pro7070
BJ "The Prodigy" Penn
Premium
join:2002-06-28
Inman, SC
1 edit | [Modding] Antec P180 side window mod
I just got through with my side window mod for my Antec P180. It was alot easier than I thought. It was my first window mod too. After breaking the tabs (a common problem with this case) on this panel and arranging for Antec to send me a replacement, I said what the heck and dove into it figuring if I screwed up a replacement is on the way. I got the kit from here »www.performance-pcs.com/cata...8···b0fc2ef7 after seeing they sell the modded case. I had to email them and ask if they would sell the kit by itself since I already had the case. The owner, Hank, got back to me the same day and said they didn't have any in stock but he had an order coming in and would save me one. It was expensive ($56 shipped) and in hindsight any bolt on kit will work, but at the time I didn't know this since it was my first mod. I got my kit yesterday and as you can see it turned out good. I had a couple problems to overcome but they were minor. First problem was the trim ring that came with it was broke. It was made out of thin plastic and I guess got damaged in shipping. For a quick replacement I bought a 'For Sale' sign at walmart for $2.00 and traced and cut a new trim ring. I painted the white side of the sign with some silver paint and voila, first problem solved. Second problem was the bolts they sent with the kit were too short due to the P180's extra thickness. A quick trip to Lowe's solved this problem as well. As far as cutting the hole in the original panel, it was quite easy. I was thinking since it was so thick it would be dificult. But it actually made it easier to keep a straight cut. The side panel is just black plastic in the middle sandwiched by two thin pieces of metal. I used a smooth cut metal jigsaw blade and had the panel cut in 15-20 mins. The kit came with a good set of instructions and if you take your time it's no problem. I added some dynamat sound dampening material I had leftover from a speaker install to try to make up for the window. I knw it probably didn't help much but I really can't tell a difference. The case is still silent as before in my opinion. All in all I'm satisfied for my first try.
Edit: I also just want to give Hank at performancepcs props for taking time to mess with me and getting this special order together. He sent me 5 or 6 emails letting me know the status of when the kit would be in. Also gave me some advice on what tools they use. Great customer service there! |
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fegul
Premium
join:2004-08-23
united state | Looks sweet! |
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SKYHN
Lu.. Lu.. Lulululu
Premium
join:2001-09-16
99999
| reply to pro7070
Doesnt that Heatsink block some of your ram slots? I had someone else who used that same heatsink on their board with the top memory slots, and it blocked the memory slots so he had to get something else.
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Well, you can rock it you can roll it, you can slop and you can stroll it Gravitastastas...tas |
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pro7070
BJ "The Prodigy" Penn
Premium
join:2002-06-28
Inman, SC | The outer part of the cooler is over the first slot, but I still have enough clearance to replace. |
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anwgo153
Premium
join:2002-04-08
Hillside, NJ
clubs: | reply to pro7070
you inspire me to clean my jungle  |
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pro7070
BJ "The Prodigy" Penn
Premium
join:2002-06-28
Inman, SC | Glad to be a good influence on you. Clean on young man. |
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hsindogg
Premium
join:2002-06-21
Potomac, MD
clubs: | reply to pro7070
Is there a noticeable difference in sound dampening? |
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pro7070
BJ "The Prodigy" Penn
Premium
join:2002-06-28
Inman, SC
| No I honestly can't tell a difference. It seems to be as quiet as ever. I can't tell you if the Dynamat helped any or not. I put it on with the window sp I didn't test it strictly with the window. I suspect the Dynamat didn't make much of a difference considering what little area it's covering. |
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hsindogg
Premium
join:2002-06-21
Potomac, MD
clubs:
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| That's good to know...the pre-modded P180 sells for like $175...way too much for a window.
I might have to give this a go.
Good job, maybe want to link it to the Silent PC forum too for those considering a P180 with window mod.
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"I triple guarantee you, there are no American soldiers in Baghdad." - Muhammed Saeed al-Sahaf, Iraqi Information Minister |
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pro7070
BJ "The Prodigy" Penn
Premium
join:2002-06-28
Inman, SC | If you buy a cheaper kit somewhere just make sure it's a bolt on. I don't think the kits that slide the molding on will work due to the thickness of the panel. |
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