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Antec P180B Performance One Chassis Review   
Date Published:
05-09-2006
Written By:
Temujin
Edited By:
Diceman
Provided By:
Antec
Where to Buy:
Performance-Pcs
Discuss Article:
VH Forum link
Pages: 1 2 3 4


Extra Options:

 

   Just when you thought you had enough fans, Antec added a quick and easy wire mod for adding, yet another 12cm fan just behind the upper drive bay. This is assuming you do not need the upper drive bay, as you can not have the fan and the drives at the same time. Simply remove the hard drive tray inserts and place the two wires and fan. Keeping the drives in the lower chamber drive bays seems better, as it would not add the hard drive heat to the upper chamber.

 


Fan Clips w/Trays Out
12cm Fan Clipped On

Upper Wind Tunnel

 

   I found one more clever addition I've yet to see in any of my cases to date. There is a black vent plate that is about 9 inches long that interestingly slides in two separate positions that open or closes the lower chamber. When the back half of the vent is closed, it keeps the airflow in the lower chamber. When the vent is opened it allows more air to flow to the upper motherboard chamber in the event you need extra cool air up top. The smaller front half of the vent has the same affect on the front lower drive bay area.

 


Vent Plate - Default Position

Lower Chamber Closed Off

Partially Closed Off

   

   Here at Virtual-Hideout we encourage any kind of modifications. So, I just had to stick an Aerocool Extreme Turbine 120mm Chrome Fan in the Antec. The fan isn't as bright as the average LED fans out there which I happen to like. An ambient blue on a chrome blade is about half the brightness of my Aspire 120mm fan. The difference is in the reflection off the blades rather than needing the sheer brightness. I set my camera for sensitivity so you can see the inside and fan a bit more. This fan is quite a bit louder than the Antec-3 120mm case default fans, but quieter and better looking than my Aspire 120mm fan.

 


Chrome Aerocool 12cm Fan

The Bling

Swapped w/ Top Fan

Not Too Bright

Not Too Dim

Ambient Blue Wins

         

Summary: 

   Some might say that having no power supply is a negative. But, with the numerous system possibilities and configurations, it's nearly impossible for Antec or any other manufacturer to guess what kind of power supply requirements you will need. I personally would rather purchase my own choice of power supply. It saves both myself and the maker time, money, and potential headaches in the long run.

 

   The white 3-speed fan switches were easy to find even in the shadows of the case. Air flow is important with today's performance systems and the separate chambers made efficient use of removing heat. It is indeed meant to be a quiet case with the fan solution they have used. The tool less removable drive bays were very clean looking without the swiss cheese appearance.

   The key rings and single thumb screw helped for a quick access and installation of the drive bays. Five 12cm fans is a nice feature fit into this mid-tower thanks to the design. Thanks to the rubber standoffs, it's a beautiful and silent case. The P-180B isn't meant to compete with pre-modified cases. It will still draw some attention with its design. You could get out the dremel, but I think you'll love it the way it is. 

 

Conclusion:

 

   The attributes of the case are numerous as well as having a sleek, finished design.   Antec puts useful and sensible features in the P-180 Series that make it more than the features describe. The attention to detail and construction give it a sense of reliability. It has an attractive brushed appearance with a prestigious appeal.

   I do not have any reservations suggesting this case for every day use or if you need a silent solution. It has style and class which is good for any personal or professional user. The Antec P-180 or P-180B case are true Antec all the way and definitely a viable mid-sized solution that won't disappoint you. As I pointed out in the beginning, this is what Antec is all about.

   I'd like to thank Antec for the opportunity to examine the Antec P-180B Chassis and look forward to something new.

 


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