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Case, Power Supply, Fan Reviews
  Product:     Antec P150 Quiet PC Case  
  Price:     $138 (CDN) / $120 (U.S)
  Supplied By:     Antec
  Author:     Skaal-Tel
  Date:     March 2nd, 2006
  Rating:     star star star star star star star star star

Antec P150 Quiet PC Case
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Antec P150 Quiet PC Case
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The hard drive bays are one of a kind in a manufacturer's offering. Using an old modders trick for suspending hard drives (albeit somewhat better looking than using twisted pantyhose or rubber bands) the case can be completely isolated from hard drive vibration which is a major source of noise in all computers. Using this setup, 3 hard drives can be installed. If the user prefers, the hard drives can be installed on the Antec drive racks with the provided extra long screws. The hard drive will sit on top of 4 tall silicone grommets, ultimately more secure than the rubber bands but slightly noisier.

Antec P150 Quiet PC Case
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Antec P150 Quiet PC Case
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Within the interior of the case are present six ODD rails for the top three 5.25" bays. Also present is the Antec Tri-Cool fan with a 4-pin Molex connector and an ingenious 3 position switch allowing the user to select low/medium/high settings. Just about the oldest modder trick in the book, but this time the switch is located inside the case. It would be nice to be able to pick a speed without removing the side panel but if left at medium; I've found that the fan is still quieter than the average CPU fan. A 120mm fan is capable of turning at a much slower RPM, moving a fair amount of air, while still being noiseless compared to an 80mm fan moving the same amount of air. The provided power supply is an Antec Neo HE 430W. Modular in design, with a 24-pin ATX connector, 4/8 pin auxiliary connector, 4 SATA connectors, 6 regular connectors, 3 floppy connectors, and PCI-express connectors. This power supply is capable of handling almost anything you can fit into this case. All of the lines are sleeved in handsome black with red stripes, and are very well done. I would, of course, have liked to see quick-disconnect Molex. Three 12v rails are present, with very impressive numbers. Rated for 384W peak power and approximately 310 Watts continuous, if the HE is anywhere near as good as the numbers read, it can easily withstand a high end SLI setup. My only issue with the Neo HE line of power supplies is their particular refusal to function correctly with a moderate number of Asus motherboards. I have been told that newer boards and newer HE power supplies should not have this particular issue, but if you're in doubt, you may wish to contact either Asus or Antec in advance to double check compatibility.

Antec P150 Quiet PC Case
Click image for larger view
Antec P150 Quiet PC Case
Click image for larger view
 
Moving onto assembling a system within the P150, I retrieved the power supply cables, power cord, and pack of screws etc. Everything you'll need to assemble a system is present, with a little extra in the way of screws and standoffs. My first step was to attack the rails to the CD drive I'll be installing. With any rail case, a certain amount of trial and error is involved in lining up the drive with the front of the case. With the P150 you also have to worry about reaching or pushing into the button on the stealth covers. Personally I strongly dislike messing around with drive rails, but presumably the plastic serves to further dampen vibrations.

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