Antec P180

     Lacking any over-the-top ornamental flare, the P180 resembles more of a kitchen appliance than a PC enclosure. The plain silver colored panels and the basic shape of the P180 gives it a very simple, yet elegant design. Enclosures with a door that covers the front of the enclosure (drives and other accessories) usually receive a mixed reaction from the enthusiast crowd. For that reason, Antec has adapted a hinge system that allows the door front to open well beyond 90 degrees. In fact, the front door can be opened until it makes contact with the left side panel. Unfortunately, there is no way to remove the door without doing damage and there are no latches to hold the door in the fully open position. This may effect those users who simply can not get over the door feature.

     Drives are installed into the 5.25" drive bays with a standard screw-on rail system. Notice the cutouts along the edges of the drive bay--these notches give easy access to the drive rail lock clips.

     The bottom portion of the enclosure's faceplate has been fitted with slotted panels and washable filters which allow (mostly debris free) air to enter the enclosure. Since the door does not have slots to pull air through, Antec has molded the bezel with slots (as shown in the top two pictures) which will allow air to enter the enclosure, even when the door is closed and locked. Note; only the top chamber can be fitted with an intake fan, and this is only optional as one will not ship with the enclosure. The bottom feeds a totally separate chamber. This will be explained better as the interior of the enclosure is explored.

     The IEEE∙1394 (Firewire), USB  2.0, and audio jacks are still accessible  when the door is closed. The keyhole is located at the bottom of the cut-out. The power and reset buttons are only accessible with the door open.