Antec Three Hundred - Budget Gaming Case Review

Written by Stuyo

Tuesday, 30 June 2009

 

Page 5 - Tests

Accessibility

As we already said the case isn't too fancy. Removing side and front panels is as we mentioned is a breeze because of the hinge like system. The case is roomy and allows easy access to the components, provided they do fit in that is. The many toolless screws additionally ease things. There are some means of cable arranging system. The fan controller switches tough are a tad problematic (in terms of attaching them safely somewhere).

Noise and air flow

We already determined that fans are high RPM ones. At highest setting they are clearly audible, at medium of course they do quiet down and on low do become mostly noiseless. All in all the integrated fan controllers are rather useful. Also it must be noted that the fans provide sufficient air flow even at the lowest setting. We did not add any other fans because we wanted to test the case as it is sold.

The air flow you'll see in the test is rather good even with only the two provided fans. Their grills are well designed and have optimal size and shape, not to be too restrictive or to create additional noise. Should we install fans on all available for the purpose places we get even more ample air flow.

Design

Consistent, simple, stylish and entirely black. The front panel looks very nice with its big grill. Generally the design closely resembles the one of the higher gaming class of Antec series. The case looks cool and it does not suggest in any way that is indeed the lowest model, a mass product.

Quality

Antec Three Hundred is very stable, with high manufacturing quality. Just as we expected from an Antec product. The coating is perfect at any spot, the plastic front panel blends perfectly with the metal parts... and that's about everything to be said here.

Modding

Antec Three Hundred is very good base for modding. Cheap, and with simple design it allows for implementing multitude of custom designs, without having to cut, re-fit or completely remove some "cool looking" (in the eyes if the manufacturer) elements. Yes, it's not a fancy case but it still makes for excellent base for full case modding.

Performance

We must note here that all tests were concluded only with the provided two fans at low setting – i.e. most quiet conditions you'll get from this case. All tests were ran at 25 degrees centigrade room temperature.

Very satisfying performance. The ample air flow around the processor does keep in idle mode the system cooler than on stand. Under heavy loud though the lack of fans pumping air in and the low speed setting of the fans pumping air out is definitely felt.

Same goes for the video card – no fans to pump air in, not on the side, not in front, and the PSU fan steals even the little amount of fresh air that goes her way. It's not that bad, but do consider putting at least one fan blowing directly at the card.