Installing the power supply

5.Please refer to the power supply installation section, to route the power cables to your devices. Once you’ve done so, connect the appropriate power connec- tors to your device.

1.With the case upright and both side panels removed (see Setting Up), remove the screws on both sides of the power supply retaining cage and pull the cage out.

2.Slide your power supply into the cage, and slide the cage with power supply back into the case. Note: You can mount the power supply either side up, but don’t fasten the power supply and cage to the case at this time.

3.There is a plastic sliding panel assembly between the upper and lower cham- bers that lets you run power and data cables between the chambers while maintaining thermal isolation. It has two parts, one large and one small, both of which can slide independently to adjust the size of the openings. Loosen the two thumbscrews holding the panels and slide the large panel all the way to the rear of the case to fully expand the opening.

4.Carefully guide all the power cables through the opening to the upper chamber. Route power cables to your installed upper chamber devices and make the appropriate connections. Note: you may want to pull the power cable of the lower chamber 120mm fan to the upper chamber for easy cable management.

5.Now secure the power supply by screwing the retaining cage to the case. Also fasten the power supply to the back of the case at this time with the screws provided.

6.Slide the small plastic divider panel to the rear of the case to fully expand the other opening.

7.Carefully route power and data cables to the lower chamber as necessary for the hard drives you have installed in the lower chamber. Make the appropriate connections.

8.Slide both the large and small plastic panels all the way to the front of the case to close the openings.

9.Tighten the two thumbscrews to secure the sliding panels.

Cooling System

The Tricool™ fan:

The P180B includes three installed 120mm Tricool™ fans. Tricool™ fans have a three-speed switch that lets you choose between quiet, standard or maximum cooling. We set the default fan speed to “Low” for the upper and rear120mm fans. (See specifications below.) Note: The minimum voltage to start the fan is

5V. We recommend our users to set the fan speed to High if you choose to con- nect the fan to a fan control device or to the Fan-Only connector found on some Antec power supplies. A fan-controlled-device regulates the fan speed by varying the voltage to the fan. The voltage may start as low as 4.5V to 5V. Connecting a Tricool™ set on Medium or Low to a fan-control device may result in the fan not being able to start. The already lowered voltage from the fan control device will be further reduced by the Tricool™ circuitry below 5V.

The Top and Rear Exhaust Tricool™ Fans

We recommend leaving these two fans at the default Low speed setting as these fans sit right next to your CPU and can effectively exhaust heat from your chas- sis. If you choose to overclock or install a very hot CPU you can increase the fan speed to achieve better cooling.

P180B Fan specifications

The Antec P180B is a well-regarded mid-tower case that has been a favorite among PC enthusiasts for its innovative design and efficient cooling capabilities. Renowned for its sleek, modern aesthetics, the P180B features a brushed aluminum front panel and a substantial steel chassis, providing durability and an attractive finish suitable for various settings.

One of the main features of the P180B is its three separate compartments designed for the power supply, hard drives, and motherboard. This compartmentalization not only enhances the overall airflow, but also minimizes noise levels by isolating the power supply and hard drives from the main system components. This innovative layout contributes to a cleaner look and optimized thermal performance.

The P180B is equipped with an advanced cooling system. It comes with three fans: two 120mm rear exhaust fans and one 120mm front intake fan, all equipped with Antec's innovative airflow management technologies. The design also allows for optional additional cooling solutions; users can install up to seven fans, ensuring that air circulation is maximized, effectively keeping the system cool even under heavy loads. The fan speed can be controlled through built-in fan headers on the motherboard, giving users flexibility in balancing performance and noise levels.

Another notable feature of the P180B is its easy-to-access drive bays, supporting up to four 3.5-inch hard drives and a multitude of 5.25-inch devices. The drive bays are tool-less, allowing for quick installation and removal, which is a significant advantage for users who frequently upgrade their components.

Additionally, the P180B supports a wide range of components, including graphics cards up to 12.5 inches in length, making it suitable for high-performance builds. It also supports advanced cooling solutions, including large CPU coolers and even water cooling configurations, further enhancing its versatility as a gaming or workstation case.

The P180B’s design does not skimp on user experience; features like removable dust filters and cable management options simplify maintenance and organization. Overall, the Antec P180B stands out in the market as a case that combines functional design, excellent cooling performance, and aesthetic appeal, making it an ideal choice for both gamers and professionals.