A Closer Look - Outside

Taking a first look at the P120 Crystal out of the box produces flashbacks of the times when Antec was pushing the envelope in design a bit more, and it is great to see them return to that core attribute in their business. The P120 definitely takes some queues from other successful cases out there, but it is all its own design and take on how to lay out an enclosure of this type best.


Thanks to the clean lines and right angles, the glass panels fit perfectly. Antec has wisely chosen to keep the tint to a minimum, so you will be able to see all the hardware from this angle as well. The bottom dust filter may actually be pulled out through the front, which is the best and easiest method to keep things clean. In the rear, the PSU bay is actually located on the top of the case, which is a bit unusual again but should help in cooling the CPU nicely.


Looking at the main side panel, there are new screws anywhere as Antec is utilizing a spring-loaded latch in the front edge of the chassis and hinges so that the panel may swing open once released. On the opposite side, the solid steel panel comes with an air vent. The design of the panel is quite intricate as it is inlaid into the case frame slightly with two large thumb screws in the rear holding it in place.


Taking a closer look at the back, you have your standard seven horizontal expansion slots, but Antec also includes three vertical ones, so you will be able to show off even the thickest air cooled GPUs and even go for dual-vertical setups if they happen to utilize thinner liquid-cooled blocks. Above that is a mounting positions for either a 120 or 140 mm fan, with elongated holes which will allow you to adjust the height of the 120 mm variant. That said, the 140 mm unit would just sit at one specific spot, so those longer cutouts are a bit misleading. In the very top is a PSU frame which allows you to slide the power supply in through the back of the chassis.


In the top, you will find a silk-screened "Performance Series" label along with the usual set of I/O consisting of audio plugs and two USB 3.0 connectors. The latter have silicone pieces in them to protect them from dirt, and Antec actually installed lighting around them to act both as a power indicator and a way for you to find the plugs in a dark environment. I would have loved to see a USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C plug as well for good measure, though.