Antec P380 User manual

P380
User
Manual

2
P380 User Manual
Congratulations on your purchase of the Antec P380!
With its simplicity and elegance, the P380 is a successful blend of the stylish design, sophisticated
cooling and proven Quiet Computing™ features of Antec’s award-winning Performance One enclosure
series. Like all models in the series, the P380 is equipped with double-layered noise-dampening side
panels, creating a system that is almost inaudible even when the fans are spinning at a high speed. With
roomy interior, the P380 is compatible with CEB and standard ATX motherboards and includes nine
expansion slots to support up to 18.3”long graphics cards. The P380 also offers advanced computing
features like dual power / reset button design, grommet-lined cable routing paths, elegant aluminum
front panel features two well-placed USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, and audio in/out jacks. The case boasts
one slim optical drive bay, three anti-vibration 3.5"/2.5” removable drive cages (eight 3.5"/2.5”HDD
bays).
The P380 does not include a power supply. Make sure you choose a power supply that is compatible
with your computer components and has a long enough power harness to reach your motherboard and
peripheral devices. We recommend our High Current Gamer, High Current Pro or EDGE power supplies
for the latest ATX specification compliance, broad compatibility, and power savings capability.
At Antec, we continually refine and improve our products to ensure the highest quality. As such, your
new chassis may differ slightly from the description in this manual due to improvements applied for the
optimal building experience. As of November 15, 2011, all features, descriptions, and illustrations in this
manual are correct.
Disclaimer
This manual is intended only as a guide for Antec’s computer
enclosures. For more comprehensive instructions on installing the
motherboard and peripherals, please refer to the manuals that
come with those components.

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Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction
1.1 Getting to Know Your Chassis.........................................................................5
1.2 Chassis Specifications.....................................................................................6
1.3 Included Screws.............................................................................................6
1.4 Before You Begin ...........................................................................................7
Section 2: Hardware Installation
2.1 Setting Up......................................................................................................9
2.2 Motherboard Installation...............................................................................10
2.3 Installing KUHLER H2O Liquid Coolers .............................................................11
2.4 Power Supply Installation...............................................................................12
2.5 Internal 3.5” / 2.5” Device Installation ...........................................................13
2.6 Slim Optical Drive Tray Installation.................................................................17
2.7 Cable Management........................................................................................18
Section 3: Front I/O Ports
3.1 USB 2.0 ..........................................................................................................20
3.2 USB 3.0 ..........................................................................................................20
3.3 AC’97 / HD Audio Ports ..................................................................................21
3.4 Power Switch / Reset Switch / Hard Disk Drive LED Connectors......................22
3.5 Rewiring Motherboard Header Connections ..................................................22
Section 4: Cooling System
4.1 Included Fans.................................................................................................25
4.2 Optional Fans.................................................................................................26
4.3 Air Filters .......................................................................................................27

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Section 1
Introduction
P380 User Manual

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1.1 Getting to Know Your Chassis
1. 1 x slim optical drive bay
2. 8 x 3.5”/2.5” tool-less HDD bays
3. 9 x Expansion Slots
4. 3 x 120mm/2 x 140mm top exhaust fan mount (2 x 140mm FDB fan pre-installed)
5. 3 x 120mm/2 x 140mm front intake fan mount
6. 1 x 120 mm rear exhaust fan mount (1 x 120mm FDB fan pre-installed)
7. I/O Ports: 2 x USB3.0; 2 x USB2.0; Audio In/Out
8. Motherboards: SSI CEB, E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, Mini-ITX
9. CPU cutout

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1.2 Chassis Specifications
Chassis Type
Full Tower
Chassis Color
Black
Dimensions
21.85” (H) x 8.80” (W) x 21.92” (D)
555 mm (H) x 223.6 mm (W) x 557 mm (D)
Weight
27 lbs / 12.25 kg
Cooling
- 3 x 120mm/2 x 140mm top exhaust fan mount(2 x 140mm FDB fan pre-installed)
- 3 x 120mm/2 x 140mm front intake fan mount
- 1 x 120 mm rear exhaust fan mount(1 x 120mm FDB fan pre-installed)
Drive Bays
- 1 x Slim optical drive bay
- 8 x 3.5”/2.5”tool-less HDD bays
Expansion Slots
9: supports up to 3-way NVIDIA® SLI® / AMD CrossFireX™
Motherboard Size
SSI CEB, E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, Mini-ITX
Front I/O Panel
- 2 x USB 3.0 with internal motherboard connector
- 2 x USB 2.0
- Audio In/Out
1.3 Included Screws
An inventory of all screws and intended usage and quantity is provided here:
A. Power supply screw (4)
B. Motherboard standoff (4 )
C. Motherboard screw (10)
D. 2.5” tray-mount and DVD screw (24)
E. 3.5” tray-mount screw (32)
F. Front fan screw (12)
G. Slim ODD screw (4)
H. Anti-vibration rubber(6)
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H

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1.4 Before You Begin
In order to ensure that your building experience with the P380 will be a positive one, please take note of
the following:
While working inside your P380, keep your chassis on a flat, stable surface. Make sure your build
environment is clean, well-lit, and free of dust.
Antec chassis feature rounded edges that minimize the occurrence of hand injuries. Nonetheless,
exercise caution and control when handling chassis interiors. We strongly recommend taking the
appropriate time and care when working inside the chassis. Avoid hurried or careless motions.
Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the unshielded components or contacts
on a card. Hold a card by its edges. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, never by
its pins.
To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself periodically by touching an unpainted metal
surface (such as a connector or screw on the back of this computer) or by using a wrist
grounding strap.
Before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly aligned and oriented.
Bent pins can be difficult to fix and may require replacement of the entire connector.
This manual is not designed to cover CPU, RAM, or expansion card installation. Please consult
your motherboard manual for specific mounting instructions and troubleshooting. Before
proceeding, check the manual for your CPU cooler to find out if there are steps you must take
before installing the motherboard.
Do not sit on your chassis. Although it is constructed of heavy-duty steel and internally
reinforced, it is not designed to support the weight of an adult, and may buckle.
Remember to use the right tools for each task. Do not use improvised screwdrivers like coins,
nails or knife blades as they may result in damage to screw threads or even injury. Do not use
your fingernails to separate edges or lift the sides of the chassis, as paint chipping or injury may
occur.

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Section 2
Hardware Installation
P380 User Manual

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2.1 Setting Up
Put the case upright on a flat, stable surface so that the side
panel is facing you. To remove the left and right side panels,
remove these thumbscrews first.
Note: Place the panel thumbscrews aside carefully and
remember where they are.
Remove the panel by gripping the end of the panel at the top &
bottom and swinging the panel outward. Do not pull the panel
back toward the rear of the chassis.
Note: Please be careful when removing the plastic film from the side
window so as to avoid the window falling-down.
Remove the panel by the end of the panel at the top & bottom and
swing the panel outward.
CAUTION
Do not use your fingernails to pry or lift the panels. Damage to the
panels or injury to your fingernails may result.

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2.2 Motherboard Installation
Before proceeding:
Check the manual for your CPU cooler to find out if there are steps you must do before installing the
motherboard.
Make sure you have the correct I/O panel for your motherboard. If the panel provided with the chassis
isn’t suitable, please contact your motherboard manufacturer for the correct I/O panel.
The P380 comes with six preinstalled motherboard standoffs. These are positioned for Standard ATX
motherboards but can be relocated to accommodate other form factors.
A. Align the motherboard with the
standoff holes on the motherboard
tray and remember or mark which
holes are lined up
B. Install standoffs as needed and put
the motherboard in.
Make sure you have the correct I/O panel.
Install the motherboard standoffs by aligning the motherboard with
the standoff holes.
CAUTION
Make sure to remove any unused motherboard standoffs. They
may come into contact with the back of the motherboard and may
electrify your chassis exterior if left connected.

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C. Screw your motherboard into the standoffs with the provided motherboard mounting screws.
2.3 Installing KUHLER H2O Liquid Coolers
The following instructs how to install the Antec KUHLER H2O liquid CPU cooler (1250 / 950). For any
other CPU coolers, please consult your manufacturer’s installation guide.
Caution:
Check your motherboard’s CPU socket to ensure its compatibility with the KUHLER H2O. The KUHLER
H2O 1250 / 950 is compatible with the following CPU sockets:
Intel® LGA 1155 / 1156 / 1366 / 2011*
AMD® AM2 / AM3 / AM2+ / AM3+ / FM1
*Your unit may not contain the LGA 2011 mounting bracket. To acquire this, please contact Antec
customer support (information listed at end of manual).
**Be sure to install the KUHLER H2O with the end of the tubes
positioned at the bottom of the radiator.
A. Remove the rear fan by first disconnecting the power
connector from the fan power hub directly above the
fan.
Disconnect the 3-pin power connector.
Use the provided motherboard mounting screws to secure your
motherboard into the standoffs.

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B. Remove the screws on the back of the chassis
while supporting the fan with your other hand.
C. Preparing the KUHLER H2O backplate is specific to your CPU socket.
D. Prepare the retention ring according to the CPU socket you’re using.
E. Complete installation according to the KUHLER H2O instructions.
2.4 Power Supply Installation
A. With the case upright, place the power supply as
illustrated in the image to the right.
B. Push the power supply to the back of the case and
align the mounting holes.
C. Attach the power supply to the case with the screws
provided.
**See Section 4.3 for PSU filter removal instructions
Unscrew the rear fan to remove it.
Attach the power supply with the provided screws.

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2.5 Internal 3.5” / 2.5” Device Installation
The P380 has eight drive bays that are compatible with both 3.5” and 2.5” drives.
To install a 3.5” drive:
A. Remove one of the drive trays by pinching the ends of the tray inward and pulling the drive tray
out.
B. Place your 3.5” drive on the tray so that the holes line up with the silicone grommets.
C. Using the 3.5” drive screws (E in Section 1.3), secure your 3.5” drive to the tray. We recommend
using your hand to find the exact threading of the drive’s holes then using a screwdriver to
completely secure your drive. Do not over-tighten the screws as this will minimize the
grommets’ ability to reduce vibration.
D. Now that your drive is secure to the tray, pinch
the ends of the tray and insert your drive into
the bay. You will hear your device click into
place.
Use your hand to find the drive’s holes.
Screw in the holes to secure your drive.
Pinch the ends of the tray and insert your drive until
it clicks.

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To install a 2.5” drive:
A. Extract one of the drive trays by pinching the ends of the tray inward and pulling the drive tray
out.
B. Place your 2.5” drive on the tray so that the holes line up with the 2.5” tray holes.
C. Using the 2.5” drive screws (D in Section 1.3), secure your 3.5” drive to the tray with a
screwdriver.
D. Now that your drive is secure to the tray, pinch the ends of the tray and insert your drive into
the bay. You will hear your device click into place.
1 & 2
C
4
A&B
D

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To remove the Hard disk cages
P380 has three HDD cages. Three of them are removable. The following illustration shows how to
remove Top, Middle and bottom of HDD cages.
Top of HDD cage
Top of HDD cage and 5.25" bay are designed as a set, therefore they should be loosen together at the
same time.
A. Remove the front panel first. (How to remove the front panel, please see the section 4.2)
B. Once you are going to take it out from the case, just loosen the screws around it. (as shown on
the graph)
Middle of HDD cage
A. Remove the front panel (How to remove the front panel, please see the section 4.2)
B. Loosen 4 screws at the front side of chassis (yellow circle), right side of bracket can be lifted up
and out of the chassis.
C. Loosen 2 screws at the inside of chassis (yellow circle), left side of bracket can also be lifted
straight out.
D. The middle of HDD cage is complete dismantling.
A
C
B
D
Front of chassis
Side face of chassis
Inside of chassis
Another side of chassis

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Bottom of HDD cage
E. Loosen 4 screws at the front side of chassis (yellow circle)
F. Loosen 2 screws at the inside of chassis (yellow circle)
G. Lay the chassis on a flat surface and remove loosen screws at the bottom of chassis; and you
will fully remove the bottom of cage by sliding it
H. Middle and bottom of HDD cage are complete dismantling.
E
F
G
H

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2.6 Slim Optical Drive Tray Installation
The P380 has an external bay located at the front of the chassis. And the slim optical drive tray is
attached in the tool pack with P380
A. Before install the slim ODD tray, the front panel must be removed from the chassis. (Please see the
section 4.2)
B. Remove the front air filter (see section 4.3) and facing the rear of panel, place your slim ODD tray
on the panel so that the holes line up with the slim ODD tray holes.
C. Using the slim ODD screws (G in Section 1.3), secure your slim ODD to the panel.
A
C
B

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Use the grommet-lined cable routing holes to route PSU cables.
The yellow circle shows a cable tiedown.
2.7 Cable Management
There is a cable management compartment between the motherboard and right side panel, as well as
cable tiedowns located on the back of the motherboard panel. You can tuck excess cables in this
compartment or route them to the drive bays.
Choose the cables you would like to
pass through the holes behind the
motherboard tray. Pull them through
the hole toward the right side of the
case.
Use the zip ties provided to hold your
cables in place. Zip ties can be anchored
to tiedown locations located on the
back of the motherboard panel.
For cables which will be routed back to
front drives or other internal
accessories, feed the cables back
through the insertion point nearest the
destination of the cable. Connect the
cable and then pull the slack back to the
right side of the case.
For cables which will be routed directly to front drives or other internal accessories, cable tiedowns are
located along the drive cage. Bundle front drives’ or other internal accessories’ cables together and
secure them using tiedowns.

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Section 3
Front I/O Ports
P380 User Manual

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Pin
Signal Names
Pin
Signal Names
1
USB Power 1
2
USB Power 2
3
NegativeSignal 1
4
NegativeSignal 2
5
PositiveSignal 1
6
PositiveSignal 2
7
Ground 1
8
Ground 2
9
Key(No Connection)
10
Empty Pin
3.1 USB 2.0
Connect the front I/O panel USB cable to the USB header pin on your motherboard. Check your
motherboard user’s manual to ensure that it matches the table below:
3.2 USB 3.0
The P380 comes with two front panel USB 3.0 ports and includes an internal motherboard connector. To
access USB 3.0 capability from the front panel:
1. Identify the USB 3.0 header on your motherboard.
2. Connect the USB 3.0 header to the motherboard port. Be
sure to align the connector in the proper orientation so
that you do not damage the pins on your motherboard.
1 2
9 10
Align the connector properly to
prevent damage to your
motherboard.