Antec, Inc has remained a pioneer and leader for innovative quiet-computing components and accessories in the gaming, PC upgrade and DIY markets. In light of that, the latest release in their Performance One series, the P280, offers quiet-computing, superior cable management, and maximum expandability.
Specifications
List Price: $139.99
Type: ATX Mid Tower
Power Supply Mounted: Bottom
Dimensions: 22.1” x 9.1” x 20.7”
Weight: 22.3lbs
Motherboard Compatibility: Mini ITX/Micro ATX/ATX/XL-ATX (10.3” x 13.6” max)
External Drive Bays: 3 x 5.25”
Internal Drive Bays: 6 x 3.5” HDD/2.5” SSD Racks
Expansion Slots: 9
Front Ports: 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, Audio I/O
Cooling System
Top: 2 x 120mm
Back: 1 x 120mm
Front: 2 x 120mm (optional)
Internal: 2 x 120mm (optional)
Antec’s Performance One series has been known to represent builders who prefer features over flair. Among cases such as the P183 and the P193, the P280 is expected to follow the sophistication and quiet computing seen within its series.
The design of the P280 definitely fits the mold of Performance One cases. With no LEDs or side panel windows, it’s made clear Antec is going for strict functionality as usual.
At the top of the case, there is support for two 120mm fans, or one 240mm fan. This is the perfect size for a dual 120mm radiator, such as Corsair’s Hydro Series H100 liquid CPU cooler. Unlike previous Performance One cases, the P280 has moved its power and reset buttons to the top, and the front I/O panel (which includes 2 USB 3.0 ports) from behind the swivel door. This was one of the most complained about features in previous Antec cases.
The front door is made up of a triple-layer featuring anodized aluminum, for the slick, sophisticated look, then plastic, then a foam material for sound-dampening. The door itself opens a full 270° degrees and also features a magnet to keep it secure when closed. This also leaves a bit of room between the door and the rest of the case, which is supposed to promote airflow come in from around the door. Behind the door are the three optical drive bays, as well as a removable air filter for the two optional 120mm fans.
Focusing on sound levels, the P280 doesn’t feature any side windows or fan openings. Instead, the side panels are made of a 0.8mm steel/polycarbonate dual layer design.
The three 5.25” drive bays are of a tool-less design, with four optional mounting screw holes on each. There are also six 3.5”/2.5” drive bays with rubber silicone grommets on the 3.5” holes to reduce vibration. Above these is also a location dedicated for two 2.5” drives to be installed tool-lessly. Behind the hard drive cage there is an optional place for two 120mm fans to be installed with a tool-less design.
As usual with Antec the drive trays feel very sturdy, however, the tool-less design for the two hard drive cage fans brings concern for noise levels brought on by the plastic-to-plastic vibration.
The P280 has a huge CPU cutout behind the motherboard tray. There are six pre-installed standoffs positioned for Standard ATX motherboards that can be relocated to accommodate other form factors using the numerous optional standoff holes in the tray. The interior is incredibly open and spacious, and offers multiple options for expansion with nine expansion slots which leaves room for quad SLI/Crossfire configurations.
Above the expansion slots are the three included 120mm TwoCool fans that plug into a “fan power hub” which is essentially a small circuit board that allows four 3-pin fan headers to be powered by a single Molex connector. The three included fans come pre-wired leaving one 3-pin connector open. The TwoCool fans have two settings, high and low, that can be controlled using a panel on the outside of the power hub with labels for “Rear” and “Top” for the three pre-installed fans, and the two settings “L” and “H” for low and high, respectively.
The bottom of the case shows the mounting position for a power supply. Underneath it is an intake fan filter that is easily removable for cleaning purposes.
The best feature of the P280 is the cable management. Surrounding the motherboard tray are four grommet-lined cable routing holes and two that are not grommet-lined specifically designed for power and other cables that lead to the 30mm of space behind. This large amount of space leaves plenty of room for the thick power supply cables, and to manage the SATA cables behind the drive bay. There are also tons of cutouts to attach zip ties to all around the backside of the motherboard tray.
Overall, the Antec P280 is a great choice among the top tier mid-tower chassis that delivers the best in a performance build with a simple design, perfect cable management, maximum expansion options, and ample sound-dampening features. For builders looking to pay the price for a top-notch case – this is a fantastic choice that will not disappoint.
Find out more at Antec.com.
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