The ADATA XPG Valor Air Pro: A Budget Case's Evolution
The XPG Valor Air Pro is ADATA's latest attempt to elevate its budget PC case series, but does it succeed in offering more without compromising affordability? Let's dive in and find out!
ADATA's XPG Valor Air series has traditionally been about providing the essentials for PC builders on a budget. However, the new $89.99 XPG Valor Air Pro aims to offer a more premium experience. Compared to its predecessors, the Valor Air and Valor Air Plus, the Pro version is more robust, feature-rich, and, well, pricier. But here's where it gets interesting: the price increase is justified by significant upgrades.
Design-wise, the Valor Air Pro is a sleek and compact mid-tower case. Its shallow depth of 17.25 inches and skinny width of 7.25 inches create an illusion of height, thanks to beveled edges that reduce the dimensions by an inch on each side. The rear hardware accounts for the remaining depth, making it a visually appealing and space-efficient design.
The front panel features a USB Type-C port, a welcome addition for modern connectivity. The case also includes USB 3.x Type-A ports, headset jacks, and illuminated power and reset buttons. The bottom panel has a dust filter for the power supply air inlet, secured with tabs and fingerholds for easy removal. And there's more—knurled screws, dual rails for a removable drive cage, and rubber pads on the feet.
Under the hood, the Valor Air Pro shines with its cooling potential. XPG equips it with three 120mm ARGB intake fans, mounted on a versatile bracket that can also accommodate three 140mm fans. The front panel's plastic bar acts as a catch, simplifying installation. The power supply shroud provides ample space for radiators, with support for up to two 120mm fans and a PCIe x16 riser cable bracket.
But here's where it gets controversial: the fan and drive support. While the case can theoretically support multiple radiators, the side-mounted 120mm fan mount becomes impractical with larger radiators. A 360mm radiator leaves limited clearance, and a 420mm radiator barely allows space for slim fans. Additionally, the side mount reduces support for larger EATX motherboards, and the included hardware is slightly insufficient for some ATX boards.
The Valor Air Pro's motherboard tray holds two 2.5-inch drive trays and provides ample cable management space. The removable drive cage supports both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives, with a preinstalled tray for a second drive. The cage's position can be adjusted to increase power supply clearance, but this reduces front-radiator space.
Building with the Valor Air Pro is straightforward. It includes an installation guide, zip ties, standoffs for vertical GPU riser brackets and the motherboard, a standoff socket, and various screws for power supply, drive, and motherboard installation. The included hardware is sufficient for most ATX motherboards, but some may require an additional standoff.
Connectivity is excellent, with a combined front-panel connector, USB 3.x Gen 1 header, and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 header. The fan cables allow for pass-through chaining, connecting all ARGB fans to a single header and fan header on the motherboard.
Assembly is uneventful, and the finished build looks impressive, especially for budget-conscious builders. But how does it perform?
Testing reveals a mixed bag. The Valor Air Pro cools similarly to the Valor Air Plus but runs warmer than more expensive cases. However, it excels in noise testing, coming in second overall. The stock fans prioritize low noise, which may explain the average cooling performance. Upgrading the fans or adding radiators can significantly improve thermal performance, but at the cost of additional expenses.
So, is the XPG Valor Air Pro a worthy upgrade? It depends on your priorities. If you're on a tight budget and want a visually appealing case with decent cooling potential, it's a solid choice. But for those seeking top-notch cooling performance, the case's limitations might be a deal-breaker. And this is the part most people miss—the Valor Air Pro is a great starting point, but it may require further investment to unlock its full potential.
What do you think? Is the XPG Valor Air Pro a budget builder's dream or a compromise too far? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss the fine line between affordability and performance!
