Installation & Testing:

The Objective: Install Pimped System

There's not a whole lot to installing your computer system in a new case these days. Normally I'd say that if you've installed in one, you've installed them all. But, that's not entirely accurate. This case is really easy to work within as well as around. Cheaper cases usually equate in to at least one cut or scrape due to a poorly machined interior. The worst of them are so sharp inside that you don't even know you're cut till you've handled everything. (I can see a few of you shaking your head.)

The System

The Antec Twelve Hundred really does have nice interior. I couldn't find anything cheap about it. There weren't any sharp edges, poorly manufactured parts, or missing accessories. Installing the new motherboard was only as difficult as plugging in the front panel connectors which was very easy with the extra space. The back side of the tray has enough space to add about as many wires and connectors as possible. Even the PSU's main wiring fit nicely as well as all the peripheral cabling.and managing the power supply's wiring to my personal preference.

At PDXLAN 12

All of the drives were a breeze to install and there's plenty of room to configure your component's wiring. If anything, it would be nice if drives and other internal components had external black housing since anything else, almost doesn't do the case justice. But, no one makes all black chassis components, or else we'd have something to hum about when we receive a new Bluray, or component for review.

The Complete Antec Twelve Hundred

Once the system was installed and powered up, the blue LEDs fans are actually really nice. In fact, they aren't at all over bearing or drown out the interior and pretty much compliment the entire case. These fans should draw curious eyes from across the room at the nearest LAN Party. I know this one did at PDXLAN 12.

Back Angle

I can't stress enough just how nice a air flow this case has. In total, there are four 120mm blue LED fans. There are three in the front drawing in a lot of cool air and two rear, as well as the top 200mm blue LED fans, expelling the warmer air. By default, this case will not suffer from thermal issues. And just for good measure, there are the places for two more optional fans.

Antec's E-Z Multimedia

Measuring the internal temps revealed that they fluctuated very minimally with the fans all on low or high. In fact, the temps varied by 2 degrees at the most. The temps probably had something to do more with the daily temps rising and falling as the day progressed. This just proves that the case is possibly the perfect work of thermal art.

Conclusion:

I'm one of those users that cares only about easy access, good case design, quality, and plenty of cooling. The Antec Twelve Hundred Enclosure is one of the most perfectly balanced full-tower Gamer cases around. There's a lot of thought put in to the presentation that the case makes to the avid enthusiast whether gaming or not. There's plenty of room to expand your storage needs without worrying about heat. The fans really do work very well for keeping the entire case cooler than the heated components. Easy filter removal and case access will make maintenance of the case should be fairly easy when the time comes. This case is even better with a good modular PSU with lengthy cables. There's plenty of cable management.

The solid black internal chassis is a nice touch that'll help spice up your system. About the only thing you'll see after installing your system are your components. Some black wire loom or heat shrink tubing's are a nice touch if you want to make everything as invisible as possible.

While the Zotac 790i Ultra and 280 GTX demo system is extremely sexy in its own right, it really stood out inside the Twelve Hundred. I browsed PDXLAN 12 looking for another working Twelve Hundred, but didn't see any actually in use. That's partly why so many people stopped by to see what the case looked like when used with a true gaming system like Zotac's.

Now, for the price. The Antec Twelve Hundred has been seen at Directron for $169.99 or more around various E-Tailers like Newegg. At this price, it's extremely tempting and worth the expense. It has all the bells and whistles that you're not going to find in any comparable enclosures without spending even more. Couple that with its unique design, quality, silent operation, and that will sell the case. It's absolutely perfect for gamers and enthusiasts.

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