How to open the front part of an Antec Performance series case

[clicknext]

I need to open the front part where the cool looking air vents are. The ones right in front of 2 intake fans and the HDD. Somehow my USB and 1394 port disappeared into there and I need to get it back out.

 

[mechBgon]

Which Antec case do you have?

If it's one of the 600-series or 800-series, begin by removing the side panel, then unclip the upper section of the bezel using the obvious latches visible at the edges. Now you can see a couple of retainers sticking out the top of the lower section of the bezel. Gently pry them outward while pulling the lower section of bezel straight up. edit: or was it straight down... I haven't done this for a while, but now that I think about it, I think you do pull down for removal, not up.

If you have one of the 1000-series cases, take off both side panels and you can see the clips that are holding the bezel to the case. There are three on each side. Gently unclip the bezel and pull it off.

 

[clicknext]

Sorry, I have a Performance AMG 1080. I don't think both side panels can open...

 

[mechBgon]

The second side panel is held to the case by three screws at the rear. Undo those and it will swing out just like the one with the handle.

 

[clicknext]

Alright, I opened it, but I just see the big tray that holds the mobo. Do I have to remove that?

 

[mechBgon]

Nopers. As you face the underside of the mobo tray, look to your left at the front wall of the case. You should see the bezel's catches sticking through the front wall of the case, and you can pry them free to release the bezel (there are three on each edge of the bezel).