Computex — You’re probably familiar with Antec’s P280 chassis. We gave the case a TR Recommended award when we reviewed it earlier this year. While visiting Antec at the Computex trade show in Taipei, Taiwan, we got a sneak peek at a couple of new versions of the case due out this fall. Although both cases were mockups, they gave us an idea of what to expect.
The tower pictured above is a higher-end version of the P280 with a peaked roof that provides easy access to top-mounted radiators. A large window has been added to the left side panel to give users a view of the internals, which appeared similar to the original’s. Antec has tweaked the door that hides the front drive bays; instead of just swinging to the left, the door can be configured to open in either direction.
If you’re looking for something a little smaller, a Micro ATX version of the P280 is also on the way. Unfortunately, this one lacks the dual-hinge door. The PSU is still mounted at the bottom, and in an interesting twist, so are the dual 5.25" external drive bays. Hard drives reside up top, and there’s a removable 3.5" drive cage in the middle. The internals are still being tweaked, and some of the internal scaffolding is due to be removed to accommodate longer graphics cards.
The Micro ATX version is slated to cost around $100, while the taller tower will be "a little more expensive" than the current P280. That case can be nabbed for $120 right now.
Although Newegg carries only the black version of the P280, Antec has a number of colors available for anyone willing to order a shipping container’s worth. The white version’s high-gloss paint is particularly sexy, if you’re into that sort of thing. It certainly has a nicer finish than a lot of the other white cases we’ve seen at the show.
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