Antec Performance One
by Purav Sanghani on February 13, 2005 12:05 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
The P160 at First Glance
We have seen a great many cases with varying aesthetics, so it is difficult to differentiate between a theme and a normal, generalized look. Antec goes only as far as adding lighting at the front of the case, but we feel that, in this case (pun intended), they haven't really gone as far out there as some of the things that we have seen.
At the top of the P160's bezel, there is a unique auxiliary port module that rotates 45 degrees to aim wiring at a closer level to the user. Many cases feature these audio in/out, USB, and FireWire ports either at the bottom or on the side of the bezel, which limits where the case can be placed relative to the user. We feel that the top of the bezel is the best placement for the auxiliary ports since, when either placed on a desk or on the floor, the auxiliary ports are only 2 feet away from our heads. This module also features a power button on the right side as well as a smaller reset button on the left half.
To rotate the module, we press a small button on the left side to unlock it. It is not an extremely smooth motion, and we feel like it is pulling on something in the inside. We can see straight through the smoked plastic to the circuit board, on which each component lies.
The auxiliary module also has a simple, but effective, built-in temperature monitor that shows the temperature of two separate components using two sensors on the inside. The 2x1 digit display switches between the two at a set interval of about 5 seconds. The temperature can also be switched between Celsius and Fahrenheit by way of a small button switch on the inside of the case.
Moving down to the drive bays, we see that the first two 5-1/4" bays have optical bezels installed with "eject" as well as "play" and "track forward" buttons on the right with a clear strip just left of the buttons for the drive activity LEDs to shine through. The last two of the four 5-1/4" drive bezels are plain silver to match the rest of the bezel.
Below those bays, we see two vertically centered 3-1/2" bays; the first, occupied by a floppy drive bezel to match.
The bottom of the bezel consists of three vent holes, each lined on the inside with chrome paint. The vents have a black metal grill to hide the fan. Directly underneath the vents is the "Antec" name/logo molded into the plastic bezel and the bezel itself is framed by chrome painted plastic.
The only features of the left side panel are the dual 2-position locks, which secure the panel onto the case. In the vertical position, the locks hook onto the case's shell. The one at the back features a keylock design, which provides added security. Antec also provides thumbscrews at the back of the case to secure each panel.
Instead of metal or plastic feet at the bottom, Antec has installed rubber feet. For those of us with wood floors or desks, it is a great replacement and will eliminate the chances of scratches.
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sdgserv - Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - link
Have owned the 160 for sometime now..Pro..Easy to set up. Great working case
Cons..Not enough room for the HD molex connectors and ribbons in the back of the case
Thoughts..I hated the window so I had a new Plexiglass one made. $30.Light blue and it look great.
I have owned a lot of cases in the 17 years with computers and this one is the 8/10
bnorton - Monday, April 11, 2005 - link
Your sound benchmarks do not include the Antec Sonata. Shouldn't any sound benchmarks include this case as a reference?bnorton - Monday, April 11, 2005 - link
Your sound benchmark does not include the Antec Sonata. Shouldn't this case be included as a reference?bnorton - Monday, April 11, 2005 - link
Your sound benchmarks do not include the Antec Sonata. Shouldn't that be the reference?pwjone1 - Sunday, March 27, 2005 - link
I would like to second the request for a P180 review. That looks like a lot better case, in terms of air flow and cooling, than the P160.One thing I found strange, is that while Anandtech found the P160 the second quietest case, it's not even on SilentPCReview's (SPCR) recommended list. They rated it, and said it was noisy, though they don't much like Al cases in general. Still, odd the different results. Here's the SPCR review URL: http://www.silentpcreview.com/article128-page1.htm...
Also, they like Antec cases, a lot, so it's not an anti-Antec thing.
L3p3rM355i4h - Thursday, February 17, 2005 - link
Nice to see anandtech review something that isn't made for the "L337 H4><0rz" crowd.matrix2 - Thursday, February 17, 2005 - link
sdgfish - Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - link
I have built 2 system with this case and once you get to know it well, it would be hard to buy another. Mine came with 2 fans from Newegg.Ideal for SATA
Cons..
Tough to use round cables on the HD's not enough room on the back side of the drives.
akugami - Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - link
This case had a few points that I was looking for in a new case.1) Front bezel is an acquired taste for some but it's not that bad. I wanted something with matching drive covers so you don't see the ugly as heck CD/DVD drives but rather a uniform and pleasing design. The oval fan grill design is not that great but it's really not that bad. I would have preferred a plain Jane mesh grill design though. I would have also loved for it to be all metal even steel.
2) Firewire and USB ports on the front. I do like the way they are positioned and while it's not the most solid feeling device I don't think it feels too cheap.
3) Large intake and exhaust area. Yeah, you can put a place for 120mm fans but if you cover 80% of the coverage area with a useless design or some tiny holes then it does jack and sh_t for you. You might as well have a 80mm hole in that case cause you're probably pushing the same amount of air. It always drives me nuts when case designers get a brainfart and choke off the intake and exhaust areas with a useless design or tiny holes. Usually on an otherwise nice looking case too. 120mm fans also are great for good airflow at lower noise.
3) Roomy interior. This is not exactly the most roomy case I've worked in but it's hardly tiny.
Overall I felt I got what I paid for in this case. Are there better cases out there? Sure, and with a higher price tag to match it. I would have liked an integrated PSU but they most likely would have given you a 350-400 watt one. I have opted for a 520w PSU for future proofing myself so it wasn't a huge minus as I would have very very likely removed that PSU anyways.
LoneWolf15 - Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - link
I love my Antec P160 as well. Note that although Anandtech didn't mention it, there is a model with a side window, which is the model I have. That model comes with two 120mm fans stock (I have added a custom blowhole to the top of my case for a third 120mm unit). Even if it didn't though, I think true enthusiasts like to choose their fans based on noise/airflow requirements, and the important thing is having 120mm mounts for high airflow at low noise, which this case does well.Kudos to Anandtech for their first review (in awhile) of a high-quality, good looking case that combines function and form.