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Date: November 13th, 2006
Article by: Joe Anderson (Hardware Reviewer)
Edited by: Nathan Glentworth (Owner / Head Editor)
Product was submitted by: Antec
<--SHOP FOR AN ANTEC NINE HUNDRED CASE HERE

 

CONCLUSIONS AND AFTERTHOUGHTS

So, does the Nine Hundred live up to all the hype? Is it, as Antec touts, the “Ultimate Gamer Case?” If cooling and configuration options are the benchmarks we're looking at, it just may be. With four case fans included (three 120's and a massive 200mm top fan) and a distinctive look incorporating a chevron side window and mesh front, the Nine Hundred brings a lot to the table in both performance and aesthetics. I like the drive bay design and while the interior is conventional in most respects, it's very well executed and relatively easy to work in. Careful shopping can get you a Nine Hundred for somewhere between $100 and $130 US. At this price, based on it's cooling alone, I'd consider it a very good value.

On the other hand, the lack of tool-free installation and dust management features seem like a step back for Antec. Granted, it's almost impossible to have a dust-free chassis that flows as much air as the Nine Hundred, so I can't really fault the design in this respect. Tool-free features are nice, but really only affect users who change hardware a lot. Aesthetics are such a subjective thing that I hate to comment on it's looks, but I personally find the Nine Hundred better looking the longer I look at it. I like the black matte finish and the unconventional profile.

In the final analysis, if you're a PC enthusiast that values cooling performance in a chassis, make sure to give Antec's new Nine Hundred chassis your attention. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Pros:

- Outstanding cooling performance
- Three 120mm case fans
- One 200mm top fan
- Placements for two optional 120mm fans
- Very quiet (on low)
- Very good value
- Distinctive look

Cons:

- A bit cramped
- No tool-free features
- Somewhat loud (on high)

 

If you have any further questions about this case, please feel free to post them in our forums HERE.