Performance and rating
PerformanceAs this is our first chassis test in a while, numbers will be provided in isolation. We'll quickly build this into a large catalogue of results as further chassis are reviewed. The way which we test chassis is to run the Prime 95 torture test for 15 minutes. We then run GPU-beating FurMark v1.8.2 for 15 minutes. Lastly, the two tests are run in tandem, generating the most heat. Here's the specification of our chassis equipment.
| Test rig | |
| CPU | Intel Core i7 980X EE |
| Cooler | Intel 980X reference |
| Motherboard | ASUS Rampage GENE III |
| Graphics card | Sapphire Radeon HD 5870 |
| Memory | 6GB Kingston DDR3-1,600 |
| Optical drive | Sony 16x DVD-RW |
| PSU | Corsair HX1000W |
We note the idle CPU and GPU temps as well as the under-load figures. The chassis' fans were set to maximum speed during the test, and ambient temperature was 23.9°C.
| Antec DF-85 | CPU temperature | GPU temperature |
| Idle | 29.7°C | 36°C |
| Load | 65°C | 85°C |
| Max load | 66.8°C | 85°C |
Providing isolation numbers don't tell us a great deal, granted, but going by historical results in other chassis with the very similar equipment, the Antec DF-85 is a better-than-average performer. What's more, with the side panels on, the noise emitted by the CPU and GPU fans is more muted than shrill - helped no doubt by the heavy steel panels.
Conclusion
Overall the DF-85 shows Antec has listened to the gaming audience by including a number of neat features in a substantial frame. The company has catered for old and new, with the 2.5in bay capable of mechanical- and solid-state-drive usage and the moveable hot-swap bays are all adequately implemented.
There are some shortcomings with the DF-85, sure, mainly surrounding a lack of finish to the theme. We found the top of the chassis surprisingly bare and the sheer weight of the loaded case is too much to make this any sort of LAN-machine for the daily grind. We also found the paint on the side panels doesn’t wear well with frequent removal, either
At the end of the day, Antec has got closer to what the market wants, we believe, but at the same time seems to put this ahead of the fit and finish of the final product – it’s a £140 chassis after all, and cheap plastic and paint finish issues don’t really reflect the quality we’ve come to expect from Antec.
The Good
Performs well
Neat features, including 2.5in bay
The Bad
Looks are an acquired taste
Finish quality not fantastic
HEXUS Rating
Antec Dark Fleet DF-85
HEXUS Where2Buy
The Antec Dark Fleet DF-85 is available to purchase from eBuyer for £139.98.
HEXUS Right2Reply
At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.
