If you’ve been building PCs over the last couple of years, you’ve likely admired the popular Asus Prime AP201. Lauded for its compact MicroATX design and excellent airflow, it became a go-to for builders seeking a small form factor without major compromises. Now, Asus is building on that success by thinking bigger—literally. Meet the new Asus Prime AP303, a larger, more versatile case designed to welcome standard ATX motherboards and high-end components.
For those who found the AP201 just a tad too restrictive, the AP303 is the answer. It expands the total volume to 44 liters, creating a roomier interior that doesn't just stop at fitting a bigger motherboard. This is a case built for powerful, modern builds.
More Space for Your High-End Gear
The core philosophy behind the Prime AP303 is clear: provide ample room for today's (and tomorrow's) most demanding components. The upgrade to ATX compatibility is the headliner, but the thoughtful expansions throughout the case are what truly impress.
- Power Supply Freedom: You can now install a massive 1200 W power supply, with support for units up to 180 mm in length. This is crucial for enthusiasts looking to power power-hungry GPUs and CPUs.
- Advanced Cooling Potential: Liquid cooling enthusiasts will appreciate the ability to mount a 360 mm All-in-One (AiO) cooler at the front. Similarly, graphics cards up to a lengthy 360 mm will fit with ease, making it ready for the largest GeForce RTX 40-series cards and the anticipated RTX 50-series.
- Anti-Sag Solution: Recognizing the weight of these modern behemoths, Asus has thoughtfully included a GPU support bracket right out of the box to prevent unsightly and potentially damaging GPU sag.
Thoughtful Design for a Cleaner Build
A larger case can sometimes lead to a messier-looking build, but Asus has implemented features to ensure your new ATX powerhouse looks as good as it performs. The Prime AP303 supports tall CPU air coolers up to 165 mm and, perhaps just as importantly, includes a dedicated cable management compartment that is 34 mm wide. This generous space makes it significantly easier to route and hide cables, contributing to cleaner airflow and a more polished final look.
Staying current with connectivity, the front-panel I/O offers both a modern USB Type-C port and a legacy USB Type-A port, ensuring compatibility with all your devices.
Like its smaller predecessor, the Prime AP303 will be available in both black and white color options. You'll also have the choice between a high-airflow mesh side panel or a tempered glass panel to show off your components. According to initial information, the mesh version will start at around €85 (~$98), while the glass-side panel variant will be around €90 (~$105).
For full specifications and to see the case for yourself, you can check out the official product page on the Asus website.
Early impressions from the tech community are positive. A detailed overview from German publication ComputerBase highlights how Asus has successfully scaled up the compact mesh tower concept without losing its core identity.
The Verdict
The Asus Prime AP303 appears to be a strategic and welcome addition to the market. It takes the beloved design and airflow-centric principles of the AP201 and adapts them for builders who need the full feature set of an ATX platform. With its support for high-wattage PSUs, long GPUs, large coolers, and a built-in anti-sag bracket, it’s positioned as a smart, future-proof foundation for anyone's next high-performance PC build.
For those interested in the original model, the compact Asus Prime AP201 is still available on Amazon, often found for around $79.99, providing a great option for those committed to the MicroATX form factor.
