Our time spent with the Antec P280 Super Mid Tower produced mainly positive, yet slightly mixed feelings. For the most part the P280 is a well designed chassis and the build quality is without reproach. The exterior appearance is immediately recognisable as an Antec design, which is not a bad thing.
They have made improvements to the front door allowing a 270 degree rotation, so that it can sit flush against the side panel and not get in the way. The dust filters on the front are very convenient and extremely easy to remove, as is the filter that sits beneath the power supply.
We are disappointed with the cooling configuration ‘out of the box’. Considering the P280 is part of the Performance One lineup, we would expect at least one intake fan to aid with the cooling process. The fans they do supply connect to a small (yet hard to access) fan controller that requires a molex connector for power. The fans can be switched between low and high speed which is handy, but we feel the placement of the controller could have been more convenient.
If you are looking for a quiet case then the P280 will make an excellent choice as the three fans registered under 30 dBA in our acoustic testing. The Dual-layer design: 0.8 mm steel / polycarbonate side panels are exceptionally well engineered and help reduce annoying fan noise, even from a close distance. Antec have also made improvements to the triple-layer (aluminum, plastic, foam) front bezel. The door is double-hinged and opens up to 270° resting flush against the side panel.
The overall build quality is impressive, both inside and out.
Pros
- spacious interior.
- good cable routing options.
- top notch sound dampening.
- plenty of cooling options.
- great appearance.
Cons
- no front fans included.
- awkward placement of fan controller.
The Antec P280 retails for $139 in Canada at NCIX which is a good price point for this chassis. Amazon stock the case for £119.99 in the United Kingdom.
Kitguru says: Because of the price and overall potential of the P280 we have no problem recommending this chassis and consider it a product “Worth Buying”.
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January 25, 2012
#1
They do follow a specific style dont they? a little like cooler master, I can always tell who makes those cases even if I dont see the badge,
January 25, 2012
#2
[...] on the cream of the crop which is one excellent way of getting our undivided attention.” Antec P280 Case Review @ KitGuru “Today we are looking at the latest offering in the Antec Performance One lineup … the P280 [...]
January 25, 2012
#3
I dont like the front panel, but the rest is nicely done.
January 25, 2012
#4
good noise results, but overall I think its looking a little dated in some regards. the exclusion of an intake fan is a hell of a bad move IMO. noob mistake.
January 27, 2012
#5
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