As mentioned in the opening paragraph of this review, ASUS already has enclosures brought to market. However, the PRIME AP201 is one of their first cases that isn't specifically focused on gamers, the TUF or the ROG brand. By being part of the PRIME series of products, it is clearly geared more towards a more balanced user. Even so, at first sight it is interesting that ASUS has opted to go with an M-ATX chassis instead of the more common ATX. But, upon closer investigation there are 20+ modern chipset M-ATX PRIME motherboard variants available vs. just a single Z690 ATX board. As such, those wanting to stick to as much PRIME branding as possible, have a great range of board options to pick from for the AP201 chassis.

That said, no matter which mATX board you choose, regardless of brand, the ASUS Prime AP201 is simply one of the best cases of this form factor available at the moment. While usually considered the unwanted middle sibling between ITX and ATX, the mATX AP201, even with its simplicity in many ways, manages to elegantly walk the fine line between overall size and uncompromising flexibility. While it doesn't offer the ARGB bling and glass gaming cases provide, the AP201 should be in the top three of everyone's list when building an M-ATX based system. It further cements itself as a nearly no-brainer choice when you consider the attractive price tag as well. $85, for a case that can easily hold big GPUs, a 360 mm cooling solution, floor mounted fans that are actually useful, a good mix of storage alongside plenty of room for a potent PSU, all wrapped in a tasteful steel shell are plenty of reasons the ASUS Prime AP201 should be on top of your list. But, opening with "my case has 57,000 holes in it" makes for an easy elevator pitch as well.