Features & Specifications
I have used lots of computer cases over the years and many of them were just plain junk. They would look good out of the box, promise an easy build and a quality finish for my machines, and just not live up to expectations. Antec sent over one of their P182 computer cases and right out of the box you can tell it means business.

Antec has totally redesigned the case, moving the PSU area from above the mainboard at the top of the case to under the mainboard. Not only does this allow for better cooling of the internal system components of your PC, but it also gives you a very easy and convenient place to store extra PSU connectors that you aren’t using. The PSU area is also surrounded by triple layer panels to keep PSU heat away from your components.

With an eye to cooling there are three fans inside the case one at the rear, one in the front and one that directs air across your HDD. The entire case is tooless and has smooth rounded edges so cut fingers should be an non-issue. Both the hard drive bay and the floppy bay are removable for easy installation.

Antec also designed the case to be ready for external water cooling with two grommeted holes in the rear of the case for passing liquid cooling tubing through. The grommets are large enough that getting 3/8” tubing through them is very easy. The same three layer design that helps keep PSU heat away form your components also helps to keep noise inside the case, making for a quieter work area.

The outer panels are skinned in brushed black aluminum that looks fantastic, but the chassis itself is constructed of 0.8mm cold rolled steel and 1.0mm cold rolled around the HDD area. There is lots of space inside the Antec P182 with 11 drive bays total, four of them being external 5.25” bays, one external 3.5” bay and six internal 3.5” HDD bays. In addition to the three standard 120mm fans, two more fans can be optionally added. There is also an external fan control for the standard fans.

The Antec P182 will accommodate mainboard's up to standard ATX measuring in at 12” x 9.6”. Front mounted connectivity choices include two USB 2.0 ports, 1 FireWire iLink, and audio in/out ports. Behind the mainboard tray are cable organizers to keep clutter at bay and maximize cooling. Over all dimensions of the case are 21.3” x 8.1” x 19.9”.

Build Process
Building up a system in the Antec P182 is a snap. A tooless chassis makes the build process easy and there is ample expansion slots to allow for SLI or Crossfire and more expansion cards without getting too cramped. The Antec P182 is noticeably quieter than some of the other cases I have used over the years and the build-quality is top notch. All the drive bay blanks fit tightly enough to keep them in place.

Overall, the Antec P182 is a fantastic computer chassis that will work for the vast majority of computer builds without question. The design isn’t flashy, but the Antec P182 looks very high class and has quality written all over it. The MSRP for the Antec P182 is $169.