Antec P190 Case

[Kougar]

Reviewer: Mr. Miles "Miles" Cheatham

Date Published: June 26, 2007

Excerpt: "Today, some six months, after the expected launch, this case is finally available on the US market. We at Bjorn3D have every intent of giving the review sample of the Antec P190 that we received the most thorough review possible. If it's as good as it sounds on paper this case may markedly change the way we look at building and powering our cases in the future. If not we'll be one of the first to let you know. Join us in our own Bjorn3D lab as we examine every nuance this case has to offer."


http://www.bjorn3d.com/Material/revimages/case/antec_p190/P190_q.jpg

Please feel free to post your comments and questions here!

Link To Review (http://www.bjorn3d.com/read.php?cID=1120)

[slugbug]

In my opinion a single 1000w PSU would be more than enough. With Antec's dual PSU sytem if one fails you lose the use of your PC. You couldn't run with just one of them. Also the second one will barely have any power demands put on it, since it only powers hard drives, optical drives etc.

[darkorb]

"With Antec's dual PSU sytem if one fails you lose the use of your PC."

well if you only have one PSU and you lose it same thing :P

[slugbug]

"With Antec's dual PSU sytem if one fails you lose the use of your PC."

well if you only have one PSU and you lose it same thing :P

Well duh :rolleyes: What I mean is when you think of a computer having two power supplies, you think of one being redundant which takes over when the other fails.

[liqnit]

Thanks Miles for the review.
I agree , Dual PSU solution should be more i the line of 850W & 350W with option to turn on only one PSU at will.
Use the umbilical cord only if you need.

[PP Mguire]

Well entirely you could run your whole system fine off of a single 550watt Neo PSU just fine. And with one running your hard drives, ect and the other running the rest i really doubt you would lose one. The question is, how do you hook them up to use them simultaneously?

Nonetheless, this case looks super sweet and may be my next upgrade case when i get some money! I love the cable management system to it.

[timberwolf120]

I'm not exactly sure how you use the simultaneously. I do own the Silverstone TJ07 and it did the 2 psu bays before the Antec P190. Anyways, it came with a cord (splitter?) so that both 24 pin power connectors from both power supplies connected to that. Which it then connected to the motherboard. I believe this only causes both to turn on when you hit the power switch. I guess you could then have each psu power 1 gpu.

By the way, a good 1000W psu is pretty expensive. Depending on what brand and how much power, 2 smaller wattage ones could be less expensive with just as much/more power. I'm not sure if 2 smaller ones would expel more heat than one big one though...

[Frag Maniac]

I've read some reviews on this case and called both Antec and a custom builder in my area that uses Antec cases a lot. I happened to get a hold of the supervisor at Antec and he said they'd been getting a lot of requests to offer this case without the dual power supplies as an option and are considering it.

Their eagerness to take customer requests seriously is one of the best things about Antec. When I asked if they could possibly make the huge side mount fan an option too he remarked that it does get in the way of some after market CPU coolers, so maybe they'll consider that too.

Originally I had planned to use a P180 and considered either the P182 or P190 when I heard they'd made one that supports SLI with the longer cards. The fact is though if you have a MB with the proper Pci Ex slot alignment and don't use the upper HD bay you can do it in even the P180. I've seen blem P180s on Antec's site for as low as $85.

BTW, there is no redundancy with their dual PS system. One handles certain components while the other handles the rest. The main complaint I read in the reviews about that PS system is not being able to distribute power loads optimally due to it's dedicated stepped structure.

I'm becoming a fan of PC Power & Cooling's philosophy of one massive rail vs many virtual rails. Multiple rail systems are seemingly capable of distributing power loads evenly across your system but quite often have the opposite effect. With PCP&C's massive 60A rail (Silencer 750 Quad) your high wattage components are always assured of having enough juice. Picture it has a tap root of a tree that supplies contstant uninterrupted amperage to the high watt gear whilst the lesser gear feeds off the many smaller roots of reserve power.

[AJ.]

Nice review. I love the P190 becuase it looks so sleek and smooth. But I must say that it does look a little dull after a while. You look at the front panel and it's nice. Then you look to the left side of the case and the feeling you had before about the front kind of goes away lol. IMO they could have a bit better job on the left panel.

[Schwarz]

Finally a company inteligent enough to offer a dual PSU solution.
Modders have been doing it for a long time though.
I'm wondering though if one of the PSU becomes defective do you have to RMA both of them ??
I would guess not but the wire the plug both PSU can it be disconnected to just take one PSU and do something else with the other...?
I know you mention in your review that they will NOT work independently...but could it be modded to seperate each one...

One more thing 550W for only fan HDDs and so on IS overkill but you have to remember that its a GREAT thing to run what is motorised on a seperate PSU.
Will make your power a LOT more stable then running everything on the same one.

[slugbug]

The thing with this dual psu system is they are special models made specifically for this case. If one of them fails you will have to get a replacement from Antec and won't be able to use your computer in the meantime.
Like the review says:
The two power supplies effectively function as one and neither will operate independent of the other

[Schwarz]

I'm sure you could mod them to work independently.

[Frag Maniac]

You look at the front panel and it's nice. Then you look to the left side of the case and the feeling you had before about the front kind of goes away lol. IMO they could have a bit better job on the left panel.The P180-P190 cases are made to be quiet, not the typical see through style. The side panels are layered material to dampen vibration. Most that buy such a case know of this feature and want it.

[AJ.]

The P180-P190 cases are made to be quiet, not the typical see through style. The side panels are layered material to dampen vibration. Most that buy such a case know of this feature and want it.

It doesnt have to be see through, just a little more stylish. But yeah I know they're made to be quiet. But the perfect case always has a mixture of both looks and performance (imo). If ones missing, it's not perfect.

[Frag Maniac]

It doesnt have to be see through, just a little more stylish. But yeah I know they're made to be quiet. But the perfect case always has a mixture of both looks and performance (imo). If ones missing, it's not perfect.Actually I like that with Antec it's more about practicality than looks. How many people that buy a case designed to reduce noise significantly are going to put it on their desk right near their ears? In cases like this you're paying for function, the trade-off of dampening for style points is a good one IMO. Also, if you really want bling, the P190 comes in a more expensive model with a different finish.

As for looks though, personally I still think one of their best is the Sonata II with it's sculpted shape and piano lacquer finish. Too bad the PS is not robust enough for high end non stop gaming though. I guess one could always swap it out. I built up a system for a friend with this case and it's beautiful. He's not a gamer, but he does do entry level 3D modeling, for which it's more than adequate.

[PP Mguire]

If you want bling buy a mirror finish P182SE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129026

And Frag the 450watt Antec SP in the Sonata II is perfectly fine. When my old Ultra died i had to use it again with the system specs in my sig. It ran perfectly fine with no under voltages. 12 stayed a clean 12.01v. (used a meter during a 3dmark06 bench)

[Schwarz]

Whoa thats look nice hahaha.
I could look at myself on my computer.
best of both worlds.
Myself and computers :)

[PP Mguire]

Ahhahah concieted!!! And i do the same with my PSU. I actualy use it as a mirror..........

But just cause its rated a small wattage dosent mean its a terrible PSU. Its really decent and can stand up to a good amount of abuse.

[AJ.]

If you want bling buy a mirror finish P182SE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129026

Woah :jawdrop:

Thats shiney. You could basically use it as a mirror. And If you get direct sunlight in your room it could blind you. Or on the other hand you could get a sun tan while you surf the net. Two thumbs up either way lol :lol:

[Frag Maniac]

Frag the 450watt Antec SP in the Sonata II is perfectly fine. When my old Ultra died i had to use it again with the system specs in my sig. It ran perfectly fine with no under voltages. 12 stayed a clean 12.01v. (used a meter during a 3dmark06 bench)I would say that's more the exception than the norm for that PS. The Antec Smartpower 2.0 SP-450 was for the most part reviewed well by tech sites, but they cannot test for long term use.

There were scads of customers giving negative reviews on it on Newegg, both via separate purchases and via the Sonata II complaining of failures at an average of one year down the road.

That PS is no longer listed on Newegg and Antec has made a new Smartpower version that's 500w. They are also using the Earthwatt models in their lower end cases now instead, so I tend to think they took those complaints seriously.

You may be one whom got lucky, but I certainly wouldn't count on that PS being reliable for non stop high end gaming for the most part. I think the average rating for it out of over 80 reviews on Newegg was about 2 eggs out of 5.

[PP Mguire]

Well they took it out due to its age dude. The new Sonatas use the Earth Watts becasue they are silent and dont cook your computer. And when i had that PSU, all i did in life was game non stop. No problems. Before that, my friend Jerry had it on his rig non stop gaming and now my dad has it. Antecs are the shiz dude, dont under estimate them.

EDIT: Oh yea, and ive had that case and PSU about 2 years.

[Frag Maniac]

Well they took it out due to its age dude. The new Sonatas use the Earth Watts becasue they are silent and dont cook your computer. And when i had that PSU, all i did in life was game non stop. No problems. Before that, my friend Jerry had it on his rig non stop gaming and now my dad has it. Antecs are the shiz dude, dont under estimate them.

EDIT: Oh yea, and ive had that case and PSU about 2 years.Well that's good news for my friend if he ever takes up gaming I guess, though being that he has cerebral palsy it won't likely be anything more than advanced 3D chess programs if he does. It's amazing what he can do given his condition though.

After reading all those reviews I ddn't so much doubt the design as wonder if there were a high percentage of defective units in the first batch, as is common even with ASUS MBs. We lucked out and got the Sonata II at Fry's online for only $50 after rebate. I think the PS in it itself went for well over that, so we still got a great deal even if it does blow. After what you said though I'm doubting it will, especially considering it's not first batch stock.

[PP Mguire]

Yea, i konw this one wsant a first batch. It had been out for a while and we have had absolultely NO problems with it at all. I kinda wish it was modular cause if it was id spray paint it and use it as my main PSU. There should be another thread in here debating small PSUs and high wattage systems too. You might wanna check it out.

[Frag Maniac]

Well if anything I tend to go overkill on the PS wattage. My current system is a P4 3G CPU, X800XT, 1GB RAM, 2 WD 74 GB Raptors, and a Lite-On 16X DVD combo burner. I use an Antec Truepower 550w with it, which is way more than it needs.

One of the reasons I'm waiting for the 9000 series Nvidia's is not having to go SLI to run a big display easily, though I just may get a PS big enough for two 9800GTXs in case the next gen games demand it.

[PP Mguire]

If they are as powerful as the paper seems to try and make them, you wont need 2. Then again, SLI is so over rated and is not really worth the cash spent on it. Also, i plan on playing with the 9800 and AM3 rig on my current PSU. (I will be getting a 1kw X3 soon after though) Your PSU is normal actualy. A little overkill dosent hurt tbh. Lowers the power bill i heard.

[Frag Maniac]

AM3 you say, I've been reading interesting stuff about the new Phenom X4s due early next year with a 45nm die and DDR3 RAM. Early '08 will be a quad core battle between AMD and Intel with the new shared cache chips!

I was just noticing when you typed 9800 by itself how much it reminds me of one of the best ATI cards of all time, the 9800 Pro. Hopefully the 9800 Nvidias will enjoy long and highly acclaimed lives too.

The PS I was looking at before hearing about the short lived 8000 series DX support and the awesome G90 specs was the PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad. It has 750 continuous and 800 peak watts and is certified for dual 8800GTX SLI.

I'll probably have to step up to 1kw if I want to be dual 9800 ready, though I agree, SLI is a pain. I just don't like rebuilding a whole rig everytime the games surpass the hardware.

[PP Mguire]

Eh, i had a 2004 rig for the longest time. I always played games maxed with the acclaimed 9800XT hahaha ;) And yes, i believe AM3 and Phenom X4 will win this round. They have the upperhand on architecture this time. Not so sure on DDR3 though, it just comes with AM3 so ill go with it.

[Frag Maniac]

Well true that AMD will be the first to use shared cache architecture and 4 cores on one silicone layer, but word is Intel will soon have something similar. I'll wait to see what the comparisons look like when both camps have the same type architecture then decide.

I DO like the way AMDs have always been very compatible with Nvidia chipsets though, whereas Intels are new at it and still work better with Intel chipsets. Since SLI is an Nvidia chipset only thing that can be a bit of a concern for those that want to allow for a dual card upgrade path rather than build a whole new rig.

One of the things I like about AMD is their insisting on giving customers a long term upgrade path. Word is AM2, AM2+, and AM3 are all the same voltage and socket. Intel would never dream of doing such a thing.

I'm not counting DDR3 out, the CAS latencies are already down to 7. With DDR and DDR2 bottoming out at 2 and 4, 7 ain't bad for this early on. I'm wondering if 6 might be possible. Too soon to tell but DDR3 may be the first RAM beyond DDR that shows significant performance increases.

[PP Mguire]

Maybe but your overlooking something in one area. Were kinda screwed with newer AMD **** becasue AMD and AM3 is going to be AMDs own chipset with ATI. Sooo no SLI for us, well not like what we have now. Then again, like i said SLI is so overrated and ill never have it. So AMD cpu for me and Nvidia GPU.

[darkorb]

i run a Antec 550watt Truepower II for my rig in my sig, runs fine. Psu does get alittle warm..

[Frag Maniac]

Were kinda screwed with newer AMD **** becasue AMD and AM3 is going to be AMDs own chipset with ATI.Yeah, no doubt things are getting even more polarized between the big names now that AMD and ATI have merged. I'm not totally counting out ATI's video cards as Crossfire is evolving to internal 2 way connectors and even Pci Ex slot communication.

If they can't come up with a competitiive single card solution though I will lose interest. After their 2900 was beaten badly by the 8800 I can't imagine them producing something anywhere near the 9800 Nvidia card. Crossfire DOES have distinct advantages over SLI though, the main one being it will work on any game. Thus it's more simplistic too as you can just leave it in Supertiling mode and not have to switch all the time.

It's easy to see why many people avoid dual card setups like the plague though. I've had enough problems with just dual display on my X800XT. ATI's drivers would have to get much better for me to even consider sticking with them, and that isn't likely to happen unless AMD insists on it.

I know going DDR3 and SLI means an Intel CPU, but I am guessing Intel's quads once they start using shared cache and 4 cores on one silicone layer will perform better than AMD's. Reason being the Phenom X4 only slightly beats Intel's existing design with no shared cache or shared layering. Obviously it's too soon to be sure yet though.

I've heard the Truepower IIs are a bit better than the Truepower series I have darkorb (same wattage btw), though mine has been running fine for nearly 3 years now with lots of gaming under it's belt.

[PP Mguire]

Where SLI and Xfire are concernd, idc cause ill never use it. So i can have my Nvidia card on my AM3 rig just fine.

But i think your right, i dont think ATI will come up wiht a card that can beat Nvidia. They are just way behind the ball since the X1950 series.

Where Phenom is concernd i dont see how your making any kind of judgement. Barcelona isnt even out yet and Phenom is way far. So trying to even make a comparison now really defeats the purpose of waiting. Becasue they arent out yet lol. Since AMD has Intel beat on the architecture im sure they will have the upper hand. They can improve upon it before Intel can. Of course, this is all speculation.

[Frag Maniac]

Where Phenom is concernd i dont see how your making any kind of judgement. Barcelona isnt even out yet and Phenom is way far.Phenom isn't as far as you may think. It's already been sampled by some players, though granted the comparison comment I made was based on AMD's preliminary testing and claims of how it will fair against the current Intel quads. Several links here, only a few take you to those whom sampled it and the theoretic claims based on AMD's statements. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&as_qdr=all&q=Phenom+X4+

True though that nothing is set in stone until the general public gets a concensus of it, but AMD has the architecture to back up their claims.

[PP Mguire]

Eh Phenom AM3 X4 with DDR3 is still ways away. Thats what im tlaking about, not Barcelona and the current quads from here soon. I still stand by the C2D thing was just a fad and AMD should be coming back with the AM3 Phenoms.

[Frag Maniac]

Eh Phenom AM3 X4 with DDR3 is still ways away. Thats what im tlaking about, not Barcelona and the current quads from here soon. I still stand by the C2D thing was just a fad and AMD should be coming back with the AM3 Phenoms.Yeah I know, I was just talking about the prelim tests/claims. I know actual production is not 'til early next year. First they'll release the 65nm die quads on DDR2, but even those will have shared (L3) cache and all 4 cores on one layer.

[PP Mguire]

Yes i know this but your missing the point. Im talking AM3 here. Im skipping DDR2 remember and AM2. Those are supposed to be independant cores ect ect with DDR3 and PCI-E 2.0 slots. I cant wait to see that DFI Lanparty board. Its gonna be pure sex.

[Frag Maniac]

I understand and do recall you saying you are skipping DDR2 as am I, but with all do respect the chat here is read by many. I was mentioning the prelim tests on the Phenom for anyone interested in getting an idea of what it's potential will be based on prelim prototype runs and AMD's claims and of course it's architecture.

Personally I'm more excited about the AGP upgrade I plan to make than I am a new build as I will likely be waiting much longer than you before building the new one. It won't probably be until the end of '08 before I build it. My only concern is whether my P4 3GB Northwood HT CPU will be able to run stuff like the Crysis demo and Far Cry 2 while I'm waiting.

I'm sure the 7950GT 512MB and doubling the RAM to 2 GB will be a noticable difference on most games though and increase the resale value of my PC come time to sell it.

[PP Mguire]

Yea well you cant exactly make judgements of AM3 socket from tests off the AM2 socket and DDR2. Also, on your last part games are GPU based now, not CPU based. I run games maxed with my 7950GT, 2gig of DDR, and a 3000+. Right now i can run Oblivion 1280x1024, 8xs AA, 16xAF, Transparency AA, and Gama Correct AA maxed out on Oblivion. Ran fine, and only lagged during some mesh senes cause of the shadows being enabled. I dont thikn youll have to worry about your 3.0ghz P4 ;)

[Frag Maniac]

It wasn't intended to signify how DDR3 will wok on AMD setups at all, just a snipit of how AMD's first quad might fare against Intel's current architecture, which is pretty much how I said it. You are reading way too much into it.

[PP Mguire]

Yea i know, but im talking AM3 like i said, THose arent going to be first quads ;) Im not talking DDR3 at all, it only plays a part.