Antec P182 case .. a fun build .. but

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J

johns

Whoo! This is a really nice case, but it is a challenge
to build it right. I've had about 5 goes at it, and it could
still use a little improvement. If you've done it better,
I could sure use some advice. Note: to do this right
will cost you a bundle. I'm well over $2k now.

Mobo bundle GA-P32-DQ6
Intel core 2 duo E6850 3.0G ( 1333 Mhz )

this post is asking how the heck to route the psupply
cables behind the mobo for a completely hidden
assembly. I came really close ... but still had 3 cables
exposed.

I use an Antec TruePower3 550watt with 19 inch
cables. The psupply goes at the bottom of the
case, and to make the 19 inch cables work, I
flipped the psupply over so the cable exit was
closest to the back panel. That way, all but 3 cables
were long enough .. main Psupply connector
.... all SATA drive connectors ... big 4 pin molex
pci-e connector beside main connector.
Then I was able to route the fan 4-pin molex
up through the plastic cover panel just above
the psupply ( looks fine ), but I would have
liked to go up behind the mobo .. not long
enough. Also, that molex connector had the
floppy connector with it, and the floppy is
right there at the bottom of the case ( weird
spot, but the floppy I use also has a card
reader .. very nice ). Finally, the stinking
8-pin 12v thingy right beside the cpu. No way
was that long enough. I needed at least 22
inches, so I had to go above the mobo
and over the video card for this one. I could
not find and extender for it anywhere. Works,
but I sure would like to have taken it behind
the mobo. It was about 3 inches too short.

Video BFG 7950 GT OC

System benched 132,649 with Aquamark3.

johns
 
I also have the P182 case. I managed to route all PSU
cables behind the MB plate, emerging at points
closest to their destinations. I'm using an Antec
Treo 650 watt, and the cable outlet is at the MB side
of the PS. I found that the 8 pin CPU cable wouldn't
reach going up behind, but the 4 pin did, although
rather tight. I found a kit of extender cables for the
CPU 8 pin and the MB power connectors. That gave
relaxed reaches to both connectors. The MB cable
extender was flat so I was able to keep the fat
round cable completely behind the MB plate and
bring the extender around to the front neatly.

My two SATA drives are mounted vertically in
the bottom bay. What I did was drill holes in
two knock-outs from the 5" drive bays and
placed them crosswise at the front and rear of
the bottom drive bay so that the drives are
securely mounted on a steel base. This reduces
vibration on the drives, give proper case grounding,
and provides some conduction cooling. With the
bottom fan at lowest speed setting the drives
are at 34-38 deg C.

The upper fan cables are connected at the top
of the MB plate. I installed an additional 12cm
fan at the front of the middle drive cage and
left the horizontal drive plates in as they ducted
the airflow toward the video card and CPU. One
thing I found was that the lowest fan speed for
the upper fans did give the best CPU cooling.
The E6600 idles at the low 40's C and hits 50 C
when both cores are at 100% running FSX.
My Asus 7950GT has never gone over 60 C,
which is way below the slowdown temp of
185 C.
 
closest to their destinations. I'm using an Antec
Treo 650 watt, and the cable outlet is at the MB side
of the PS.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I'll have a look at that psupply. Must be
that Antec took enough irate tech support calls
about short cables, and gave a couple more inches.
My problem now is trying to find an extender for
that 8-pin cable beside the cpu. I found one, but
only 4-wires were connected. Mobo manual said
don't do that if running very high-end duo. What
really amazes me is how quiet the whole operation
is, even with all fans running. None of them are
over 600rpm, and with all the case padding, I have
to look to see if the box is even turned on.

johns
 
The set I got is the Silverstone PP04. If you live in the US
it's available from Newegg for $10. They also have the
24 pin power cable alone (SST-PP01) for $5, but I'd go for
the set.
 
johns said:
Thanks. I'll have a look at that psupply. Must be
that Antec took enough irate tech support calls
about short cables, and gave a couple more inches.
My problem now is trying to find an extender for
that 8-pin cable beside the cpu. I found one, but
only 4-wires were connected. Mobo manual said
don't do that if running very high-end duo. What
really amazes me is how quiet the whole operation
is, even with all fans running. None of them are
over 600rpm, and with all the case padding, I have
to look to see if the box is even turned on.

johns
Click to expand...
johns,

Here's an 8 pin extender. It's currently out of stock, but
you can get on the Newegg emailing list, and they'll inform
you when it's in stock:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812200124

Jeff
 
johns said:
Thanks. I'll have a look at that psupply. Must be
that Antec took enough irate tech support calls
about short cables, and gave a couple more inches.
My problem now is trying to find an extender for
that 8-pin cable beside the cpu. I found one, but
only 4-wires were connected. Mobo manual said
don't do that if running very high-end duo. What
really amazes me is how quiet the whole operation
is, even with all fans running. None of them are
over 600rpm, and with all the case padding, I have
to look to see if the box is even turned on.

johns
Click to expand...
johns,

Here's another 8 pin extender, in stock:

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/3..._Connector_12-inch_Extender.html?tl=g11c28s91

Jeff
 
Got them coming. Thanks. I'm building a lab full
of these machines.

johns
Click to expand...

I'm having some issues with the cd/dvd drive bays up the top... I
can't seem to easily slide the drives into place with the drive rails
in place. For all intensive purposes they are correctly placed on the
drive, but i just can't seem to get them in.

Did you guys load them from the front of the case, or the inside? When
I go in from the front, the metal lips that are suppose to snap it
into place can't get past the metal on the case.

An tips or comments would be greatly apprieciated.
 
nb> For all intensive purposes they are

"intents and purposes"

nb> An tips or comments would be greatly apprieciated.

You're welcome.
 
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