Asus ProArt PA401 Case Review: Performance & Design Tested
â–¼ Summary
– The Asus ProArt Case PA401 features a sleek design with sustainably sourced ash wood slats on the front, though its glossy finish makes the wood grain less noticeable.
– It supports ATX motherboards and has dimensions of 412 x 225 x 503 mm, making it suitable for desk placement but with limited space for powerful components.
– The case has limited cooling support, accommodating only up to a 240 mm radiator and a maximum GPU length of 315 mm, which restricts high-end builds.
– It includes tactile buttons and practical features like a lockable tempered glass side panel, a fan controller, and ample cable management options with velcro straps.
– Priced at $130/£120, it offers good value for its design and included fans but may not suit users needing extensive upgrade potential or high-end cooling.
The Asus ProArt PA401 case blends sophisticated aesthetics with practical functionality, making it a compelling option for builders who prioritize style and thoughtful design. While it may not cater to extreme high-performance setups due to cooling limitations, it offers a unique blend of materials and usability that stands out in the crowded PC case market.
Crafted with a front panel made from sustainably sourced ash wood, the PA401 brings a touch of organic elegance to the typical tech enclosure. The glossy finish gives it a modern look, though the wood grain is subtle, almost plastic-like from a distance. This understated approach won’t appeal to everyone, but it complements the case’s clean, compact lines. Designed to fit ATX motherboards, the interior is surprisingly accommodating given its modest footprint of 412 x 225 x 503 mm, making it suitable for desk placement without dominating your workspace.
Where the ProArt PA401 truly shines is in its attention to detail. Tactile buttons and switches are used throughout, offering a satisfying physical interaction that’s become rare in modern designs. A front-panel switch locks the power button, another toggles fan profiles, and even the side panel releases are button-operated, with a lock feature on the tempered glass to prevent accidental opening. These thoughtful touches extend to the side panels themselves, which release gently and reattach with a secure click.
Cooling support, however, is where compromises emerge. The case includes two pre-installed 160 mm front intake fans and one 120 mm rear exhaust, all ProArt-branded and connected to an integrated five-port PWM fan controller. While adequate for mid-range builds, radiator support tops out at 240 mm, and airflow is significantly hindered by the front panel and dust filter. Testing showed a dramatic drop from 2 m/s to 0.7 m/s in airflow when the front panel was installed, a notable constraint for thermally demanding components.
Cable management is straightforward though not exceptional. Three large Velcro straps help tidy cables, though there’s no dedicated channel system. The rear offers hooks for external cable routing, and drive mounting includes two dedicated 2.5-inch bays and two combo bays. GPU clearance is limited to 315 mm, ruling out many high-end models like most RTX 5080/5090 cards, though Asus’ own ProArt RTX 5080 does fit.
Priced at $130 or £120, the PA401 delivers exceptional build quality and aesthetic appeal, especially for creators or style-conscious users. It includes three fans and a fan controller, adding value to the package. However, those planning powerful, upgrade-heavy systems may find its thermal and spatial constraints limiting. If you value looks and thoughtful design over extreme expandability, the ProArt PA401 is a standout choice. For raw performance potential, alternatives like the Phanteks Eclipse G400A may offer more flexibility.
(Source: PC Gamer)
