For the full review with images : xyzcomputing
Sometime between the release of Civilization IV and a few random lock-ups in Windows, it became apparent that it was time for me to build an entirely new system. I knew the components I wanted, but deciding the outward manifestation of my computer’s raw power seemed so complicated. There were so many different cases, and no shortage of questions.
Would I be flashy with clear windows and funky UV lights, making my computer look like it belonged in rave rather than my room? Would I go for the chic Lian Li case that cost more than most Dell made-to-order systems? Would my budgetary restraints become overwhelming, forcing me to use what amounted to a flimsy and loud metal box?
The Antec P180 ended up having the specs and pricetag I wanted, all in a package that was hailed as a nearly silent PC case. Even more importantly I’ve been in love with the functionality of Antec for years, but this is the first case whose looks actually made me turn my head. In doing my background research it all seemed overwhelmingly positive except for a few dissenters grumbling about the necessary power supply cable length and flimsy front panels. The semi-minimalist look suited my needs exactly, but the case would be tried and tested based upon the noise it produced- my studio apartment is the epitome of close quarters.
Specs :
The case arrived in a rather large box and weighing a hefty 31 lbs.
Antec P180
Cooling System
Special Features
Obviously the first thing that grabs your attention is the upper and lower chamber structure. If silence is the blood in my case’s veins, then the chambered system is the heart keeping it going. What really make the P180 unique is the separation of the power supply and hard drives from each other, and the rest of the core system components. This is not rocket science; move heat away from the CPU and the CPU tempurature will be cooler. Simply brilliant.
Conclusion :
Wire management is definitely key when it comes to this case, the only significant drawback to the compartmental design. The installation was a fairly smooth experience that was only challenging at times.
So what is the overall conclusion for one of Antec’s flagship case, the P180? I’m nothing short of impressed by the P180's ability to keep my computer running reasonably cool and becoming a nuisance with noise. Some of the more innovative designs, such as the sandwich style walls and compartment style design, really do seem to make a difference in the real world. Is it perfect? No, but it’s definitely a start. The CPU/GPU cooler could be a little easier to deal with when add/removing PCI cards and components. Also the cabling system is unique but a little more difficult than it needs to be, requiring a power supply with sufficient length and flexibility to thread throughout the case.
Out of the box the three adjustable speed fans do a fantastic job of cooling while looking and sounding fantastic.
I couldn’t be happier with my decision to use the P180 in my latest build. The P180 is a top of the line case with an innovative design that caters to coolness and an impressively low decibel level. The Antec P180 may not have the luxury name attached to it, but Lian Li and SilverStone better watch out.
Coca Cola Classic (+)
Sam’s Choice Cola (–)
Sometime between the release of Civilization IV and a few random lock-ups in Windows, it became apparent that it was time for me to build an entirely new system. I knew the components I wanted, but deciding the outward manifestation of my computer’s raw power seemed so complicated. There were so many different cases, and no shortage of questions.
Would I be flashy with clear windows and funky UV lights, making my computer look like it belonged in rave rather than my room? Would I go for the chic Lian Li case that cost more than most Dell made-to-order systems? Would my budgetary restraints become overwhelming, forcing me to use what amounted to a flimsy and loud metal box?
The Antec P180 ended up having the specs and pricetag I wanted, all in a package that was hailed as a nearly silent PC case. Even more importantly I’ve been in love with the functionality of Antec for years, but this is the first case whose looks actually made me turn my head. In doing my background research it all seemed overwhelmingly positive except for a few dissenters grumbling about the necessary power supply cable length and flimsy front panels. The semi-minimalist look suited my needs exactly, but the case would be tried and tested based upon the noise it produced- my studio apartment is the epitome of close quarters.
Specs :
The case arrived in a rather large box and weighing a hefty 31 lbs.
Antec P180
- Dimensions - 21.3" x 19.9" x 8.1"
- Drive Bays - 11
- Front Accessible - 4x5.25", 1x3.5"
- Internal - 6x3.5" slots
- Expansion Slots - 7
- systemMotherboard - Standard ATX
Cooling System
- - 1 rear (standard) 120mm TriCool Fan with 3-speed switch control
- - 1 top (standard) 120mm TriCool Fan
- - 1 lower chamber (standard) 120mm x 38mm (thick) TriCool Fan
- - 1 front (optional) 120mm fan
- - 1 (optional) 80mm case fan in the Air Duct over the graphics card
Special Features
- - Internal mounts with rubber grommets
- - Upper and lower chamber structure Three-layer side panel
- - Front USB/FireWire Ports
Obviously the first thing that grabs your attention is the upper and lower chamber structure. If silence is the blood in my case’s veins, then the chambered system is the heart keeping it going. What really make the P180 unique is the separation of the power supply and hard drives from each other, and the rest of the core system components. This is not rocket science; move heat away from the CPU and the CPU tempurature will be cooler. Simply brilliant.
Conclusion :
Wire management is definitely key when it comes to this case, the only significant drawback to the compartmental design. The installation was a fairly smooth experience that was only challenging at times.
So what is the overall conclusion for one of Antec’s flagship case, the P180? I’m nothing short of impressed by the P180's ability to keep my computer running reasonably cool and becoming a nuisance with noise. Some of the more innovative designs, such as the sandwich style walls and compartment style design, really do seem to make a difference in the real world. Is it perfect? No, but it’s definitely a start. The CPU/GPU cooler could be a little easier to deal with when add/removing PCI cards and components. Also the cabling system is unique but a little more difficult than it needs to be, requiring a power supply with sufficient length and flexibility to thread throughout the case.
Out of the box the three adjustable speed fans do a fantastic job of cooling while looking and sounding fantastic.
I couldn’t be happier with my decision to use the P180 in my latest build. The P180 is a top of the line case with an innovative design that caters to coolness and an impressively low decibel level. The Antec P180 may not have the luxury name attached to it, but Lian Li and SilverStone better watch out.
Coca Cola Classic (+)
- - Solid price (especially with rebates or sales)
- - Very quiet
- - Innovative design
- - Professional-looking, minimalist exterior
Sam’s Choice Cola (–)
- - Difficult cabling
- - Unwieldy CPU/GPU venting system