Antec underwhelming?

[whargoul]

First Antec i got - an SX835II - the motherboard didn't sit snug with the IO plate. No big deal, though sort of annoying. Second one - SLK3700QBE - not only did the motherboard not sit snug with the IO plate but the add in cards do not sit snug with the back; not enough brass standoffs came with it; the floppy is recessed and there is a large gap on the bottom; the drive rails did fit, it took about 10 times jamming it in there before it must have made itself a groove; one clip for the side panel will not engage until I screw the thumbscrew in tight. Am I doing something wrong, or did just get two consecutive crap cases?

[Panama Red]

I have two Antec cases, a Sonata and a P160, and I have nothing but praise for the quality and fit. I've built a couple more with the cheapy SLK1600 and they too were easy to work with. Helped a friend assemble a SLK2600AMB and he had no difficulties either (and he was 13 at the time). Guess I'm saying I haven't experienced your challenges.

[shifty]

Wait until you work with some really cheap cases.Antecs are good for a resonably priced case.I have an SX835 and I thought it was an excellent case.Better than some of the newer Antecs.

[whargoul]

I've used plenty of Inwin and AOpen budget cases which have worked great. And I can't complain about the quality and features of Antec cases, it just bugs me that I have never seen any complaints about Antec cases, except of course for the two I have used.

[Panama Red]

Just for comparison, check the various Antec e-tailers and see what kind of reviews others have given your specific cases.

[SmokeytheBear]

I just had my first experiance with Antec cases. I just built a PC with an Antec P160 with a 380W Truepower power supply. It is the fourth case I have used in a build. The others were cheaper and lacked the features of the P160. I am very pleased with the P160 case.
Maybe Antec had a production run of sloppy cases slip through their qaulity control?

[ZeratulsAvenger]

I dont know what Antec case I have( to lazy right now to check) but I love it. Looks great, quiet, and everything fit perfectly in it. Couldn't have been happier.

[Naja]

I have Built 3 PCs--all with Antec cases and PSUs. And I know Of another build with the same. Total Of 4 different antec cases. Each one is Great!

You ask: "Am I doing something wrong,....?". Yes, it seems that You are. I get the impression that You are expecting these things to just "Pop" into perfect place. It doesn't work that way.

The Floppy being recessed is your fault, not antec's. There is probably a vertical screw slot where the floppy is mounted that would make the gap your fault also. I've had absolutely NO problems with the drive rails-- installing at least 6 optical drives into antec cases.

You need to take your time and figure out how to install these items PROPERLY. This isn't legos. They don't just snap into place.

When you mount your drive rails--only put the screws in that allow you to slide them back and forth a little bit. Then push the rails back and just BARELY tighten the screws. Put the drive in (it should be sticking out a bit) then just push (ease) it flush. When you are happy with its placement---ease the drive back out tighten the screws and put the other screws in---THEN when you put the drive back in---it should POP into place. Same with the floppy, EXCEPT you are dealing with a drive cage (usually), but the operation is the same.

Additionally, you cannot use just any screw hole on the drive. You have to determine which works best with those rails and that drive.

Once You successfully install a couple of drives, You will understand exactly what I'm saying and how easy it is. And You will be much more satisfied with Your own handy work.

It took me a few tries to get the system down, but once you do---its a breeze.

[Iniamyen]

Not to insult your intelligence, but did you remove the IO plate that came with the case and use the one that came with the motherboard instead? The one that came with the motherboard is the one that you want to use.

[Karnevil9]

Another satisfied Antec user here. I built two computers with Antec cases, and I have nothing but priaise for their construction, the removeable bays and, quality. The only complaint I do have for them is their instruction manuals are lacking on information and could be better. There are a lot of things you have to figure out for yourself. Yes, that can cause problems for you.

[demandred55]

As a recent first time builder who used an Aspire case, I will just say...

Be glad you got an instruction manual at all!

My case came with none and from what I hear from others who have the same case, it is apparently not supposed to come with one. It comes fully assembled I guess (no drive rails to install or anything) but there are a slew of connections for the leds and case fans and front panel audio/usb and a box of screws with no explanation as to their use.

There was also a little object w/ a small 4 pin connector with a black wire connected to one side and a red wire to the other with a cylindrical black object completing the circuit. This object has a whole in it and in the hole is a shiny metal surface. This thing looks like a battery or maybe a diode or something but I have no idea what it is. I have completed the build without it and everything seems fine, but does anyone know what it is?

[Tin]

i love my lanboy, hard to work in though cuz its so small, but everything fits nicely and looks good.

[Cricket]

I have 3 Antec cases at home (a SX830 and two KS382s) and used to build almost exclusively with Antec cases until a year ago when I switched to AOpen cases. I find the Antec cases to be very good quality with some nice features and the Antec power supply is a plus. But I did get tired of having to carry the heavy SX635, SX830 or XS1030 cases when delivering the computers. The KS382 case is lighter but only come with a 250 watt PSU and not readily available anymore. I found the AOpen H600 series cases fit my needs and came with good AOpen 300 watt power supplies (rebadged Fortron Source PSUs). But the Antec cases were really nice to work with and I wouldn't hesitate to use them again if a customer requested one.

:) Cricket

[ROYP123]

An added plus for the Antec 2600. The last three I built using this case frustrated me when I had to connect the front USB cable to the motherboard pins. The 10 little wires were so close together I bumped one off when I was putting on the next one. The same case this week came with a welcome addition- instead of the 10 small plugs, they finally put an end on it, so it just slips on the pins. 10 seconds instead of 30 minutes for my marginal eyes and stubby fingers. I have been pleased with the 830 and 1030 also. LOL

[Jaggannath]

I reckon Antec cases are the goods... once you've worked with cheaper ones, I reckon you'd look at these minor problems and be glad that's all