Arctic Xtender PC Case Review: Performance & Cooling Tested
▼ Summary
– The Arctic Xtender is a mid-tower gaming PC case with five pre-installed high-performance fans, offering good value-for-money despite being slightly loud.
– Arctic’s first chassis design features tempered glass panels and unique reverse fans for aesthetic consistency, though airflow isn’t optimized for direct cooling.
– The case performs well thermally, keeping components like the RTX 4080 and Ryzen 7 9700X under 70°C during gaming, thanks to efficient exhaust fans.
– Build quality is solid with ample cable management options, but the vertical GPU mount is problematic and not recommended.
– Priced competitively at around $160-$200, the Xtender is a sleek, value-packed option, especially when avoiding the vertical GPU mount version.
The Arctic Xtender PC case delivers impressive cooling performance and sleek aesthetics, making it a strong contender for high-end gaming builds. Packed with five pre-installed fans and tempered glass panels, this mid-tower chassis balances style with functionality, though its vertical GPU mount option falls short of expectations.
Arctic’s debut into case design brings its cooling expertise front and center. The Xtender features three 140mm P14 Pro Reverse ARGB fans and two 120mm P12 Pro ARGB fans, all optimized for high airflow and static pressure. While these fans excel at keeping temperatures low, our test build with an RTX 4080 and Ryzen 7 9700X stayed under 68°C under load, they can get noisy at full speed. Tuning them via BIOS helps, but even at idle, they’re noticeably louder than average.
Build quality is solid, with tempered glass panels on the front and side offering a premium look. The heavily tinted glass hides cable clutter while allowing RGB lighting to shine subtly. Cable management is straightforward thanks to abundant Velcro straps and well-placed routing channels. However, the PSU mounting design lacks a bottom dust filter, relying instead on a large rear mesh panel, a cost-saving measure Arctic defends as sufficient for airflow.
One major drawback is the vertical GPU mount, which struggled to accommodate our RTX 4080 Founders Edition without interfering with the Liquid Freezer III Pro cooler. The mount’s limited adjustability led to clearance issues, and we ultimately reverted to a traditional horizontal setup. Arctic’s standard model, priced lower and free of this hassle, is the smarter choice.
At $200 MSRP (or €145 direct from Arctic), the Xtender competes well against pricier alternatives like the NZXT H9 Flow RGB and Hyte Y70 Touch. Its five included fans add significant value, though buyers should weigh the trade-offs in noise and GPU mounting flexibility.
For those prioritizing clean aesthetics and robust cooling, the Xtender is a compelling option, just skip the vertical GPU variant. Its understated design and efficient airflow make it ideal for builders who want performance without flashy excess.
(Source: PCGAMER)