my first impression with P180

[mooncancook]

Just got my P180 from shopblt.com. I had high expectation for this case due to the hype and price. Here are some of my first impressions with the case so far:

Pro:
- Beautiful and clean from the outside with no exaggerated curves
- Easy to open front door w/ a nice feel
- Extremely easy to access font intake air filters
- 120mm fans all around (except the optional 80mm fan for video card)
- sliding HDD cages
- ingenious video card exhaust cooling device
- inventive placement of PSU at the bottom

Con:
- Heavy
- Almost entirely steel and plastics construction
- Expensive for a steel case
- 80mm fan not included
- ugly grey steel color from rear (compared to shiny Alum. of Super Lanboy)
- No windowed panel option
- PSU space is too tight (unless remove the 120mm chasis fan)

Wish list:
- Use more aluminum (if not entirely) to reduce weight! (such as drive cages)
- aluminum front instead of black plastic (easier to find matching fan controller)
- reduce MSRP to $120 or less

Anyway, if this case performs well then all the cons and price tag can be forgiven. It'd better be cool and quiet. Hopefully it won't disappoint when I set it up later...

 

[tribbles]

I received my P180 on Friday.

I mostly agree with your impressions. However, having owned two aluminum cases previous to the P180, I would have to disagree that steel is a bad thing. There have been claims in the past that aluminum cases were more prone to sympathetic resonance (i.e. component-induced vibration). The more I tweak my P180, the more I believe that the claims are indeed fact. Because the P180 is very, very quiet, and I can't detect any vibrations from the case whatsoever. I'm not sure I would have any such luck with a lighter, aluminum case.

Also, I'm not sure why lack of an 80mm fan is a problem. In fact, if the P180 had used them, it probably would have been a deal-killer for me.

The PSU space is definitely tight, and unfortunately not all power supply manufacturers post their product dimensions online. However, Antec says that their TruePower 2.0 line fits just fine, and my current PSU is a piece of crap anyway. So I have a TruePower 2.0 480 on the way.

It is evident that a lot of consideration went into the design of the case. This is my first experience with an Antec product, and overall I'm very happy.

 

[qbackin]

No window is the biggest deal-breaker there is IMO.
Lots o $ in the thing and I wanna show it off😀

Antec quality although is outstanding, I have had the lanboy and a few others. But I am a fan of steel myself. Namely the PlusView 1000AMG.

Thanks for the little review! Im sure it will help many in there decision.

 

[mooncancook]

I mostly agree with your impressions. However, having owned two aluminum cases previous to the P180, I would have to disagree that steel is a bad thing. There have been claims in the past that aluminum cases were more prone to sympathetic resonance (i.e. component-induced vibration). The more I tweak my P180, the more I believe that the claims are indeed fact. Because the P180 is very, very quiet, and I can't detect any vibrations from the case whatsoever. I'm not sure I would have any such luck with a lighter, aluminum case.

I understand steel has its advantages, and Antec probably has "quietness" in mind when they make the decision. But i don't think it is impossible to design an aluminum case that's as quiet. Its weight is not a big problem for me because i don't go to lan parties, but ppl who consider building this as a gaming rig for lan party should take its weight into consideration. Also, as a steel case, it shouldn't be priced so high.

Also, I'm not sure why lack of an 80mm fan is a problem. In fact, if the P180 had used them, it probably would have been a deal-killer for me.

Well I'd like it to include an 80mm fan coz the video card cooling device is useless without a fan.

The PSU space is definitely tight, and unfortunately not all power supply manufacturers post their product dimensions online.

Yeah... do you know whether the Antec Phantom PSU will fit? I'd love to have a fanless PSU and let the 120mm case fan to cool it.

It is evident that a lot of consideration went into the design of the case. This is my first experience with an Antec product, and overall I'm very happy.

I agree. I'm impressed despite of some minor gripes. It is very thoughtfully designed, unlike any other case I've seen. This is my 2nd Antec product, I love my feather-weight Super Lanboy as well.