Endorfy Aquarius 8000 Corona and Flex: Show housing with a retro look presented

Simon Lüthje
Simon Lüthje · 5 min. read
Endorfy Aquarius 8000 Corona

With the Aquarius 8000 Corona and the Aquarius 8000 Flex, Endorfy is launching two new show cases that stand out from the crowd with their unmistakable design. Inspired by the style of the 1960s, the midi towers focus on flowing, rounded shapes – even the transition from the front panel to the glass side panel is rounded. So if you are looking for a case that puts your build in the limelight and is a real eye-catcher, you should take a closer look here.

Design and workmanship: retro look meets modern panoramic window

The design concept of the Aquarius 8000 series is consistent: Curved lines, a slim metal frame and a panoramic glass side panel ensure that the internal system becomes the main attraction. Endorfy describes the enclosures themselves as “Don’t just play. Display.” – and that is by no means an empty statement. The curved glass on the front flows seamlessly into the side panel, giving the enclosure an unusual elegance for this price range.

Endorfy has relocated the I/O panel to an unusual position: It sits low on the side of the case, directly under the glass side panel. This means that the case should ideally be raised and positioned on its right-hand side so that buttons and connections remain easily accessible. There are two USB 3.0 ports, a USB-C port (USB 3.2 Gen 2 with up to 10 Gbit/s) and a combined audio socket.

Features: Space for sophisticated hardware

Despite the focused design, the Aquarius 8000 hardly compromises on hardware compatibility. Both models support mainboards up to SSI-CEB (E-ATX, up to 280 mm wide) as well as the smaller ATX, microATX and Mini-ITX form factors. Back-connect mainboards such as ASUS BTF, MSI Project Zero or Gigabyte Project Stealth are also explicitly supported – for clean builds without cable clutter.

The most important key data at a glance:

Feature Aquarius 8000 Corona Aquarius 8000 Flex
Form factor Midi-Tower Midi-Tower
Mainboard support Mini-ITX to SSI-CEB (E-ATX) Mini-ITX to SSI-CEB (E-ATX)
GPU length (max.) 450 mm 450 mm
CPU cooler (max. height) 179 mm 179 mm
Radiators (lid) 360 mm / 420 mm 360 mm / 420 mm
Radiators (side) 280 mm / 360 mm 280 mm / 360 mm
Fan slots (max.) 10 10
Included fans 4× Corona 120 ARGB None
Drive bays 3× 2,5″ + 2× 3,5″ 3× 2,5″ + 2× 3,5″
Power supply unit (max. length) 440 mm 440 mm
RRP 129 Euro 99 Euro

Aquarius 8000 Corona: With four ARGB fans ex works

The Corona model comes with four pre-installed Endorfy Corona 120 fans. Three of these are reversed versions on the side panel and one standard fan on the rear. The fans have FDB bearings, can be regulated between 200 and 1,600 rpm via PWM and support a fan stop mode – meaning they stand still under low load. They are illuminated via an A-RGB ring integrated into the fan frame. For control, Endorfy includes an A-RGB controller as well as PWM and ARGB splitters, which enable the management of up to ten fans in two independent zones.

A single Corona-120 fan is available separately for 12.90 euros – if you buy the Aquarius 8000 Flex and want to equip it yourself, you get a cost-effective option from your own company.

Aquarius 8000 Flex: For all those who want to install their own fans

The Flex model is the fan-free version and is aimed at users who want to configure their system completely according to their own ideas – without having to pay for fans they don’t want. Otherwise, the features are identical to the Corona model: same case structure, same design, same hardware compatibility. With an RRP of 99 euros, the Flex model is 30 euros cheaper.

Cooling: Airflow as the core issue

Aquarium cases traditionally have a bad reputation when it comes to airflow – Endorfy has obviously kept this in mind and relies on large perforations on the base and lid to keep the air moving despite the largely closed glass surfaces. The lid can be removed without tools and the dust filter on the underside can be removed from both sides. For water cooling fans, up to 420 mm radiator length is available in the lid – so even high-end AIOs fit in without any problems. Radiators up to 360 mm are possible on the side.

Vertical GPU mounting and clean cable management

If you want to show off your graphics card, you can opt for vertical GPU mounting thanks to crossbar-free expansion slots. However, the matching bracket with riser cable is not included and must be purchased separately. There is sufficient space for cables behind the mainboard tray, and there are also attachment points for cable ties – including in the rear I/O area.

Price and availability

The Endorfy Aquarius 8000 Corona is available at an RRP of 129 euros and the Aquarius 8000 Flex for 99 euros. Both models come with a 36-month manufacturer’s warranty. A test of the Corona model has already been announced by Hardwareluxx – we will keep you up to date. It’s also worth taking a look at our test report archive: In our test of the Endorfy Ventum 200, we have already taken a closer look at a cheaper case from the manufacturer.

Conclusion: Endorfy Aquarius 8000 – show case with substance

The Endorfy Aquarius 8000 Corona and Flex do a lot of things right on paper: the 1960s-inspired design with the curved panoramic glass looks really chic, the hardware compatibility is generous and the prices are fair for show cases of this quality level. The test will show whether the airflow is really convincing despite the glass design – the concept with the large perforations at least sounds well thought out. For gaming setups and workstations where the look is just as important as the performance, the Aquarius 8000 models are definitely worth a closer look.