Antec 900 vs. P182

Tampa_Gamer

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Oct 17, 2007
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space-wise, these seem to be the two cases that will fit into the space I have, yet will offer enough cooling for a quad-core, dual 8800 GT rig. I would like to go with the Antec 900 (due its slightly better cooling reputation) but I have read horror stories on their cable management and tight space. Any comments from those that put together systems with either of these two cases? (note - I am not into looks at all and would far prefer a good build experience).

I am looking to put an EVGA 680i MB in it, 2 8800GTs (when I find them), and use a Silverstone Zeus 850W power supply (ST85ZF).

Also, now that I am thinking about it, anybody use this PSU with either of these two cases? Any problem with PSU cable lengths?

 
G

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I use the 900, cable management was easy. Plenty of room and great temperatures.
 

rorus

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I just finished putting together a P182 Case with a PCP&C 750W PSU, Q6600, Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme and 2 EVGA GTXs in SLI.

Bottom line for cooling: If you move the hard drives to the lower bay and put in a quality fan in the front fan location, you will have an amazing cooling solution.

My temps the first day I was up and running were 32-33C idle and 42C full load with Prime95. After letting the thermal compound set, I was down to 28C idle and 39C at load.
 

rorus

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Using Scythe S-Flex Fans, EVGA 680i A1 Mobo, 2GB Crucial Ballistix Tracer PC2 8500

One thing to note: For better air flow, I removed the mid drive bay completely which allowed the front fan to have an unobstructed path to the Video Cards and CPU Heatsink.

Another cool effect that I had (which I didn't even realize would happen until I had everything installed) is that the top exhaust fan was within an inch of the Heatsink, effectively creating a 2 fan heatsink which I'm guessing has improved temps by a degree or two. One of these days I'll provide pics to show what I'm talking about.
 

cnumartyr

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I like the 900, was considering it but was out of my budget range for a case at the time and got a CM-690 for next to nothing with rebates.

The 900 looks great tho.
 

Silverion77

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Get the 900.......for cable management there are two large holes in the back.

I put the fan wires (main problem) through the holes and tucked them near the drive bays (more space) on the other side of the case (out of the way)

You cant even see them
 

Tampa_Gamer

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Thanks guys - looks like a tight split. so those with the Antec 900 - you had no cabling issues and did not have to mod your case? (I do not own a dremel nor do I want to drill into a case).
 

Silverion77

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I didnt do any modding......the main cable problem was the fans

There are 3 holes.

1 near power supply (put back fan cable through there) and 2 near the motherboard (just put the rest through there and put them in the back panel area).

Worked perfectly!!!!