Mid-Tower Mega Roundup
by Joshua Buss on September 8, 2005 12:05 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
Final Words
At the end of the day, what is it that really matters then in a computer case? For most people, once a computer is installed, it will probably sit however you place it for a very long time, making only its looks, noise, and temperature performance important. If this is the case, perhaps a cheaper enclosure such as the Trio would be best, given its relatively good cooling and modest noise levels.
For the enthusiasts, however, how easy it is to install and remove parts and how securely the case can hold those expensive components will be much more important, and it is this premise on which the rating system was based in this review. Both of the Antec cases show the maturity of the company and their willingness to do things a little differently from everyone else, which help them secure the top two spots in the noise levels test. The Lian Li's higher cost will certainly be unjustified to most, but with it comes the most thoughtful layout and greatest ease-of-use.
With all else said and done, though, out of nowhere came a company with an amazing product. The Eclipse's exceptional cooling, light weight yet sturdy construction, bold-yet-classy looks, and tool-less, noise-reducing features all come at a knock-out value with a price right around $115, fully justifying (in our opinion) the awarding of a Gold Editor's Choice award.
Almost all of this can be said about the P-180 as well, but its design choice to mount the power supply so far away from the top of the motherboard really makes power cable routing difficult or even impossible for some PSU/motherboard combinations.
With a little effort, however - and a very similar price point, we might add - comes exceptional pay-offs, and this is why we are still rewarding the P-180 with our Silver Editor's Choice award. The more mature, seamless looks of the P-180 will appeal to many, we think, and if the power supply placement and tool-less parts aren't an issue for you, you too will be able to enjoy the case's fantastic customizability, over-the-top noise limiting features, high-quality 120mm fans, and great ease-of-use.
Many congratulations to both ThermalRock and Antec for top-notch cases!
At the end of the day, what is it that really matters then in a computer case? For most people, once a computer is installed, it will probably sit however you place it for a very long time, making only its looks, noise, and temperature performance important. If this is the case, perhaps a cheaper enclosure such as the Trio would be best, given its relatively good cooling and modest noise levels.
For the enthusiasts, however, how easy it is to install and remove parts and how securely the case can hold those expensive components will be much more important, and it is this premise on which the rating system was based in this review. Both of the Antec cases show the maturity of the company and their willingness to do things a little differently from everyone else, which help them secure the top two spots in the noise levels test. The Lian Li's higher cost will certainly be unjustified to most, but with it comes the most thoughtful layout and greatest ease-of-use.
With all else said and done, though, out of nowhere came a company with an amazing product. The Eclipse's exceptional cooling, light weight yet sturdy construction, bold-yet-classy looks, and tool-less, noise-reducing features all come at a knock-out value with a price right around $115, fully justifying (in our opinion) the awarding of a Gold Editor's Choice award.
Almost all of this can be said about the P-180 as well, but its design choice to mount the power supply so far away from the top of the motherboard really makes power cable routing difficult or even impossible for some PSU/motherboard combinations.
With a little effort, however - and a very similar price point, we might add - comes exceptional pay-offs, and this is why we are still rewarding the P-180 with our Silver Editor's Choice award. The more mature, seamless looks of the P-180 will appeal to many, we think, and if the power supply placement and tool-less parts aren't an issue for you, you too will be able to enjoy the case's fantastic customizability, over-the-top noise limiting features, high-quality 120mm fans, and great ease-of-use.
 ThermalRock Eclipse |
 Antec P-180 |
Many congratulations to both ThermalRock and Antec for top-notch cases!
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48 Comments
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Phantronius - Friday, September 9, 2005 - link
My P180 is the last case I'll ever buy. I love you Antec!!!leviathan19 - Friday, September 9, 2005 - link
the 1200 is deeper yes but is still mid tower class it fixes the psu problems and more space is always better for work with itZepper - Friday, September 9, 2005 - link
Re. cases that come with PSUs. Either rate the PSU too or deduct the portion of the price that the PSU represents from the case price so you are comparing apples to apples price wise.. And I don't care for the looks of a lot of the cases on the market either. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. My case is a Silverstone Berserker which many think is fugly...
.bh.
kmmatney - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
I don't see why people make such a big deal out of aluminum cases. In my experience, they are flimsier and louder than steal cases, and more prone to rattle. I don't see why anyone would pay so much money for one...at80eighty - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
DRTFA yet, so forgive me if its been coveredYou guys have any leads on cases with more fans?
with the new VGA's and CPU's i think a cooler case than a cooler-looking case is a better investment..
any pointers people?
johnsonx - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
RTFA, and no forgiveness for you!The Antec P180 is a quiet cooling dream I think. I looked at one on display over at Fry's and just about wet myself. Then I looked at the price tag and decided to stick with my old, free, boring, beige case. But if the price is no objection, I can't imagine purchasing anything else.
at80eighty - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
thanx mate! the p180 looks pretty sweet! the price is OK (just about) for me :)plus it doesnt have that HEY LOOK AT ME IM AN ATTENTION WHORE!!! look.
/hope this case shows up in my part of the world :-(
Cygni - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
I saw one case that i would even consider putting next to my desk.If you are supporting the case mfts making these hideous beasts by buying them, i personally hate you.
leviathan19 - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
why they used this one the 1200 is a better version and fix the psu problem...there is missing the pc75b and the TT shark those are nice cases too
OvErHeAtInG - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
The 1200 is much deeper, for extended-atx boards I think. Definitely not something I would get except for a big duallie rig.