|
|
 |
|
Product:
|
Antec P180 Advanced Super Mid-Tower |
|
Price:
|
$138 (CDN) / $120 (U.S)
|
|
Supplied By:
|
Antec
|
|
Author:
|
Hi-TEK
|
|
Date:
|
January 26th, 2006
|
|
Rating:
|
|
|
Click image for larger view
|
Click image for larger view
|
|
The Antec P180 Advanced Super Mid-Tower Case includes two sets of drive rails that are part of the tool-less key
design function and aids in the easy and quick removal of drive components. One specific set attaches to any 3.5"
hard drive while the larger sized rails attach to any 5.25" external component such as an optical drive, fan controller,
LCD display or monitoring device.
|
|
Click image for larger view
|
Click image for larger view
|
|
Installing components into the Antec P180 Advanced Super Mid-Tower Case is a straightforward process but without its share
of headaches. To test out this case, I assembled a series of spare components which included the following:
- Albatron K8SLI Motherboard
- AMD Athlon 64 3000+ CPU w/Asetek VapoChill Micro cooler
- 2 x Gigabyte GV-NX66T128D GeForce 6600GT Video Cards (SLI Mode)
- Western Digital WD2000 Caviar SE 200GB SATA HD
- 2 x Corsair Xpert TWINXP1024-3200XL DDR Modules
- LG 52x32x52 DVD CD-RW w/ SuperLink
- LG GSA-4165 Black DVD +/-R/RW/RAM Dual DVD Burner
- Enermax Liberty ELT500AWT 500w PSU
- Matrix Orbital MX412 USB LCD
|
|
Click image for larger view
|
Click image for larger view
|
|
I snapped the last two photos used in this review just as I was planning out cable management options inside the P180.
As previously mentioned because the interior chassis is very cramped and offers very little room, I strongly recommend
spending the extra time to properly bundle up wires using zip ties and sleeving before installing any main components.
The PSU mount will certainly provide some challenges and issues by its location at the bottom of the case. Standard ATX
20+4P and 12V AUX main connectors will require additional length to pass through the bottom interior through the
plastic sliding assembly to the motherboard. I used an Enermax Liberty ELT500AWT 500w Modular PSU which didn't pose any
problems reaching the connectors on an Albatron K8SLI motherboard. I also removed the bottom 120mm fan mount temporarily
so that I could install all the PSU cables I needed for the components and accessories I planned to use.
|
|
Conclusion:
The Antec P180 Advanced Super Mid-Tower can be classified as an excellent economical case or entry level
server for any individual looking to upgrade. The black base and aluminum highlights position this case
as a great purchase thanks to the simple yet aesthetically pleasing design. Antec continues to develop a
classic chassis design that has made its older models popular but at the same time offers some subtle
improvements for this new revision. The abundance of fan mounts positioned in strategic locations is impressive
and guarantees adequate air flow throughout this case. Each fan includes a 3-speed switch that allows consumers
to toggle between three different RPM levels. The inclusion of fan filters aids in keeping dust from entering
inside the case and are completely machine washable. The P180 caters to different types of multimedia applications
with the support of front mounted ports for USB, Firewire and Audio. Add in additional features such as the
sound proof side panels, air ducts, removable drive cages and drive rail system and you have the good chassis
that will meet the demands of many consumers. From a design standpoint the Antec P180 Advanced Super Mid-Tower
has an abdundance of positive features but there are some negative issues that should be noted. While three
fans were included for the top, bottom and rear exhausts, absent were additional fans for the front intakes and
air ducts. Since Antec is marketing the P180 as one of its flagship cases, the addition of a slide out motherboard
tray would simplify component installation and maintenance. The PSU mount while moved from its traditional location
to the bottom of the case can be problematic if the power supply installed does not have long enough cables to
reach the motherboard. Finally, the cramped interior can make cable management an absolute nightmare to deal with
and a considerable amount of time should be spent to properly re-route wiring before main component installation
is completed. Aside from a few minor issues, I was impressed with the Antec P180 Advanced Super Mid-Tower and
award a final rating of 8.5 out of 10. If you have
any questions regarding this review be sure to visit the Antec
website for more information or discuss them in our forums.
|
Pros:
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Price
- Front mounted dual USB, Firewire, Headphone and Microphone ports
- Built-in fan filters and air ducts
- Removable drive cages
- Sound proof side panels
- Plenty of storage capacity
- Sturdy chassis construction
|
| |
Cons:
- Extremely heavy
- No removable motherboard tray
- Cable management can be challenging
- Swing away door feels flimsy and cheap
- No PSU included in package
|
|
|
|
|
Error processing SSI file
|
|
 |
Error processing SSI file
|
|
