Here is a detail Asus ProArt PA602 Review , starting with its pros and cons, followed by an in-depth analysis.
Table of Contents
Asus ProArt PA602 Review : Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large 200mm intakes for efficient airflow with minimal noise.
- Accommodates 420mm-format closed-loop cooling for excellent performance.
- Superior cooling capabilities to keep your system running smoothly.
- Comprehensive dust filtration system, with the added bonus of detecting when filters need cleaning. (Offers superior cooling performance to keep components running smoothly.)
- Comes with a vertical bracket for your graphics card.
Cons:
- The case is very heavy, which may make it difficult to move or transport.
- Half of the Type-A ports are limited to USB 2.0 speeds, potentially slowing down data transfer
Asus, known for its notebooks and smartphones, still honors its motherboard origins when crafting PC cases. The ProArt PA602, priced at $269.99, embodies the essence of Asus’s ProArt creativity brand: refined and powerful. Unlike flashy gaming towers, this PC case is a dignified monolith that excels in performance and offers ample space for extensive customizations, including liquid-cooling setups. Whether you’re building a workstation or a content-creation rig, this case exudes quality and capability, earning our Editors’ Choice award for high-end classic towers.
Design
Asus labels the ProArt PA602 as an Extended ATX (EATX) case, but there’s a slight catch. While it doesn’t fully accommodate the typical 12-by-13-inch EATX form factor, its 10.9 inches of motherboard depth is larger than most oversized boards Asus sells.
The ProArt PA602 boasts a sleek design packed with features. From a distance, you’ll notice the tempered-glass left panel with a mesh window for graphics-card ventilation, a top panel nestled between handrails, and a front panel packed with ports.
Though it includes antique USB 2.0 ports, it features a full USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port and USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. The power button on the right side has a lockout switch to prevent accidental presses, while the fan switch on the left side controls the chassis’ integrated fan hub.
Underneath the top panel’s handrails, two buttons release the front fan cover, with another button allowing users to reset the dust-filter service LED. Behind the fan cover are two 200mm intake fans and a dust filter for the bottom panel’s vents.
The back panel features eight expansion slots, a 140mm exhaust fan, and a power-supply mount. The right side matches the left with a painted steel panel and handrail, along with buttons for releasing the side panels and plastic wheels for easy mobility.
Inside, a hidden compartment stores Asus’ foldable Wi-Fi antenna. The motherboard compartment includes a removable power supply cover, vertical cable guide, and adjustable graphics-card brace.
Drive cages hide beneath the power-supply shroud, with tool-free installation for PCI Express cards. The other side of the motherboard tray features drive trays for both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives.
The fan hub, centrally located behind the motherboard, repeats the PWM signal from the motherboard fan header and includes connections for additional features like a dirt sensor and port switch.
Building With the Asus ProArt PA602
The ProArt PA602 comes with an installation kit containing useful items like an upright graphics-card adapter plate for vertical-GPU setups, a fill panel for those opting to remove the tool-free card latch, a printed user guide, and dust plugs for USB ports. Fasteners include screws for securing the motherboard and drives, along with cable zip-ties for tidy cable management.
The chassis cables include USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 headers for various ports, a combined front-panel power/reset/LED block, and an HD Audio cable for headset jacks.
The card brace accommodates long graphics cards, though current high-end cards might extend beyond it. There’s a minor fitment issue with the fan slots and radiator mount, requiring slight adjustment.
The spacious interior can easily house a standard test build, with potential for advanced cooling setups using open-loop liquid coolers.
The completed test build showcases the case’s imposing size, with tinted glass panels adding to its sleek appearance.
Testing the Asus ProArt PA602
We selected specific components for our testing to ensure a consistent thermal load. Our choice to compare the ProArt PA602, priced at over $260, with similarly designed cases costing over $200 limited our options. Despite this, we found a few InWin models and another Asus case for comparison.
Let’s dive into the numbers. While the ProArt PA602 slightly outperformed others in CPU temperature, it fell to second place in voltage-regulator temperature. Surprisingly, it clinched a clear victory in GPU temperature.
The PA602’s large intake fans should have provided equal benefits to both the motherboard and GPU. However, the radiator’s position over the motherboard’s voltage regulator affected airflow, forcing the radiator to be positioned further forward than usual. Despite this, the PA602 managed to maintain a strong position in temperature rankings.
Moving on to acoustic tests, the PA602’s fans impressed with their ability to move air quietly due to their large size and low-speed operation. This combination of low noise and strong performance solidifies the PA602’s position as a leader in overall performance.
Confusion
While not everyone may be willing to pay over $260 solely for top-notch thermal and acoustic performance, if you’re in need of a spacious chassis that exudes both presence and power, don’t overlook the Asus ProArt PA602. Designed for uncompromising content creators and data professionals, it aligns perfectly with Asus’ ProArt motherboard line. Though its price and minor quirks may deter some, this elegant case is sure to capture the hearts of PC builders and upgraders seeking the best without flashy gaming aesthetics. Count us among its fans.
