By strider - August 9, 2000
(Direct comments to Tikkler)

While most computer companies come out with mediocre computer cases, Antec has proven itself to become a true case manufacturer for the masses. OnePC.NET is going in depth on the ATX KS-180, one of Antec's largest computer case.

The Antec ATX KS-180 stands at a whopping 25 inches tall, and 7.7 inches wide! This is a true full tower case. Compared to most other computer cases on the market, this is a giant case. With 10 drive bays, you'll never run out of space for any type of internal hardware you insert. This is basically the case that ends all other cases. There is lots of places for cooling, and lots of places to insert and configure hardware and cords.

Weighing in at 30 pounds, this case isn't exactly real light. In fact, its roughly the same weight of a mid-tower with everything inside. However, since the normal PC user won't really have to worry about moving this case from place to place, this is really not an issue. If you are one of the few people that continually move your computer from place to place though, the size of the case alone may conflict with your preferences. Though, if you're like me, the bigger the case, the better - so the Antec KS-180 is a real attraction.

The Antec ATX cases feature SmartPower power supply, which are more energy efficient, run 40% cooler and are 80% quieter than standard versions. They automatically adjust their airflow for optimum case cooling with minimum noise. You can select from either a 250 watt power supply, or 300 watts. The power supply in my case is 300 watts, so this should be sufficient for the normal computer user. But considering the amount of drive bays, I'd think that they would opt for at least a 400 watt configuration.

The model I received had no internal cooling fans. There were slots for the cooling fans obviously, but no cooling fans. This is somewhat of a disappointment, but considering the extremely low price of cooling fans these days, there's no reason to complain. In fact, some users may prefer that no cooling systems are previously installed, this way they can setup their cooling to the extent that they want it to be.

There are 7 slots in the back of the computer where PCI/AGP/ISA openings would be located, so this is definitely a plus! Of course this would all depend on your motherboard, but the fact that there are that many openings in the back is extremely helpful. Better to have a couple extra, than not enough. The I/O Panel already provided on the case seems sufficient and will be compatible with ATX formed motherboards. If the existing I/O panel conflicts with your motherboard configuration, that is no problem. Simply contact Antec at the address/number they specify in the guide, and you get the one of your choice, for free.

Finally, on the front of the case you are provided with a boot, and reset button; also the standard light indicators. The reset button is a welcome addition to this case; I see more and more computer cases skipping the reset button feature. I quite frankly prefer to have a reset button present, and on the front. Most case manufacturers are only providing a boot button, and the switch for the computer on the back. This a pain in the ass, to constantly have to switch on your computer from the back whenever your computer locks up, or for whatever other reason.

The interior space is absolutely huge - the largest full tower case I've ever seen. This will provide more than enough space for cords, cooling options, etc. You simply cannot out do this computer case. The computer case itself, once opened, features no real sharp edges, which I tend to see a lot of people complain about. Everything is layed out accordingly, and I can't see any real problems resulting from this. Included are feet for the case, to raise it slightly above the ground. This definitely helps, and is a nice addition. A more powerful power supply would help - but 300 watts is definitely sufficient. Just for curiousity, I checked out my older 350mhz AMD K6-2 based computer power supply, and it runs on a meager 150 watts!

So whether you're a hardcore gamer, avid computer user, or hardware guru, this case will definitely please. As I said earlier, a more powerful power supply or more cooling would help, but these are forgiving things considering the quality case that this is. I tried to find things that I don't like with this case - but I can only figure that the power supply and cooling issues are the only problem; the good thing is that you can specify to get those additional 2 cooling fans that I didn't receive. So this isn't as big of a problem as I may seem to make it. Put simply, the Antec ATX KS-180 computer case is definitely one I'd recommend to anyone!

Pros

• Antec; reputable case enclosure brand
• Plenty of room for anything you want to throw into it
• SmartPower power supply; more efficient, cooler and quieter

Cons

• 250w/300w power supply choices could be small for some who would like to use up all drive bays
• Quite heavy
• Not sufficient cooling without the cooling option