I just got through with my side window mod for my Antec P180. It was alot easier than I thought. It was my first window mod too. After breaking the tabs (a common problem with this case) on this panel and arranging for Antec to send me a replacement, I said what the heck and dove into it figuring if I screwed up a replacement is on the way. I got the kit from here http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/ind...8414c18b0fc2ef7 after seeing they sell the modded case. I had to email them and ask if they would sell the kit by itself since I already had the case. The owner, Hank, got back to me the same day and said they didn't have any in stock but he had an order coming in and would save me one. It was expensive ($56 shipped) and in hindsight any bolt on kit will work, but at the time I didn't know this since it was my first mod. I got my kit yesterday and as you can see it turned out good. I had a couple problems to overcome but they were minor. First problem was the trim ring that came with it was broke. It was made out of thin plastic and I guess got damaged in shipping. For a quick replacement I bought a 'For Sale' sign at walmart for $2.00 and traced and cut a new trim ring. I painted the white side of the sign with some silver paint and voila, first problem solved. Second problem was the bolts they sent with the kit were too short due to the P180's extra thickness. A quick trip to Lowe's solved this problem as well. As far as cutting the hole in the original panel, it was quite easy. I was thinking since it was so thick it would be dificult. But it actually made it easier to keep a straight cut. The side panel is just black plastic in the middle sandwiched by two thin pieces of metal. I used a smooth cut metal jigsaw blade and had the panel cut in 15-20 mins. The kit came with a good set of instructions and if you take your time it's no problem. I added some dynamat sound dampening material I had leftover from a speaker install to try to make up for the window. I knw it probably didn't help much but I really can't tell a difference. The case is still silent as before in my opinion. All in all I'm satisfied for my first try.

That came out really nice!

I've wondered what a P180 would look like with a window since they came out. I think the stock case looks too plain!

I had wondered how much space there was in between the various panels, but it looks like this would be cake to do! (I've done plenty of windows in other cases.)

Thanks. If I hadn't had to run around for the broken trim ring and the longer bolts I could have had this done from start to finish in 1 hour. 1 1/2 hour tops. Hardest part is getting started making sure everything is traced out right.

dang dude, that's an awesome job you did.

Really looks nice and clean. Thanks for sharing it with us.
I think I even see room for an internal LCD screen.

Hey thanks soundx98. I'm using your motherboard monitor plugin (and screensaver) so I should than you for your great work on that. Yeah I been looking at those 4 line Matrix Orbitals but I never thought about mounting one internally. Great idea. Will have to do some head scratching on that for a bit. Would be really neat and unique. Also would be helpful to monitor temps when running prime and my monitor powers off. I might just order one and do some figuring. I could always put it up front if I didn't like it inside.

All credit to Alexander Van Kaam for MBM5. Glad you're using it.

Got a buddy here that thinks your window mod is awesome as well.



I was thinkin' you could put one right at the bottom without much fuss at all.

Well you talked me into it. I'm easy, lol. I'm going to look em over tonite and see which one I like the best and order it tomorrow. Might be asking for some help though, so be on the look out.

got a Matrix Orbital config file all ready for ya. But it's for a 4 liner.
I'm sure I can modify it for a two liner.

here's a link to the "virtual display" for it.
http://www.uploadit.org/gallery/13039

I took a look at the case at Performance-PCs.com - that's a spendy price they want! No wonder you got charged so much for the kit! (And I like him as a vendor!)

I ordered this one http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/ind...roducts_id=3338
I wanted a 4 line real bad but I don't think I had enough room down low without some major modding. The 2 line should fit very easily. Let me know if you can mod that config file for 2 lines. Thanks.

How much of a distance is it from where the psu is to the top of the mobo? I have a modstream and am looking at that case but am concerned about cable length.

Modstreams wont work. You need a minimum of 18" cable length on the DFI NF4 boards (assuming they are similar to my SLI-DR). I have a modstream in another computer and it's mobo connectors are only 14".

I received my Maxtrix Orbital today. Performancepcs really ship fast. Ordered this weekend and received today. Setup was a snap, although I'm having a problem getting a sensor to display/ It recognizes the sensor but I can't get it on the LCD. I'm sure it's some setting. I havn't had a chance to read over anything. Just been playing around ith it for 30 mins or so. soundx98 if you can convert that config file to 2 lines I'd love to use it. I'm going to check out there forum and read up on this unit. So far I love it.