Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 4-1.
Mainstream system components, awaiting construction
PreparingtheCase
Among the scores of models of computer cases we've used over the years, the
Antec Mini P180, along with other members of the P180 family, is our favorite.
Despite (or, more probably, because of ) the 120 mm rear fan and the 200 mm
(!) top fan, the Mini P180 is also one of the quietest cases we've ever used.
But if you've never used anything other than standard computer cases, the
Antec P180-series cases take some getting used to. The first thing you'll no-
tice is the dual-chamber setup, with the power supply located in a separate
chamber at the bottom of the case. Rather than having the various cables from
the power supply simply hanging loose down into the main chamber, where
you can route, connect, and dress them as needed, with the P180 you have to
make some decisions about which cables you want to run where.
There are two options, which will become obvious when you look inside the
open case. First, you can route cables from the power supply up through the
bulkhead that separates the two chambers. Second, you can route power
supply cables along the outside of the motherboard tray (below the mother-
board, once it's installed) and route them back into the main chamber through
various cutouts.
The advantage to this more complex cable-routing setup is that you end up
with a very clean build, with much less cable clutter, which in turn means bet-
ter cooling and easier upgrades and repairs. The disadvantage is that you have
to think things through beforehand, and you may end up having to go back
and reroute one or more cables that you overlooked the need for initially be-
fore you finally get it right. On balance, we prefer this cable-routing method,
but there's no question that it takes some getting used to.
