Installation
The whole installation wasn’t that difficult, but was time confusing since there isn’t any “easy-installation” implementations built into the case. I would think with a case of an MSRP of $139.95, it would have at least some form of “easy-installation” method. I’m disappointed that in 2010 I can’t get this on a $140 case, but I can go elsewhere and get a $50 case with more ease of an installation.
However, Antec did provide six motherboard stand-offs pre-installed to help slightly with the motherboard installation. Before installing the motherboard I had to break off the I/O backplate that was still attached to the case.
There is plenty of room to install and remove CPU coolers with the large CPU cooler cutout on the motherboard tray.
Removing an expansion bay cover requires a little bit if wiggling back and forth. Once you get it removed, just simply install your expansion card and secure it with one of the provided screws.
I had some difficulties trying to install the 5.25” drive. The only problem was trying to figure out how to remove the bay cover. There’s no easy way to remove it since the front bezel doesn’t come off (easily anyways). The only way I found possible was to remove the cover by wedging my hands inside the drive cage and popping them out. This isn’t the easiest to do since you really can’t see what you’re doing; you have to feel your way around. For the 2nd and 3rd bay slots you also have to remove another metal cover blocking the drive slot.
The front covers give the drive a bit of style (not you have to remove the covers to actually use the drives). Installing the 3.5” drive is pretty simple, just slide it in and attach the screws; again there isn’t any “tool-free” installation here.
The case doesn’t have the greatest routes for cable management, but there is a small area behind the hard drive cage to place (some) cables.
The case does look nice with the white illumination from the 3 120mm white LED fans inside the case.
