL VERDICT: 4 out of 5 stars