Antec P280 Case Review

Always amongst the first few choices of an enthusiast’s shortlist when style and silence are of primary importance, Antec’s Performance One series has been synonymous with style and silent computing for many years. Antec’s engineers must have been very busy because the new P280 not only claims the ability to offer silent computing and unparalleled quality but outstanding thermal performance as well. Is it actually possible for quiet computing and high thermal performance to be combined, in a steel case no less? We will find out in this review.

Also, stand a chance to win a brand new Antec P280! (more details at the end of the article)

Always amongst the first few choices of an enthusiast’s shortlist when style and silence are of primary importance, Antec’s Performance One series has been a synonym with style and silent computing for many years. It has been a long while since the company replenished this particular series, until the recent release of the P280 case. The P280 is not a case designed to replace an older design but to enrich the series and become its new lead model. Antec’s engineers must have been very busy because the new P280 not only claims the ability to offer silent computing and unparalleled quality but outstanding thermal performance as well. Is it actually possible for quiet computing and high thermal performance to be combined, in a steel case no less? We will find out in this review.

Manufacturer features and specifications

• 9 expansion slots and up to XL-ATX motherboards          
• 2 front panel USB 3.0 ports         
• Advanced cooling system: includes 3 fans and 4 additional fan mounts  
• Dual-layer design: 0.8 mm steel / polycarbonate side panels deaden noise
• 6 quiet 3.5” / 2.5” drive bays utilize trays with preinstalled silicone grommets     
• 120 mm internal intake fans (optional)  
• Triple-layer (aluminum, plastic, foam) front bezel with double-hinged door: opens up to 270°    
• Grommet-lined cable routing holes with 30 mm of space behind the motherboard tray
• 3 tool-less 5.25” drive bays         
• Fan power hub: 4 x 3-pin fan connector on a single Molex           
• PSU intake & front air filters

Model	P280
Case Type	Super Mid Tower
Color(s)	Black with gunmetal anodized aluminum front door
Cooling System	• 2 x 120 mm top TwoCool™ exhaust fans • 1 x 120 mm rear TwoCool™ exhaust fan • 2 x 120 mm internal intake fans (optional) • 2 x 120 mm front intake fans (optional) • Fan power hub allows you to connect four 3-pin fans to a single Molex for improved cable management
Drive Bays	• 3 x 5.25” tool-less drive bays • 2 x 2.5” drive bays (dedicated) • 6 x 3.5” / 2.5” drive trays
Front Ports	2 x USB 3.0 with internal motherboard connector 2 x USB 2.0 Audio In/Out
Expansion Slots /  video card size	• 9 expansion slots • Maximum video card size: 13” / 330 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height	6.7" / 170 mm
PSU	No power supply included
Motherboard Support	XL-ATX [13.6” x 10.3” (345 mm x 262 mm)], Standard ATX, microATX, Mini-ITX
CPU Cutout	Enlarged CPU cutout
Cable Management	30 mm of cable routing space behind motherboard tray
Side panel features	None
Dimensions	• Unit Dimensions: – 526 mm (H) x 231 mm (W) x 562 mm (D) -20.7” (H) x 9.1” (W) x 22.1” (D) • Package Dimensions: -575 mm (H) x 290 mm (W) x 630 mm (D) -22.6” (H) x 11.4” (W) x 24.8” (D)
Weight	• Net Weight: 22.3 lbs / 10.2 kg • Gross Weight: 26.5 lbs / 12.0 kg

 

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