Antec Dark Avenger DA601 E-ATX Mid Tower Case User Manual

1. Introduction

1.1 About Your Antec DA601 Case

The Antec Dark Avenger DA601 is an E-ATX mid-tower PC case designed for high-performance gaming systems. It features an ARGB front panel with integrated LED strips, a tempered glass side panel for showcasing internal components, and includes a Prizm 120 ARGB fan for enhanced cooling and aesthetics. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the assembly, operation, and maintenance of your DA601 case, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

2. Product Overview

2.1 Key Features

• ARGB Front Panel: Features 4 LED strips on the front panel, easily controlled by a single button or motherboard synchronization.
• Pre-Installed ARGB Fan: Includes one Prizm 120 ARGB fan for improved thermal performance and customizable lighting.
• Full-Screen View: A crystal-clear tempered glass side panel allows for a complete view of your internal PC components.
• High Water-Cooling Capability: Designed with ample space to support both All-In-One (AIO) and custom liquid cooling configurations.
• Inbuilt LED Controller: Connects to a 3-pin header on the motherboard for 16.8 million custom color options and synchronization.

2.2 Component Layout and Compatibility

Familiarize yourself with the internal layout and component compatibility of the Antec DA601 case before beginning assembly.

Figure 2.1: Front-left view of the Antec Dark Avenger DA601 E-ATX Mid Tower Case, showcasing the ARGB front panel and tempered glass side panel.

Figure 2.2: Top-front view of the Antec Dark Avenger DA601 E-ATX Mid Tower Case, highlighting the top ventilation and front panel I/O ports.

Figure 2.3: Diagram illustrating the internal component layout and compatibility of the Antec DA601 case, including motherboard, GPU, CPU cooler, PSU, and storage drive locations.

3. Setup Instructions

Follow these steps to assemble your PC components within the Antec DA601 case.

3.1 Preparing the Case

1. Place the case on a stable, flat surface.
2. Carefully remove the tempered glass side panel by unscrewing the thumb screws and gently pulling it away. Set it aside on a soft, protected surface.
3. Remove the opposite metal side panel to access the cable management area.

3.2 Motherboard Installation

1. Install the necessary motherboard standoffs into the motherboard tray according to your motherboard's form factor (E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, ITX).
2. Place the I/O shield into the rear opening of the case.
3. Carefully align your motherboard with the standoffs and I/O shield, then secure it with screws.

3.3 Power Supply Unit (PSU) Installation

1. Mount your PSU into the designated bay at the bottom rear of the case.
2. Secure the PSU with screws from the rear of the case.

3.4 Storage Drive Installation

• 2.5" SSDs: Mount SSDs onto the dedicated SSD trays located behind the motherboard tray. Secure them with screws.
• 3.5" HDDs: Install HDDs into the removable drive cages located in the PSU shroud area. Slide them into place and secure with screws or tool-less mechanisms if available.

3.5 Graphics Card and Expansion Card Installation

1. Remove the necessary PCIe slot covers from the rear of the case.
2. Insert your graphics card or other expansion cards into the appropriate PCIe slots on your motherboard.
3. Secure the cards with screws.

3.6 Cable Management

Utilize the cable routing grommets and tie-down points behind the motherboard tray to organize and secure cables. This improves airflow and aesthetics.

3.7 Connecting Front Panel I/O

Connect the front panel cables (USB, audio, power switch, reset switch, power LED, HDD LED, ARGB headers) to their corresponding pins on your motherboard. Refer to your motherboard manual for exact pin locations.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Powering On

After all components are installed and cables are connected, ensure the PSU switch is in the 'ON' position. Press the power button on the top panel of the case to start your system.

4.2 ARGB Lighting Control

The Antec DA601 features addressable RGB (ARGB) lighting on the front panel and includes an ARGB fan. You can control these lights in two ways:

• Front Panel Button: Press the dedicated LED control button on the top panel of the case to cycle through various lighting modes and colors.
• Motherboard Synchronization: If your motherboard supports ARGB (5V 3-pin header), connect the case's ARGB cable to the motherboard. You can then control the lighting effects using your motherboard's RGB software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync).

5. Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps ensure optimal performance and extends the lifespan of your PC components.

5.1 Cleaning

• Dust Filters: Periodically remove and clean the magnetic dust filters located on the top, front, and bottom of the case. Use compressed air or a soft brush to remove accumulated dust.
• Interior: With the system powered off and unplugged, use compressed air to gently remove dust from internal components such as fans, heatsinks, and circuit boards.
• Exterior: Wipe the exterior surfaces with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.

5.2 Airflow Optimization

Ensure that the case's ventilation areas are not obstructed. Proper cable management contributes to better airflow, preventing heat buildup inside the case.

6. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter.

6.1 No Power

• Verify that the power cable is securely connected to both the PSU and the wall outlet.
• Ensure the PSU's power switch is in the 'ON' position.
• Check that the front panel power switch cable is correctly connected to the motherboard's power header.

6.2 Fans Not Spinning

• Confirm that all fan power cables are securely connected to the motherboard or a fan controller.
• Check BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure fan control is enabled and configured correctly.

6.3 ARGB Lights Not Working

• Ensure the ARGB cables from the front panel and fan are correctly connected to the case's inbuilt LED controller or directly to a 5V 3-pin ARGB header on your motherboard.
• If using motherboard sync, verify that your motherboard's RGB software is installed and configured correctly.
• Try cycling through modes using the front panel LED button to rule out software issues.

6.4 Overheating Issues

• Ensure all case fans are spinning and oriented correctly for optimal airflow (intake/exhaust).
• Clean dust filters and internal components as described in the Maintenance section.
• Verify that CPU cooler and GPU fans are functioning properly.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty Information

Antec provides a limited warranty for the Dark Avenger DA601 E-ATX Mid Tower Case. The specific terms and duration of the warranty may vary by region and retailer. Please retain your proof of purchase (receipt or invoice) as it will be required for any warranty claims. For detailed warranty information, including coverage, limitations, and the claims process, please visit the official Antec website or contact your local Antec distributor.

9. Support

Should you require technical assistance, have questions about your product, or need customer service, please utilize the following resources:

• Official Antec Website: Visit www.antec.com for product information, FAQs, and support contact details.
• Customer Service: Refer to the 'Contact Us' section on the Antec website for regional customer support phone numbers or email addresses.