Hear A Pin Drop With New PC Case Design

System builders can use the P-180 case to assemble attractive desktop PCs that will appeal to high-end users. It will accommodate motherboards as large as standard ATX models, which measure 12 inches x 9.6 inches. With its basic structure molded in plastic, the P-180 has brushed aluminum panels adhered to all of its outer surfaces both for appearance and sound-deadening purposes.

To make the P-180 case as quiet as possible, Antec equipped it with three-layer side panels. The case was also designed for maximum cooling ability; the inside of the case features separate chambers for the power supply and CPU to provide improved airflow and separate cooling zones.

The P-180&'s cooling system is highly configurable, featuring three 120mm speed-adjustable fans. There&'s an additional mount on the front panel for an optional fourth 120mm fan. An adjustable air duct on the side panel can be used to mount yet another optional 120mm fan for high-end graphics cards that require maximum cooling.

Inside the P-180 case, system builders will find 11 drive bays for maximum expandability. Of those drive bays, four are 5.25-inch external, one is 3.5-inch external and six are 3.5-inch internal. Silicon grommets are featured on all hard-drive cages to reduce drive vibration, thus reducing drive noise. The rear portion of the upper hard-disk cage houses a built-in storage box for the safekeeping of small parts. The back of the case features slots for seven expansion cards, and the front panel conveniently offers two USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire port and audio connectors.

No power supply is included with the P-180 case. Antec recommends using one of its ultra-quiet PC power supplies to keep noise level low. The P180 case has an estimated street price of $159 and is backed by a three-year warranty.

Product Snapshot
> Name: P-180 PC Case
> Price: $159
> Warranty: 3 years
> Distributors/Integrators: ASI, D&H, Ingram Micro, Synnex, Tech Data
> Company: Antec
Fremont, Calif.
(510) 770-1200
www.antec.com