Packaging:

     When the UPS guy literally dragged the P190 box up to my door, the only thing running through my mind was man, this dude needs to start working out. But when I tried to pick up the box my thoughts changed to "okay, who's the jerk who sent me a box filled with bricks!". When I realized that this was my Antec P190 sample, I couldn't quite understand why this sucker weighed so much. That all changed once I opened up the box and took a look inside the P190. The P190 is obviously built to last forever. Either that or Antec has just designed the world's first bomb proof computer chassis. Of course I'm over dramatizing, but the P190 really is one extremely heavy duty chassis... The P190 may resemble the P180 and P182, but that's about it. The P180 series is awesome, but the P190 looks and feels even better.

Out of box experience...

     The P190 comes with all the goodies you'll need to start building the ultimate computer system. The first box contains all the screws, rails, and other miscellaneous hardware needed. The second package contains the extra modular cables for the dual power supplies. Yes that's right, Antec didn't just give you any power supply off the street. Antec used modular dual power supplies because they obviously understand us crazy hardware enthusiasts who desire only the best.

External View:

     From the front, the P190 looks identical to the P180 series with firewire, USB and media ports. For drive space we have five 5.25" bays and one 3.5" bay.

     One of the best features of these cases are the removable dust filters. These filters help keep out much of the dust a computer collects over time which helps keep the interior components clean and running cooler.

     As I said earlier, the P190 resembles the P180 series, but with some major differences. One of those differences is the size and number of the cooling fans. The P190 has a massive 200mm cooling fan installed on the left side of the case. The big fan even has a 3-speed switch which helps the user tune the fan down to silent mode.

     Instead of one 120mm fan in the top like the P180 series, the P190 uses two oversized 140mm cooling fans. These fans are controlled by more variable speed switches that are located in the back of the case.

     Looking for an exceptionally well cooled computer case? Then the Antec P190 just might be the case you've always wished for.

     The rear of the P190 holds a few more pleasant surprises. One again, Antec has fitted another oversized 140mm cooling fan in the rear. There are also two ports for running lines to external accessories such as a water cooler.

     In the bottom you'll find two "Neo-Link" power supplies. The first 650 watt power supply is responsible for powering the motherboard and add-in cards and the second power supply produces another 550 watts for drives and other peripherals. This is not a true dual power supply system as you would find in rack servers. These power supplies simply split up the load and do not have redundant capabilities.

     As I mentioned earlier, there are three variable speed switches. Two for the top fans and one for the rear fan. Each switch has a high, medium and low setting. When set at low the fans produce very little noise for near silent operation.