Okinos Aqua 3 Review: Is this Budget mATX Case Good?

[@lou6871]

I’ve been watching different review videos for months and this is genuinely one of the most to the point, thorough videos ive watched lately. Bravo sir

[@TechGuided]

Thank you for the comment. I appreciate it! Glad you found the video helpful!

[@gman_infamous]

ive been planning a build with the Okinos Aqua 3 and this video really helped. thank you.

[@JFK90787]

TY for the vid, such a gorgeous case just wish it had more reviews out there

[@mrbabyhugh]

0:48 i had this case as my first choice, but i could not find any review/feature like this on it. though, real reason i didnt purchase was, i decided to go 2 GPUs so I would need ATX board, so I went with 001D Mini, received it a week ago.

[@danielgonzalezjimenez5677]

What are you using two GPUs for? Not gaming, I suppose.

[@RealLandonFisher]

You made me buy it. Thank you.

[@LapNgo-h9u]

I would flip the top front fan to intake. Don't care about the looks.

[@Cluesvlogging12345]

Honestly yeah. I already ended up buying the case so I’ll flip fans

[@popolin1115]

And what about the cpu fans cooler?Would you make them face towards the exhaust or towards the front of the case?

[@seeking.eternity]

i think that's kind of the point of the case, otherwise, there are better cases out there for airflow if you don't care about aesthetics i would never recommend this for someone who doesn't care about looks, as there are some sacrifices that had to be made

[@lukeified2300]

I tried to flip the fans but it had MAJOR overheating issues, making me flip them back. my harddrive was running at 130-150 F

[@bimmer3ci]

3:34 I ordered this case and the lights are not working on the fans. After watching your video, I realized I am missing the cable that is on the bottom of the controller and connects to Sata power. Do you know what that cable is called and where I can get a replacement? Visible at 3:34 in video. Thanks!

[@TechGuided]

Sorry for the delayed response on this. Did you ever get it sorted? If not, I would definitely contact Okinos as the case should have come with that cable.

[@bimmer3ci]

@@TechGuided Okinos Customer service/support doesn’t exist from what I can tell. I returned the case and reordered the same one. It did come with the cable. Thanks for the reply.

[@emperorarasaka]

This exact case is also sold as the Antec CX200M if the Okinos isn't available in your region

[@clubsdwch]

is it the same price?

[@JVCFever0]

$10 more, also fan placement is different ​@@clubsdwch

[@anotherpolosh]

i think aqua 5 is lil better , i mean it is 14 dollars pricier but u have 5 extra fans to equip allowing u to get really good airflow , i dont know how it works but with an aio the cpu , gpu and every component look like they would reach higher temps than normally

[@BuiltbySteel]

I’m kinda bummed that they hiked the price up by 10 dollars, now making it 65 dollars pre-tax. Used it in a few flips until the price raised for no apparent reason.

[@popolin1115]

Great video just a quick question I’m getting pretty much the same build, where should my cpu fans face towards to? The back or the front of the case?

[@TechGuided]

Awesome! Face it towards the back of the case.

[@echeese63]

I hadn't realized the fans are 3 pin, that's kind of a bummer

[@danielgonzalezjimenez5677]

For the price it's understandable

[@echeese63]

​@@danielgonzalezjimenez5677You can get the sama case for the same price, better airflow, and an included fan hub/RGB controller

[@Bigga_Velz85]

​@@danielgonzalezjimenez5677Exactly...it's so cheap it leaves money on the table to just upgrade the fans...and it don't have to be high end brands...still keep it budget...get one of those good budget 3 to 5 pk fans

[@ImCastorTroy45]

Most modern motherboards use voltage regulation on the fan headers to change the speeds. Nothing wrong with 3pin.

[@flyboysmokes]

@@danielgonzalezjimenez5677that’s for the argb

[@4brotroydavis]

Wanna buy it...been wanting to buy it...but it seems like bottom fans arent an option

[@laximiro]

Thank you for the review. I have been considering this case for a couple of weeks. There is not really a lot of info out there like you mentioned. I just have one more question. I know Amazon detail page advertise this case for air cooling but I wanted to know if a 240mm AIO is impossible or just difficult to install.

[@mrbabyhugh]

same, had same concerns, could not find any feature on it. i received alternate case a week ago.

[@Bryan-2002]

Hey, do you think an stock cooler from amd (wraith prism) would perform well with an ryzen 9 7900 in context of the airflow of this case? I also can think about of purchase 1 fan and put it in where are the hard disks for more airflow. Btw i think mostly this case would perform better with a smaller gpu (like 2 fans models) as like rtx 4060, 4060 ti or 4070

[@theeggbenedict5112]

on the first time moving the panels was is hard to open? I'm having this problem right now.

[@filippoturrin4384]

Hi! Does it fits this mobo: MSI PRO Z690-A DDR4 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard, and why in my country I can only find it for over 200 euro?

[@jonplaud]

2:49 my side panel does not move.

[@AZRGaming1]

same thing happened with me, you just need to apply pressure, that got mine to work

[@AZRGaming1]

and make sure to slide it back for the big one

[@mrbabyhugh]

5:45 fans can be added to the bottom under the GPU for intake. this why i didnt get this, if I installed another GPU i would not be able to get any fans, and I am not sure an AIO can be installed either. They should make a "pro/max" version of this case and at least add fans to the side, this could be used as intake/aio.

[@carstonkeck1422]

They have a bigger versions called the Aqua 5 and the Aqua 7

[@JaVi-mq3xn]

what do you mean another gpu? this is a micro atx you can only have one

[@CoffeeCode3D]

it says it supports up to 330mm graphics card, you think i could squeeze in my 6900xt it says its 340mm?

[@LuwisRz]

Where did you connect the 3 pin power to fans

[@JoseCruz-js3cc]

Hey I’ve been having problems with the USB C in the front and the AUX in the front, any chance you know a fix?

[@branmambaz]

Woudlnt the air being exhausted out of case be good? my current PC has air being blown out of the back fan right now. i also purchased a better heatsink rather than the stock one with the amd 5600 i purchased maybe just switching the top two to intake maybe?

[@TechGuided]

Yeah, it's good. I think most tests show there's barely any difference between negative pressure (more exhaust) and positive pressure (more intake) configurations. I think the main downside of an all exhaust configuration is that it can bring in a lot more dust.

[@Ubadboyxp]

hi, i have a questions about this case, this case dont require fan cooler in the bottom? i dont know if you could evaluate the temperature inside the box with full load?

[@giovannimaldonado2011]

Honestly I would mount a 120 fan under the case on the hard drive housing. And also install an aio water cooler 240

[@ethanheeg3895]

Will putting intake fans on top of the Psu shroud help alleviate the dust issue, or will it be alright either way?

[@TechGuided]

Possibly, but I haven't tested it. My guess would be that it wouldn't make that big of a difference.

[@slateco3372]

I'm considering buying this case for my first-ever build, but I'm not sure if my MAG B550M MORTAR MAX motherboard will fit in this case or not.

[@TechGuided]

Yes, it should fit. What cooler are you getting? I did find it hard to connect the CPU power to the motherboard with an air cooler already installed. The best way to handle this would be to install the CPU bracket outside of the case, then mount the heatsink after you've made the CPU power connection.

[@bluecollarwatches7048]

I’ve built with this case it’s ok if you want the fish tank style case for the price.

[@Dawg6074]

I heard I need new feet for this case, where do I get some?

[@Topop9768]

How do you change the color on the fans

[@TechGuided]

It depends on whether or not you connect it to an ARGB header on your motherboard or not. If not, you can just use the button on the case to cycle through a handful of different RGB presets. If you do connect it to an ARGB header on your motherboard, you can get more customization, but you'll need to download the motherboard manufacturer's RGB software.

[@saberspecter]

I just saw this case today and it's in my cart but I'm still weary of tempered glass. The shorter depth is what I need though as I have a small desk. 🤔

[@TechGuided]

Understand your concern with tempered glass. I've never had a panel break, but doesn't mean its not possible. You could go mini-ITX. I have the Cooler Master NR200 and it's about the same depth as the Aqua 3. Though, its more expensive and getting a mini-ITX board and SFF PSU will likely run up the price further.

[@saberspecter]

​@@TechGuidedI decided to buy it and I'm nearly done with the build. I'm curious about your graphics card. Do you think 15mm slim fans would fit under them? I was eyeing that model and used fans in mine.

[@maironsarmiento4596]

I buy this, but idk if I need a micro atx board ? 😢 because I buy a msi-pro z790-s

[@TechGuided]

Yeah, unfortunately, that board won't fit in this case. You'll either need to replace it with a micro atx motherboard or get a mid tower case. The Aqua 7 is the same style case but bigger and will hold a standard ATX motherboard.

[@babab003y]

on my case, the pcie slot screws that hold the GPU in place are loose and cause it to sag. did you experience this and how do i fix it?

[@TechGuided]

I didn't have this issue, are you using the correct screws? The ones that look like this: preview.redd.it/jk8agszc2ofb1.png?width=1000&format=png&auto=webp&s=4f1ba6049f277610a93d9c20a30bd47f276aa587 If you used those and it's still loose, your only option might be to use a GPU sag bracket.

[@battlepowered]

Thanks for this video. I love the look of this case, but with no intake fans, I think it’s actually too hot for my 5800x3d and reference 6800 xt. That’s a deal breaker.

[@TechGuided]

Yeah, may be too hot for the 5800X3D without reconfiguring the fans. Would probably need to add fans to the bottom of the case, which may or may not be possible with your graphics card.

[@battlepowered]

@@TechGuided maybe having rear as intake, with 2 intakes at the bottom. The reference card is 2.5 slots deep, so I may or may not need slim fans. At that point I either really want the case, or should get something slightly bigger.

[@TechGuided]

@@battlepowered Yeah, tough to say. I think the safest bet would be to get a bigger case that is more optimized for airflow. I also reviewed the Aqua 7 and added three exhaust fans to the top and got really good thermals on my 5700X3D. It is quite a bit more expensive, though. If you're not dead set on a panoramic-style case, the Montech Air 100 is another mATX option worth checking out. It should provide adequate airflow in its stock configuration.

[@07bellusness]

I’m having problems with the fans. They work and spin but no RGB lights. I made sure the header is connected to the 3 pin D_LED1, made sure it connected well but yet no RGB lighting. Can someone help me pls?

[@TechGuided]

Did you connect the sata power connector from your PSU to the rgb header?

[@07bellusness]

@ that was the problem!!! Thank you very much!!

[@Fgoop233]

I have this case but how do i get the power button led light to work?

[@TechGuided]

The power LED on mine came pre-connected to the ARGB controller. So, you just need to make sure the ARGB controller is connected to your PSU with a SATA power cable and it should work.

[@sk3ched]

do they come with three cables for sys_cable or cha_cable if so do they come with a fan splitter

[@TechGuided]

@sk3ched all three of the case fans are preconnected to a 3-way fan splitter. So you will just need to connect the single end of the fan splitter to one CHA_FAN header on your motherboard and all three fans will get power.

[@sk3ched]

@@TechGuidedthx

[@nxlandx_72]

nice video. I happened to buy the same case but the fans aren’t spinning (the rgb works fine). Do you have any suggestions as to how to fix this, assuming the fans start spinning when the pc is turned on?

[@TechGuided]

Sorry for the late reply, but did you plug the fans into a fan header onto your motherboard? Or just into the RGB controller on the back panel of the case?

[@jamesderoc6717]

same mate driving me nuts

[@VielleWink]

Great review! But just to confirm sir. The fans are powered directly by sata connector and not on the board right?

[@TechGuided]

The fans get connected to the motherboard, but they all come preconnected to a 3-way fan splitter so you only need to use one fan header on your motherboard for all three fans. The RGB lights on the fans are connected to an RGB controller, and the controller needs a SATA power connection from your PSU.

[@VielleWink]

@@TechGuided thank you so much! Sub!!

[@itsonlyandrew930]

@@TechGuidedwhat if my psu doesn’t have a place to connect to the sata?

[@luiscampo8225]

Can I turn the top fans so that they are putting air in instead of taking it out? so that the rear fan is blowing air?

[@TechGuided]

Yep, you can definitely flip the top fans around so that they intake air. Just note that the bracketed side of the top fans will then be visible.

[@luiscampo8225]

@@TechGuided I don't care if they are visible, it's just that I live in a hot area (Barranquilla/Colombia) and ventilation here is very important. If I turn the fans over, won't the power supply suffer from temperature problems?

[@TechGuided]

I haven't tested it, so it's tough for me to say for certain. And, it's going to depend a lot on what other components you use in your build...but even in the most extreme scenario, I don't think flipping the fans would cause a significant difference in your PSU's temperatures. Although, due to the hotter climate you live in, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to consider a case that is configured to promote better airflow.

[@alecvoorhies3265]

Great review!

[@viktor821]

Great overview in 7min instead of dragning it out for 20min like some creators... 😂

[@clueminati_02]

i already connected the sata to the controles but they do not work don´t spin eny recomendation?

[@TechGuided]

Does anything else come on when you turn on your computer? Does the CPU fan spin?

[@clueminati_02]

@@TechGuided yeah everything is correct the leds turn on, the CPU fan also works fine but the fans from the case don work, an also I really appreciate you responding.

[@TechGuided]

Oh wait, the controller on the Aqua 3 is only for the RGB lights, so it wouldn't have an impact on whether they spin or not. All of the case fans should be connected together via a 3-way fan splitter and that needs to be connected to a fan header on your motherboard. Have you done that?

[@andreicasinostemb8670]

Is the Okinos Aqua 5 worth it? I have not seen anyone review it on yt

[@TechGuided]

Tough to say as I haven't used the Aqua 5, but it looks to be essentially the same case as the Aqua 3, but just a little bit longer and with a few extra fans. The Aqua 3 was great for the price and so my guess is the Aqua 5 probably is too.

[@galaxybeast1O1]

Can you vertical mount a gpu in this case or the Aqua 7

[@TechGuided]

No, you can't vertical mount in either case without a third-party vertical mounting kit.

[@galaxybeast1O1]

@@TechGuided k thanks

[@ecko90044]

Is it possible to mount a 240 aio on the top?

[@TechGuided]

You may be able to if you used slim fans, but Okinos doesn't list support for an AIO up top, and so I would honestly just look for a different case if you wanted to use one.

[@kenznightcore]

does the case even have a built in exhaust fan? like idk

[@kenznightcore]

i have the case and switched out the fans

[@Tanner_SD]

Could you fit a 240mm aio on the top?

[@TechGuided]

I can't say for certain. Looking at my build, it does look like an AIO that has a bulkier radiator could interfere with my memory kit. But, maybe an AIO with a thinner radiator would work.

[@flyboysmokes]

Is the argb fan hub in the pack 3 pin 5v

[@TechGuided]

Yeah the fans are all 3-pin ARGB 5-volt and so is the controller the case comes with.

[@flyboysmokes]

@@TechGuided so the power is also 3 pin, which means I have to switch the fans out for 4 pin 12 v

[@TechGuided]

No, the fans power connections are 3-pin, but they don't connect to the controller. The controller that the case comes with is only an ARGB controller. For the fans power connection, they will need to be connected to a fan header (CHA_FAN) on your motherboard. But they are all pre-connected to a 3-way fan splitter, so you will only need to connect the single end of the splitter to a fan header on your motherboard.

[@flyboysmokes]

@@TechGuided ok I’ll just switch to some 4 pin 12v fans off Amazon

[@spectrex1839]

What size psu does it take? The lidting doesnt say.

[@TechGuided]

Just a standard ATX PSU.

[@spectrex1839]

@TechGuided thank you. A lot of the cases like this only support sff.

[@badpig3505]

Will it fit and Aio at the top if I move the fans under the gpu

[@TechGuided]

It might be possible if you used thinner fans and memory that doesn't have a heatspreader that flares out at the sides.

[@badpig3505]

What about a side aio like 120mm

[@TechGuided]

@@badpig3505 Yeah, you could install a 120mm AIO on the back panel

[@badpig3505]

What 3070 ti models will work

[@TechGuided]

@badpig3505 Go to pcpartpicker and put the aqua 3 as your case, then go to graphics card and type in 3070 Ti in the search bar and it will only show 3070 tis that are under the 330mm clearance of the aqua 3

[@Perkeyz-x]

wait does it come with fans?

[@TechGuided]

Yeah, it comes with three 120mm ARGB fans pre-installed. Two on the top and one on the back.

[@HomekitUser]

@@TechGuidedcan you control the RGB via program? I don’t like those push button fans, I want the freedom to adress it how I want via a software.

[@sefco1352]

@@HomekitUser I just built one of these systems. The RGB hub does have a ARGB 3-pin that you can plug into your MB (assuming it has an ARGB Header) and you can control the Hub using your MB software or 3rd party. I didn't bother with that. This is for my nephew, so I left that unplugged, and kept the 2-pin ARGB button hooked up. He'll just hit the button to cycle the RGB on it.

[@mrdinosaurproductions9507]

Could it fit a 3080 ti FE?

[@TechGuided]

It depends on which 3080 Ti FE card. As long as its under 330mm long, it should fit. Not sure if there are any 3080 TI FEs out there under 330mm, though.

[@axstra2557]

Does it have any more slots for fans?

[@TechGuided]

You can install an additional two fans on top of the PSU shroud (so underneath the graphics card). But, depending on what GPU you choose, there might not be enough room.

[@axstra2557]

@@TechGuided thanks for the reply I'll get the 7800 xt steel legend do u think there will be enough space?

[@TechGuided]

​@@axstra2557 That's thicker than the card I used, so I don't think a standard-sized case fan would work. But something like these low-profile fans probably would: amzn.to/4eEzK8K

[@Helden1pro]

Can you change the fans of this case

[@TechGuided]

If you mean swap them for different 120mm fans, yes you can. I think you can even put two 140mm fans on the top panel.

[@Helden1pro]

@@TechGuided thank you very much

[@sar2dg]

I don't understand the logic of why case builders keep separating the Front IO connectors. NZXT gets it right.

[@TechGuided]

I've never actually used an NZXT case. Are you saying their front panel connectors are just a single connection?

[@henryojeda2890]

@@TechGuided yes they are, one solid connector. Makes it very easy :)

[@TechGuided]

@@henryojeda2890 That's amazing. Should be the standard.

[@TechGuided]

@@henryojeda2890 That's amazing. Should be the standard. Might have to try an NZXT case next!

[@Idk-x3b]

3 months later and is 330 euros is thus normal

[@jeffbolton2986]

its really similar to antec c200m

[@TechGuided]

Yep, basically the same case, I think. I'm not sure who the original manufacturer actually is.

[@mrdinosaurproductions9507]

Is this sponsored?

[@TechGuided]

No, I purchased it on my own. I will say in my video if a product was sent to me, or if there is a sponsor. That being said, Okinos did reach out to me after I made this video and asked me to review their bigger Aqua 7.

[@mrdinosaurproductions9507]

@@TechGuided Ok cool, thanks for the clarification

[@Nuzkeh]

This looks like the antec cx200

[@TechGuided]

Yeah it seems to be the same case. Interesting that the CX200 isn't available to buy in the US, but this case is. So, either Okinos knocked off the CX200, or they're both private labeling the same case design.

[@jamesstead2256]

£81 in the UK what a Joke we brits always have to pay more

[@rubensmant6010]

81 that notinh in south africa we have to pay R600

[@moesgamingchannel9743]

Do I have to plug in the argb connector from the controller into the motherboard for this to work?

[@TechGuided]

If you want to control the lights through software you can connect it to your motherboard. If you just want to change the lighting effects using the button on the case, you don't need to connect it to your motherboard. Just make sure you run SATA power to it from your PSU.

[@Jodez23]

Would intake fans fit under a smaller 2 fan GPU?

[@TechGuided]

Yes, you can fit a couple of fans on the bottom panel as long as your GPU isn't too big.