Antec P182 or Coolermaster RC-690?

ShepsCrook

ShepsCrook

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What would you rather get?

Antec P182 - Gunmetal or other ($139.99 -$40 MIR = $99.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129025
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP ($49.99 -$30 = $19.99)
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10006342

The first one is a beautiful case, great layout. Very nicely made.

The 2nd one is a lot less on the wallet.

But I've had my Antec SOHO II Performance Case for 5 years and it's one of those things that I don't upgrade very often, so I like to make them last long.
 
5 coolermaster 690's. Even assuming that the 690 < 182, 5 x 690 will obviously > 1 182.
 
Why go for a P182 over a P180? Are the P180s discontinued?
 
The P182 is gunmetal. I like the look of it over the silver, black or SE models.
 
Being the owner of the P180b I can say this is the single best case I have had the pleasure of working with. Everything is so simple, so elegant, so well done. If you are a stickler for Cable Management the 180 was heaven.

Interestingly enough I bought the Coolmaster 2 days ago for another build (Bro's Q6600 Build) so it will be another fun time with a new case.

As you said, one looks nice, one is easy on the budget. I am sure the Coolmaster will be a wonderful case when it arrives. That being said, I think the (corney) yet true thing to say would be: What does your heart/mind want? When you figure that, pick and buy.
 
I've built a machine with the Antec P180 for a friend and it was the first time that I could really see a difference in basic medium level cases and higher end cases. The quality and design are just much better, the cable management is nice, the airflow for the the case was well thought out. Now with the Coolermaster, it's getting a lot of great reviews at a good price point, and most people are stating that the case is underprices for where it could be. Not to mention that the number of fans for it assist in cooling nicely.
 
I bit the bullet and ordered the Antec P182 Gun Metal.

I figured I KNOW I wouldn't regret buying it as I've already built a machine in one of these cases and was thoroughly impressed. Whereas the Coolermaster I could regret buying since I've never seen one. Simple.
 
Good choice. It is a huge price difference, but the antec is a far better case.
Not that the RC690 is a bad case...but it boils down to the argument: $10,000 Kia vs a $90,000 corvette...both will get you there, one just does it better.
 
Yeah. That's how I looked at it. And cases being something that doesn't need to be upgraded all the time, I figured it would be worth it.

That and when I bought my Antec SOHO II Performance Aluminum case. I think I spent about $129 back then for it. Maybe on sale for $99.99 or something.
 
Interestingly, I've been concidering selling my modded p180 for the 690.. hmm..
 
I too will have to say 690. I used to have a P180 and it was okay, but I had some complaints. Eventually I "gave" it to a friend (along with the s939 system running in it) and have recently purchased the 690. There were several things I didn't like about the P180 -
1. Front door panel was flimsy and side panels bowed. (I believe this has been fixed in newer revisions)
2. Case was heavy as fuck. That might be a bit of an understatement.
3. Wire management. Placing 4x hdds in the bottom box and then sliding it in with all components connected would clusterfuck the wires and usually cause something to disconnect.
4. Mounting Rails. Having to put these on drives sucks when there's better, simpler options.
5. Wire management x2. You really can't run cables behind the motherboard on this beast.
6. Too tall to fit in my desk cabinet

Really it wasn't a bad case.. just lots of things to nitpick about. There were plenty of things I liked about it too:

1. It was quiet - even with the top 120mm and rear 120mm running. The hdd grommets were a nice touch.
2. Removable hdd bays were nice.
3. Bottom mounted psu was clean.
4. Not flashy but stylish. Obviously this wasn't the case on mine with all the bowing panels.
5. Front ports are easily accessible.

On the other hand I'm pretty thoroughly impressed with my 690.
Likes:
1. No Mounting rails. Drive slides in, then locks into place.
2. Removable HDD Trays. (individual) - Nice, and rubberized to prevent vibration.
3. Not overly heavy, vented for lots of airflow.
4. Plenty of options for wire/cable management. Can run cables behind the mobo.
5. Easy to work in, open/close, and to move around. Fits in my desk cabinet.

Dislikes:
1. Side panels dent easily.
2. Ports are located on the top of the case. My computer sits inside a desk cabinet. I can't put a usb stick in the top.
3. Noise - Due to the open ventilation, I can hear my 2900pro whirr every time the fan gets moving. I didn't have the 2900pro in the P180, so this can't really be compared. (had a x800gto2 last)

All in all I'm pretty happy with the 690, and for the price I paid ($30 after rebates + free shipping versus $120 for the p180) I don't think I should even be able to compare them, but am more satisfied with the 690.
 
Well, the case I have now is on the floor. I won't be doing that with the P182. It WILL go on the desk to keep it looking better. And it's not as much of an eye sore.

I think I'll be more than happy with my decision. I appreciate everyones thoughts and opinions on these cases. Who knows, I might buy a Coolermaster RC-690 for another computer and see how that is also.
 
omfg, I wouldn't even think about changing my p182 for a CM 690. The 690 is like a tin can compared to a p180/p182
 
you know.. when a person's looking for input, usually providing reasons why one is the more viable option or listing features is helpful. Providing your personal opinion and not listing qualifiers is just fucking stupid. Woohoo you like the case, what does that do for the op, lol. The OP may not have the same tastes as you, and may not like a case for the same reasons you do. Sorry, this isn't pointed at anyone, just a general statement.

Just saying "P182" or "RC690" and not listing reasons.. when the op asks which you would get.. how does that help him/her? :confused:
 
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