Two low cost, high value cases with numbers in their names

Subject: Cases and Cooling | November 29, 2012 - 03:35 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: corsair, Carbide Series 200R, antec, Three Hundred Two

Generally this contest would be a little more balanced but thanks to the $20 MIR at NewEgg the Corsair Carbide 200R is a mere $30 while Antec's Three Hundred Two will run you $70.  Both cases have a similar look, with the Corsair case being slightly shorter and thinner but longer than the Antec offering.  Both can handle heatsinks up to 7" (17.7mm) with the Corsair case able to handle GPUs of up to 16.5", which is 4" more than the Antec case.  Then again only the Antec case is set up to handle mini-ITX motherboards, which makes planning your system ahead of the purchase of one of these cases a very good idea.  The Tech Report compares these two cases in their latest review, see which case walked away with the award.

"We've compared the successor to Antec's famous Three Hundred enclosure to a new, similarly priced entrant, the Carbide Series 200R—Corsair's cheapest enclosure ever. The results may surprise you."

Here are some more Cases & Cooling reviews from around the web:

CASES & COOLING

• Silverstone Sugo SG09 SFF Case Review @ Hardware Canucks
• Antec ISK110 VESA M-ITX Chassis @ eTeknix
• Enermax Ostrog Giant Case Review @ Hardware Secrets
• Nanoxia Deep Silence 1 Case @ AnandTech
• Fractal Design Node 304 mITX Case Review: Paving the Way to the Future @ AnandTech
• Fractal Design NODE 304 @ techPowerUp
• Cooler Master CM Storm Stryker Computer Case Review @ Madshrimps
• BitFenix Ghost PC Chassis @ eTeknix
• Corsair Hydro Series H60 High Performance Liquid Cooler Review @ Pro-Clockers
• Corsair H80i Liquid CPU Cooler @ Kitguru
• Corsair H100i @ Guru of 3D
• Keeping it Cool: Corsair Hydro H60 Update and H55 Review @ Techgage
• NZXT Respire T20 and T40 Heatsink Video Overview @ Hi Tech Legion
• Looking for the BEST CPU Cooler? Use Frostytech's Top 5 Heatsink Charts
• Be Quiet! Shadow Rock TopFlow CPU Cooler @ eTeknix
• Xigmatek Prime SD1484 CPU Cooler @ FunkyKit
• Arctic Cooling Alpine 64 Plus Cooler @ Kitguru
• NZXT Respire T20 and T40 CPU Cooler Review: Changing the Perception of Value Priced Cooling @Hi Tech Legion
• Silverstone Heligon HE01 Heatsink Review @ Frostytech
• Noctua NH-L9i and NH-L9a Low Profile CPU Cooler Review @ Hi Tech Legion
• Rosewill AIOLOS CPU Cooler Review @ Hardware Secrets
• Sapphire Vapor-X CPU Cooler @ eTeknix

Get Platinum power for about $100

Subject: Cases and Cooling | August 17, 2012 - 06:11 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: PSU, antec, 80plus platinum, Earthwatts Platinum 650W

At $120 on NewEgg, the Antec Earthwatts Platinum is not a bad choice for those looking for power and efficiency.  Although it is SLI rated, with only two 6+2 PCIe power connectors you will need to rely on molex adapters to run two cards and at 650W they will not be current flagship models.  Legit Reviews saw some questionable results while testing but for a PSU of this price, especially such a quiet and efficient one, it comes with a recommendation to stop worrying and pick it up.

"When it comes to performance, besides its high electrical efficiency which is expect from an 80Plus Platinum unit. The Earthwatts Platinum 650W PSU also excels in acoustics, with the unit running entirely silent across the entire nominal load range. The high efficiency also allows it to operate at fairly low temperatures as little energy is wasted as heat. Even though most hardcore enthusiasts would find this unit's electrical performance mediocre, we believe that the ripple suppression and voltage regulation of the Earthwatts Platinum 650W unit is more than acceptable for a sub-$100 product..."

Here are some more Cases & Cooling reviews from around the web:

CASES & COOLING

• Raidmax RX-600AF PSU Review @ Rbmods
• Thermaltake Toughpower XT Gold 1375 W @ techPowerUp
• LEPA G850-MAS Power Supply Review @ Hardware Secrets
• Lepa G650 650W Power Supply @ Pro-Clockers
• Corsair Gaming Series GS 800w @ XSReviews
• Corsair AX1200i PSU @ Guru of 3D
• Corsair GS700 Bronze Power Supply Review @ Hardware Secrets
• FSP Aurum Pro 1000w Gold Power Supply Review @ HardwareHeaven
• be quiet! Dark Power Pro 10 850W Power Supply @ Pro-Clockers
• Super Flower GOLDEN KING 1000W Power Supply Unit Review @ NikKTech
• Thermaltake Smart M Series 750W PSU @ Kitguru
• Corsair Professional Series HX850 @ weakTown
• FSP Raider 650 W Power Supply Review @ Hardware Secrets

Join ASUS and PC Per At Fry’s For a ROG Gaming Event

Subject: General Tech | July 27, 2012 - 02:35 PM | Tim Verry
Tagged: ROG, patriot, gaming, fry's, event, asus, antec

As Ryan alluded to in last night’s podcast, there is an upcoming event at the Fry’s Electronics store in Sunnyvale, California on the last weekend in July – the 28th and 29th. Specifically, it is the second-annual Republic of Gamers @ Fry’s event held by popular motherboard manufacturer ASUS. ASUS, in concert with NVIDIA, Antec, and Patriot Memory will be on hand to answer your questions and listen to your comments. As a gaming-oriented event, the company has lined up several events for the whole family – from casual to hardcore gamers – and has brought along tons of ROG-branded hardware for you to check out. Some of the hardware on hand will include ASUS’ Maximus V Extreme and Maximus V Formula Z77 motherboards, its G75 laptops, and Vulcan Active Noise Canceling Headphones. There will also be prize giveaways both in person and online through the various social networks (for those that can’t make it in person).

Gaming hardware spans from the ASUS Transformer tablets to custom high-end gaming machines that will be available for you to play a number of different games.

The other major event is a panel hosted by PC Perspective’s own Ryan Shrout who will be entertaining the audience along with several hardware manufacturers. The topics of discussion will include tips for first time PC builders, advanced overclocking techniques, general hardware goodness, and a question and answer section where you will get a chance to get answers from the hardware manufacturers on your important questions!

It’s is going to be a really fun time, and you will be able to see Ryan and bug him about the podcast videos and give him (good!) feedback on the site. We are excited about it and hope to see you all there! We previously mentioned a question and answer section, and one way to ask if you can’t make it is use the comments section below this post where Ryan will do his best to get you good answers!

Below are the full details on the where and when.

Location:

Fry’s Electronics
1077 East Arques Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94085

When:

July 28th-29th 2012 (Saturday and Sunday) from 11am to 6pm

Misc:

Admission is free.

ASUS will be providing $0.50 hot dogs and Coke, the money from which will go towards local charities.

Of course, there is a Facebook page for more information and to RSVP. Visit http://goo.gl/Lxkdl for more event details and follow #ROGexperience to stay up-to-date on the latest event information and for some great on-site giveaways.

Antec Releases 1000 Watt Platinum Pro Power Supply

Subject: General Tech | March 21, 2012 - 11:40 PM | Tim Verry
Tagged: PSU, power supply, antec, 80 Plus Platinum

Popular case and power supply manufacturer Antec recently released a new PSU, or Power Supply Unit, that represents the first 1,000 watt PSU to be certified by 80+ for Platinum efficiency. The new Antec High Current Pro 1000 Platinum is rated to deliver 1000 watts of power, features four +12 volt rails at 40 A per rail, and a modular cable design.

The PSU uses Japanese capacitors to deliver 40 A of DC output with low ripple and noise. In addition, it uses a modular cable design with dark colored cables to aid in cable management. Currently the PSU supports the following connectors.

• 1 x 20+4 Pin ATX
• 1 x 8 Pin 12V EPS
• 6 x 6+2 Pin PCI-E
• 9 x SATA
• 6 x Molex
• 1 x Floppy
• 1 x 4+4 Pin ATX/EPS

With regards to the 80 Plus (80+) Platinum rating, the new Antec PSU means that it is capable of delivering a minimum efficiency of 89 % at 20 to 100 percent load. At it's best, the PSU can run as efficiently as 94%. Global Marketing Director at Antec Mafalda Cogliani stated that "we designed a highly versatile, practical cabling to maximize cable management options and pushed High Current Pro to Platinum-certified efficiency to create a PSU package unrivaled by competitors at this wattage class."

Antec's High Current Pro Platinum is now on sale at Newegg, NCIX.com, and several other major retailers in the United States and Canada. Europe will be getting the HCP-1000 Platinum on April 9th. The power supply carries an MSRP of $269.95, and features a seven year warranty. More information is available on this product page.

Antec's Mid-Sized 1100 enclosure can hold a lot of hardware

Subject: Cases and Cooling | March 19, 2012 - 02:52 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: antec, eleven hundred

The Antec 1100 enclosure is a mid-tower design but with enough space inside to accommodate an XL-ATX board as well as coolers of up to 170mm (6.7").  The included cooling is impressive, with a possible nine 120mm fans installable though it only comes with two.  There are six 3.5" drive bays, two 2.5" bays and three 5.25" bays, with the HDD bays set up front to back, sideways from the usual case design.  [H]ard|OCP did have a few improvements to the case that they would have liked Antec to include but as the case walked away with a Silver Award, those additions would simply make a good case even better.   If you are shopping for a $100 enclosure that can handle SSDs without adapters then you should check out their review.

"We take a long [H]ard look at Antec's new Eleven Hundred model chassis that is billed by Antec as being "The Advanced Gaming Authority." This relatively inexpensive DIY chassis is chock full of features and represents a flagship in the Antec line. Our new testing format takes its maiden voyage on the Eleven Hundred."

Here are some more Cases & Cooling reviews from around the web:

CASES & COOLING

• Lian Li PC-100 "The Hammer" Mid-Tower @ Tweaktown
• Corsair Carbide 300R Case Review @ Hardware Secrets
• Corsair Obsidian 550D Case Review @ Hardware Secrets
• Corsair Carbide 300R @ techPowerUp
• Fractal Design Arc Midi Mid-Tower Chassis Review @ eTeknix
• BitFenix Raider PC Tower @ Pro-Clockers
• NZXT Phantom 410 Crafted Mid tower @ Pro-Clockers
• BitFenix Shinobi XL @ OC3D
• Raidmax Seiran Full Tower Case @ Funky Kit
• Antec Three Hundred Two Midtower Case Review @ Legit Reviews
• Enermax Fulmo Mid-Tower Case @ Bjorn3D
• SSilverstone Kublai KL04 Mid-Tower Chassis Review @ eTeknix
• NZXT Source 220 Mid-Tower Case Review @Hi Tech Legion
• Streacom FC8 Fanless Case Review @ Hardware Secrets
• Antec Cleaning Solutions Review @ Madshrimps
• Antec Advance TrueQuiet Pro 120mm Fan Review @ eTeknix/A>
• Noctua NF-F12 PWM Review @ OCC
• Gelid Darkforce @ OC3D
• Corsair Hydro Series H100 Liquid Cooler @ Pro-Clockers
• Noctua NH-L12 Low Profile CPU Cooler Review @ HardwareHeaven

Antec Will Support USB 2.0 Motherboards In Eleven Hundred and P280 Cases

Subject: Cases and Cooling | December 7, 2011 - 09:38 AM | Tim Verry
Tagged: p280, gaming, eleven hundred, cases, antec

While it is not often that users upgrade their computer cases without also updating the internals (at least compared to the opposite scenario), Antec still has you covered. If you purchase an Antec P280 or Eleven Hundred gaming case to house your trusty computer components that are only up to USB 2.0 compatible the two USB 3.0 ports are useless as the internal connector will not be compatible. Fret not; however, as the company has listened to user feedback and will now ship users a free adapter so that the front panel USB ports will be compatible with your motherboard (though only up to USB 2.0 speeds, of course).

Antec has been quoted by Maximum PC in stating that “We have hear the feedback you and your readers have given us regarding the USB 3.0 internal connector.”  The further detailed that the specific compatibility issue is with the internal header connection, which would not work with older motherboards.  As of today, users in such a predicament can visit the Antec website’s support page here or call 1-(800)-22ANTEC in the United States to request an adapter. The adapter is free; however, an invoice or other proof of purchase showing you bought one of the affected cases will be required.

The Antec P280's front panel USB 3.0 ports

I have to say that this is quite good on Antec’s part and it shows that they are really listening to customer feedback. For more on the company, why not check out the latest Inside Perspective interview with Antec?

The understated 1100 Chassis from Antec

Subject: Cases and Cooling | November 25, 2011 - 01:41 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: antec, antec 1100

It is nice to see a return to simple enclosures that focus on functionality after the market spent several years attaching a multitude of lights and using bright colour schemes.  The Antec 1100 is exactly that, a mesh pattern dominates the front of the case and is repeated in the many fan positions on the top, back, bottom and side of the case.  USB and audio connectors are easily accessible at the top of this mid sized case.  You can have up to 9 fans in total cooling this case, or take advantage of the grommets for watercooling with an external radiator.  Drop by OCC for a close look.

"Taking a look at the sides, I’m quite happy. Personally, I love chassis with large windows – I like to show off my running hardware, even when it isn’t all that impressive. On the Eleven Hundred, the window takes up over half the side panel in width and nearly the full size in height. It also includes two pre-drilled 120 mm fan spots for the addition of your own fans and aid cooling without hampering the view too much. The other panel behind the motherboard tray has a single 120 mm fan location for cooling from the back. This is perhaps one feature that most chassis still don’t provide today. It’s a simple addition and placing a fan here should bring your temps down even more."

Here are some more Cases & Cooling reviews from around the web:

CASES & COOLING

• Antec Eleven Hundred Mid-Tower Gaming Case Review @Hi Tech Legion
• Antec Eleven Hundred Computer Case @ Benchmark Reviews
• Antec Eleven Hundred Midtower Gaming Case @ Legit Reviews
• Antec Eleven Hundred @ Hardware Canucks
• Antec Eleven Hundred @ Overclockers.com
• Antec P180 Mini @ Rbmods
• Fractal Design Define XL Black Pearl Case Review @ Legit Reviews
• CM Storm Trooper @ OC3D
• CM Storm Trooper Full Tower Chassis Review @ eTeknix
• Rosewill Blackhawk Ultra Super Tower Case Review @Hi Tech Legion
• Silverstone Raven 2 Evolution USB 3.0 @ techPowerUp
• Lian Li PC-TU200 Mini-ITX @ Tweaktown
• Cooler Master Storm Trooper Case Review @ Madshrimps
• Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO CPU Cooler @ Pro-Clockers
• Rosewill Ranger Mid Tower ATX Computer Case Review @ Tweaknews
• CM Storm - Trooper Case Review @ HardwareHeaven
• Thermaltake V9 BlacX Edition PC Case @ RWLabs
• Zalman CNPS12X CPU Cooler Review @ Hardware Secrets
• Prolimatech Panther CPU Cooler @ Pro-Clockers