Thoughts on Antec 900

[yoongkc]

Hey guys,

I've read like 101 reviews on this gaming case but then it seems like most of the reviews doesn't cover much about its disadvantages, and the ratings from different reviewers varies from 6.5 to 9! So I think the most accurate way is to obtain some answers from users who have worked with this case!

A few questions in mind:
1) Since the PSU is at the bottom of the case, will it be a problem connecting the 4 pin power cord to the top of the motherboard?

2) This case seems relatively open and should be a dust collector especially at the inside, am I right? If yes, how bad is the condition?

3) One of the review mentioned that the amount of dust collected is so bad that it looks bad with its clear side panel. Is that really that bad? Any way to reduce the dust collection, like air filter?

4) Installation of harddisk with the harddisk cage, it was mentioned that the screwing part is quite a hassle, is that true?

5) Lastly, this case doesn't seems to have any cable management component installed inside. In this case, how do we manage it so that the cables look presentable from clear side panel?

Sorry for the questions, just wanted to make sure I pay for what is worth. Thanks!

 

[diduknowthat]

1) Most PSUs, if not all, will have long enough cables for that. The PSU is on the bottom, but it's not in a separate chamber like the P180, so it doesn't take that long of wires to reach the top 4-pin connector.

2) I have also heard that as a complaint. One thing you can try to do is install filters on all the fans. This, of course, will reduce the amount of air the fans can push.

3) I do not personally own the case so i cannot comment on this.

4) ditto

5) I'm pretty sure there's some holes in the motherboard panel so you can route cables behind it. Other than that, you can get wire ties and bundle everything together.

 

[dznutz]

1) Since the PSU is at the bottom of the case, will it be a problem connecting the 4 pin power cord to the top of the motherboard?

no problems on my end. my PS was on sale for 5 bucks AR and it was still long enough.

2) This case seems relatively open and should be a dust collector especially at the inside, am I right? If yes, how bad is the condition?

dust does collect inside. especially the hdd. however, i blow it out with compressed air once or twice a month. that way it doesn't become hard. that was before using filters. with filters i don't see much dust. but i notice temps rise a couple of degrees when using filters.

3) One of the review mentioned that the amount of dust collected is so bad that it looks bad with its clear side panel. Is that really that bad? Any way to reduce the dust collection, like air filter?

yes the panels do get dusty.... which is a good thing as it seems that most of the dust gets stuck on the outside. i used my own made filters (swiffer cloths) and it decreased the dust ten fold.

4) Installation of harddisk with the harddisk cage, it was mentioned that the screwing part is quite a hassle, is that true?

it's only a pain if you install/remove internal drives frequently as you have to disconnect the cage's fan PS and all connections for each hdd in that cage to slide the cage out.

5) Lastly, this case doesn't seems to have any cable management component installed inside. In this case, how do we manage it so that the cables look presentable from clear side panel?

use a drummel to cut holes or go to a shop. i'm too cheap to do either so my wires are a mess. there are some openings (2 holes near the hdd cage perhaps for the 24pin PS to mobo) but not enough.

i got mine for 59.99 AR so no complaints.

 

[MosIncredible]

The case is also loud. I personally hate this case and will be buying a PC-A20 as soon as it's released. Someone who is willing to do mods may have a better time with this case but I need something that's great out the box.

 

[yoongkc]

Thanks for the valuable comments.

I have actually been recommended NZXT Tempest as an alternative for Antec 900. Anyone has any knowledge of it comparing to Antec 900? Like the installation of boards and HDD, or air flow?

 

[CPTMuller]

Several of my friends own/use anted 900's, the cable management is challenging but not impossible by any means. With some amount of effort you can hide the cables. I personally use cable tie downs to help manage cables. You can get the zip ties and the cable tie downs really cheap (8 bucks for 100 tie downs at Fry's Electronics).

http://www.mnpctech.com/cableties.html

There is a picture of them here.