Posted in Cases/Cooling/PSUs , Antec , mid-tower Buy the Fox D2007789D DAREDEVIL SPECIAL
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Introducing the Antec Three Hundred Two
While flagship enclosures are certainly pretty interesting and there are some great deals to be had even just north of $100, competition south of that border is mighty fierce and only becomes more so as manufacturers refresh their lineups with the latest trends and advances in chassis design. We've seen a lot of great options for end users looking to save some scratch, but haven't had a chance to see what Antec can do in this market...until now. Antec is launching their new Three Hundred Two chassis, and if you're an enthusiast on a budget looking for the best cooling you can get without spending up for it, this may be the case for you.
Superficially there doesn't appear to be much that Antec has done to modernize the Three Hundred while keeping the price down, but once you get inside you'll see there's more going on than meets the eye. While the Three Hundred Two is set to be a bit pricier than its predecessor, you'll see there are plenty of good reasons to take the plunge anyhow. Here's the rap sheet:
Antec Three Hundred Two SpecificationsMotherboard Form FactorATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITXDrive BaysExternal3x 5.25"Internal6x 3.5", 2x 2.5"CoolingFront2x 120mm fan mountRear1x 120mm Antec TwoCool exhaust fanTop1x 140mm Antec TwoCool exhaust fanSide1x 120mm fan mount; 1x 120mm fan mount behind motherboard trayBottom-Expansion Slots8Front I/O Port2x USB 3.0, mic and headphone jacksTop I/O Port-Power Supply SizeATXClearance12" (Expansion Cards), 170mm (CPU HSF), 200mm (PSU)Weight15.3 lbs (6.9 kg)Dimensions20.2" x 9" x 18.5" (413mm x 229mm x 471mm)PriceMSRP $79It's actually kind of unusual to see a case that doesn't support a top-mounted 240mm radiator these days, but when you're dealing with a $79 case it's an omission that shouldn't feel like a major one. Instead Antec gives us an eighth expansion slot, which in my opinion is actually a bit more useful. I know some users are skeptical, but I've personally gotten enough mileage out of eighth slots in cases that I can definitely see their use. Note also that Antec is again using a negative pressure design, but wait until you see the performance numbers.
In and Around the Antec Three Hundred TwoThat said, nice enough case, but my go-to case is still the Fractal Design Define R3. It just seems to do everything for everybody (as long as your graphics card fits), in a compact size, and sleek P180-esque design.
piroroadkill Reply Fan behind the motherboard tray by doctormonroe on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 I am not a fan of having fan holes behind the motherboard, I used to own a Thermaltake V9, which had such a feature and all it did was allow dust to accumulate on the back of the motherboard. 
doctormonroe Reply RE: Fan behind the motherboard tray by Arbie on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 A case vent behind the motherboard is actually a good idea. Even if you don't put a fan there, it is one of the few places where a simple hole makes sense. Being shielded from the main cavity, it won't let much noise leak out. But air will find its way, and will circulate around much of the mobo perimeter and rear surface to get there.This assumes, of course, that you are running at least a slight positive pressure, which I think is the only sensible thing to do (see other posts). Otherwise you will get dust, as you note.
Arbie Reply RE: Fan behind the motherboard tray by sajid on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 this is reply to "Fan behind the motherboard tray" by Sajid at 11:41 AM 
sajid Reply USB 3 by Boogaloo on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 I managed to get an original 300 for $30 through a rebate and sale lining up. Didn't need it at the time but figured cases don't go bad. Then USB 3.0 came out :/ 
Boogaloo Reply RE: USB 3 by Taft12 on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 Cases don't go bad thanks to devices like this!http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82...
Taft12 Reply RE: USB 3 by KineticHummus on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 How can that supply usb 3.0? it uses a usb 2.0 internal connection... 
KineticHummus Reply RE: USB 3 by TerdFerguson on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 It runs a cable from a USB3 port on the back of the machine. 
TerdFerguson Reply RE: USB 3 by Ammaross on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 "It runs a cable from a USB3 port on the back of the machine."Which, NOTE TO ARTICLE AUTHOR, is an excellent use of those water-cooling holes in the back of cases. :)
Ammaross Reply RE: USB 3 by DanNeely on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 I'd be more inclined to agree if it wasn't for 20-30% of reviews being 1 or 2 egg wasn't the norm for almost all devices like that. That many unhappy customers means that something is definitely not being done right. 
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