Antec P180 Advanced Super Steel Mid Tower ATX Case | List Price: $242.78
Discount Price: $141.67
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Brand: Antec
Binding: Electronics
Features: - Silver-colored mid-tower case accommodates Micro ATX and standard ATX motherboards
- Advanced cooling system features standard Tricool fans in the rear, on top, and in the lower chamber, and optional fans in the front and middle
- Sound-deadening panels keep noise to a minimum
- Backed by a 3-year warranty
- Device measures 8.1 x 21.3 x 19.9 inches (WxHxD)
Just to Clarify... [Posted on 2006-06-29]
The guy that said, "Oh, another thing you should know, it doesn't have any front panel LED. So you don't know when the system is accessing your hard drive and if it weren't for the sound of the fans you could not tell wether the computer is on or off. I guess that's a minus." is wrong.
There is at least one blue LED light for the HDD activity right above the reset button, and another one above the power button that is not active on my machine. I haven't plugged quite all of the connectors in from the front panel. A look at the manual should tell you what it does... my guess is a second HDD activity light. There is also a small pinpoint power status LED right below the power button that is always active when the computer is on.
Some more tidbits: The case is wonderful for starters.. the lower power supply compartment design is excellent, but makes running cables a little tricky. All of my HDD's are down there, while the upper HDD bay has been removed and a fan installed at the front of the case for better air flow. I have also removed the VGA cooler and plugged the holes, and disabled the top fan and plugged it's opening too. So the air flows in from the front and out the back. My system is fairly quiet, and stays relatively cool. Playing the heavy load games definitely warms up the BFG7800GTX but the VGA cooler and top fan don't help that.. I need and am getting a Danger Den liquid cooling system.
Personally, I wish I didn't have to remove, disable, and plug up holes... but it's a sweet case nonetheless. I did a ton of research for the perfect case, and originally had a ASUS Vento which was just too cramped - this case is decent. If you really want room go with a Stacker or something of the like.
One more thing.. over time you'll realize you can get better air flow by just leaving the door open, and removing the clicky-doors that cover the dust filters.
The front mounted USB and Firewire ports are excellent.
The last beef I have is the sandwich style lamination of aluminum/plastic/aluminum seems like a good idea, but over time the temperature will warp the doors and panels, and the adhesive holding the brushed aluminum on will start to peel away. This has happened to mine in less than 6 months. This makes the fron door not want to close well because it's bowed and the magnetic latch doesn't quite reach anymore. Since I leave the door open it's not really a problem. I might close it up once in a while when we have company over to give my desk a really polished look.
Bottom line, it was worth it then.. and even with the quirks this case is top of the line. I didn't really get into the inards, but they are sweet and you'll love it.
Fantastic computer case, but not for everyone. [Posted on 2006-06-30]
The Antec P180 is one of the best constructed computer cases I have seen at this price point. The points I liked about it are:
1. Attractive and well made. Layered steel and plastic walls are durable and help deaden fan sounds.
2. Unique configuration places power supply at the bottom of the case in away from the CPU. The power supply sits in its own chamber. This dramatically reduced the heat level in the main motherboard chamber (at least in my rig).
3. Three 3-speed 120mm fans do an excellent venting job. One pulls air from the front over the lower hard drive chamber and into the power supply. The other two sit at 90-degree angles in the top and rear to vent heat from the motherboard chamber. There are mounts for 2 more 120mm fans; one suction fan for middle HD chamber and another that sits over the GPU position on the motherboard.
What I found to be 'annoying' about this case:
1. Door for running wires from lower power supply chamber to motherboard chamber could be better designed. A Real challenge to get my fingers through there.
2. No removable motherboard mounting plate. Motherboard mounts directly to rear wall. (Main chamber is roomy however.)
3. HD mounts are rather flimsy and there is no shock mount provision for 5.25" chamber.
4. Instructions manual from Antec could be better.
The reason I say this is not for everyone is that this case definitely requires pre-planning. If you are new to PC assembly, or used to 'winging it' this might not be the case for you. My building notes are as follows:
1. PREPLAN, PREPLAN, PREPLAN. With the power supply in the bottom, not all makes of PSU are going to have cables that reach everything. If you purchase this case, think about it before you buy your PSU. (Antec TruPower 2.0 550W worked for me.)
2. Install the PSU near the end of the build; otherwise you will not have room to maneuver.
3. Remove the lower fan during the PSU install. If not you will have a hard time running your cables up.
4. Plan your cable routes and tie where necessary.
That all said, this is a really great case. I am very happy with it.
my old case is quieter [Posted on 2006-10-28]
Unlike most aluminum cases this is sturdy but is not at all quiet and, in fact I have to boost my speakers in games just to get an effect and it is a loud wall vibro to the nieghing neighbors too. Don't get it because it might be quiet the wall insulatters are only useful in an enclosed environemnt. The fans have no filters in the intakes and the P/S is a tight fit for one with large wide hands and stubbly fingers(like mine and Hoss Cartwright's :=) you need spindally woman hands to get the thing in! same goes for the sound and video cards. The mobo can be damaged if you don't weigh all the factors, one being remove all side "level" decks before doing anything with your hardware and PCB's. Don't wear a wrist strap, it's a cumbersom fluster. tigh a chain to your ankle and bolt it on a separate Power supply(you don't plan to use in this project) instead. Oh, and plugg it in too.(and don't turn the switch to "ON") more importantly, look to a discussion forum for installations, the manual, as dirogitively mentioned by another reveiwer, is anarexic at best as in the "Assume" you have ESP and know everything prior.
Great case - this is my 5th one [Posted on 2007-09-15]
I've ordered 5 of these cases now and will continue to use them for quite a while. It is extremely well built and looks great as well.
Tower [Posted on 2007-11-04]
Its nice but the USB in front broke in 1 week they ae not that good.
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