The Formula V Air Power G10 PC case presents a compelling aesthetic and strong airflow capabilities straight out of the box, but its utility is hampered by restrictive PSU dimensions and a higher cost for its white variant. Priced at $90 for black, black rose gold, and wood finishes, and $100 for the white model, it positions itself in an awkward mid-range.
Included Fans and Initial Impressions
The Air Power G10 comes equipped with five 120 mm fans, eliminating the immediate need for additional purchases. Three are pre-installed at the front with swiveling mounts and dust filters, accompanied by a rear fan and a bottom fan. These fans can be daisy-chained, simplifying initial setup by connecting directly to the motherboard.
The case is designed for ease of building, with the top, front, and side panels removable without tools. Further customization is possible by swapping the PSU shroud with a bottom rear fan bracer, allowing for alternative PSU placement or directing fans beneath the graphics card. Formula V also provides 3D design files for the front panel, enabling users to create custom additions.
Installation Hurdles
While the build process is generally straightforward, the case's primary limitation is its PSU support. It accommodates ATX PSUs up to 160 mm in length, a size that excludes many common, higher-wattage power supplies. Testing revealed that larger units like the Be Quiet! Dark Power 12, Dark Power Pro, and Cooler Master V1000 did not fit, necessitating the use of a smaller form-factor PSU such as the Corsair SF600.
This constraint is further complicated by a unique power cable that runs from the rear of the case to the PSU. While intended to match the rig's color scheme, its placement requires swapping the PSU section and bottom fan shroud if the PSU's power port is on the opposite side. Removing this cable leaves a noticeable gap, compromising the case's clean aesthetic.
Despite the PSU issue, cable management is facilitated by ample space behind the motherboard tray. The case includes a few zip ties to help secure cables for a tidy build.
Design and Aesthetics
The white variant of the Air Power G10 offers a clean and attractive appearance, with minimal disruption from silver screws. A faux-leather handle on the top adds a touch of refinement. The integrated RGB lighting on the front fans is subtle and contributes to the case's sleek look.
Formula V has managed to create a distinctive design that avoids becoming overly ostentatious.
Thermal Performance
Testing with an AMD Ryzen 5 7600X and an XFX Swift AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT, 32 GB of RAM, and two SSDs, the case demonstrated solid thermal performance. The GPU recorded a maximum temperature of 64.8 °C and an average of 57 °C, benefiting from the five included 120 mm fans. The CPU, however, reached a high of 91 °C and averaged 81 °C, though this is attributed to the use of a basic stock cooler rather than the case itself. A 360 mm AIO cooler on top would likely improve CPU temperatures.
Minor temperature fluctuations were observed when adjusting the orientation of the front or bottom fans, but these were within standard deviation and deemed insignificant.
Value Proposition
The $100 price for the white model places the Air Power G10 in a competitive segment. Competitors like the Corsair 3200D, available for $30 less, also offer white options and support longer PSUs, albeit with slightly less GPU clearance. The Corsair case includes three fans, and the price difference could accommodate additional fans. For users prioritizing aesthetics and who do not have an oversized PSU, the Air Power G10's unique features and included fans might justify its cost. However, with other attractive and more accommodating white case options available at similar or lower price points, its value proposition is diminished by its limitations.
