Synopsis:
1. Introduction
2. The frontage
3. Other panels
4. Interior
5. Assembly
6. Performances
7. Assessment
1. Introduction
These last months saw an evolution in the distribution of the release of heat within the PC. If it is not completely false to affirm that this last consumes (and thus dissipates) always more, this report is true only on a total scale. Indeed, the success of Athlon 64/X2 on Pentium 4/D, then the introduction of Core 2 Duet, and finally the counterpart via the versions low consumption of Athlon X2 (EE and EE SFF) shows in an obvious way that a controlled consumption is from now on a key point of the success of the processors sold with the detail, just after the performances. And those which passed from Pentium 4/D or Athlon X2 to Core 2 Duet in order to level their PC reduced consumption of their processor, an association which would however have been not easily credible still a few months/years ago.
On the other hand, if one is delayed on the graphics board, in spite of a ratio performances/consumption which seems to tend to progress, the typical models integrated in the PC of players are from now on the first consumers of energy (at least during the execution of plays), and the new models always tend to consume even more than the precedents.
In addition to the local problem of the dissipation of the heat released by these chips (the role of the ventirads), also the problem of the dissipation of the heat concentrated within the case arises. Even if it should well be recognized that the majority of the graphics boards greediest evacuate directly out of the case heat (majority of the models dual-slot, except the 7950 GX2 or only with half for the 7900 GTX or GTO). It is within this framework that Antec launches today its new case intended for the players, Nine Hundred. Principal characteristic? The integration of a ventilator of 200 Misters American is indeed well-known to have already democratized the ventilators of 120 mm a few years ago, whereas the 80 mm was the standard in the current cases. The advantage of increasing the size of the ventilators being for recall a report/ratio “moved volume of air/always better noise”.
Does Nine Hundred introduce a new generation thus?
2. The frontage
Antec has often evil to work out frontages successful on its top-of-the-range cases (P160, P180, NSK 6500 in particular), and unfortunately Nine Hundred does not derogate from the rule. More than sober this one appears rather basic and uniform, character lack as well in its design as on the level of materials used.
The circumference is composed of very thick plastic (4 mm on average) and rigid, of very good quality. Completely black (not of another version available besides), it exceeds bays 5 " 1/4 of 1,3 cm and is closed again slightly on them. Aesthetically and functionally, it is thus connected with a bumper and thus partly points out cases like Armor or Stacker 830 once its open door. A door: here well what Antec would have of employing here. One finds indeed recessed only bay masks 5 " 1/4, which are present besides in very great number (9).
From this exhaustiveness and the renunciation of bays to the native format of 3 " 1/2, one cannot be prevented here from reconsidering once again in Stacker. It is besides to note that there still, the masks of these bays are only metal grids with broad holes charged to let pass the maximum of air, since one finds behind step less than two ventilators of 12 cm joined with these bays (and perfectly visible)! In fact, only the 3 higher bays remain free for those which wish to preserve the ventilation of origin.
As it from now on became the standard on the majority of the top-of-the-range cases and important size, the connectors in frontage as well as the buttons are gathered on an insert located in front of the higher panel. Slightly in skew in order to be directed towards the user, it gathers the buttons of starting and restarting (traditional pushbuttons, always out of plastic), which frame the sempiternal trio made up of 2 ports USB, 2 audio connectors and 1 FireWire port.
Passed a certain disappointment concerning the banality of this frontage, it does not testify any less, like always, of the target of this case: players and overclockers, those privileging before all the ventilation and for which the sound harmful effect are a secondary aspect, considering the number of openings and the joining of two ventilators to very the masks (contrary to P180 in particular). Note however that once connected, the two ventilators with before emit a blue light via 3 LED, which according to the sensitivities of each one could be perceived like an embellishment or a disadvantage.
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