Antec GX300 User manual

GX300
PPre0
User Manual

2
GX300 User Manual
Congratulations on your purchase of the Antec GX300!
Following GX300 is Antec new military style chassis, in addition to continuation GX series of unique, wild,
uninhibited, robust style, GX300 exterior design is sturdy and as powerful and dominating as the tough
warrior. Front panel with plastic and 3D mesh design, tough lines with powerful mechanical sense.
GX300 equipped with one USB3.0, one USB2.0 and one fan with high/ low speed control interface, this
priceless product is unmatched by a similar specification of other enclosures. It comes with 1 x 120mm
fan, both for cooling and silent computing.
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, 2014, 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.

3
Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction
1.1 Getting to Know Your Chassis.........................................................................5
1.2 Chassis Specifications.....................................................................................6
1.3 Toolkit ...........................................................................................................7
1.4 Before You Begin ...........................................................................................8
Section 2: Hardware Installation
2.1 Setting Up......................................................................................................10
2.2 Motherboard Installation...............................................................................10
2.3 Power Supply Installation...............................................................................12
2.4 Internal 3.5” / 2.5” Device Installation ...........................................................13
2.5 Cable Management........................................................................................15
Section 3: Front I/O Ports
3.1 USB 2.0 ..........................................................................................................17
3.2 USB 3.0 ..........................................................................................................17
3.3 HD Audio Ports ..............................................................................................18
3.4 Power Switch / Reset Switch / Hard Disk Drive LED Connectors......................18
3.5 Rewiring Motherboard Header Connections ..................................................19
Section 4: Cooling System
4.1 Included Fans.................................................................................................21
4.2 Optional Fans.................................................................................................21
4.3 Fan Switch Controller ....................................................................................23
4.4 Air Filters .......................................................................................................23

4
Section 1
Introduction
GX300 User Manual

5
1.1 Getting to Know Your Chassis
1. 6 x 3.5” / 2.5” drive trays
2. 2 x 120 mm top exhaust fan
3. 1 x 120 mm rear exhaust fan (pre-installed)
4. 2 x 120 mm front intake fan
5. 7 expansion slots
6. Motherboards: Standard ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
7. Front ports: USB3.0, USB2.0, Audio I/O
8. CPU cutout
9. Cable routing holes

6
1.2 Chassis Specifications
Chassis Type
ATX-Tower
Chassis Color
Black
Dimensions
18.89” (H) x 8.26” (W) x 18.89” (D)
480 mm (H) x 210 mm (W) x 480 mm (D)
Weight
11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg
Cooling
Fan mounts:
- 2 x 120 mm top exhaust fan mount
- 1 x 120 mm rear exhaust fan mount
- 2 x 120 mm front intake fan mount
Included Fan:
- 1 x 120 mm rear exhaust fan
Drive Bays
- 6 x 3.5” / 2.5” tool-less HDD bays
- 3 x 5.25”ODD bays
Expansion Slots
7
Motherboard Size
Standard ATX, Micro ATX, Mini-ITX
Front I/O Panel
- 1 x USB 3.0
- 1 x USB 2.0
- Audio In/Out

7
1.3 Toolkit
An inventory of all screws and intended usage and quantity is provided here:
A. Front fan screw (8) (6-32x27.5PM)
B. HDD screw (24) (6-32x17.5TM)
C. Motherboard screw (9) (6-32x6CM)
D. Motherboard standoff (1) (6-32x6.35)
E. Power supply screw + VGA (5) (Power +VGA 6-32x6HWM)
F. 2.5”/3.5”tray-mount screw (8) (ODD+SDD M3x5TM)
G. Foot(1)
H. Rubber audio closer(2)
I. Rubber USB port closer(2)
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I

8
1.4 Before You Begin
In order to ensure that your building experience with the GX300 will be a positive one, please take note
of the following:
While working inside your GX300, 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.

9
Section 2
Hardware Installation
GX300 User Manual

10
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.
CAUTION: Do not use your fingernails to pry or lift the panels. Damage to the panels or
injury to your fingernails may result.
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.
Make sure you have the correct I/O panel.
Remove the panel by the end of the panel at the top & bottom and
swing the panel outward.

11
The GX300 comes with nine preinstalled motherboard standoffs. These are positioned for Standard ATX
motherboards but can be relocated to accommodate other form
factors.
1. Align the motherboard with the standoff holes
on the motherboard tray and remember or mark
which holes are lined up
2. Install standoffs as needed and put the
motherboard in.
3. Screw your motherboard into the standoffs with the provided
motherboard mounting screws.
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.
Use the provided motherboard mounting screws to secure your
motherboard into the standoffs.

12
2.3 Power Supply Installation
1. With the case upright, place the power
supply on the right side of the case.
2. Push the power supply to the back of the case as
illustrated in the image and align the mounting holes.
3. Attach the power supply to the case with the screws
provided.
4. In case your power supply has a top exhaust fan you can
place it upside down because your GX300 has an exhaust
place, with dust filter, on the bottom of the enclosure
specially for this purpose. (See paragraph 4.4)
Attach the power supply with the provided screws.

13
2.4 Internal 3.5” / 2.5” Device Installation
The GX300 has six drive bays that are compatible with both 3.5” and 2.5” drives.
To install a 3.5” drive:
1. Remove one of the drive trays by pinching the ends of the tray inward and pulling the drive tray
out.
2. Place your 3.5” drive on the tray so that the holes line up with the silicone grommets.
3. Using the 3.5” drive screws (F 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.
4. Now that your drive is secured 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.

14
To install a 2.5” drive:
Each of the six 3.5”drive bays also support 2.5”drives
1. Extract one of the drive trays by pinching the ends of the tray inward and pulling the drive tray
out.
2. Place your 2.5” drive on the tray so that the holes line up with the 2.5” tray holes.
3. Using the 2.5” drive screws (F in Section 1.3), secured your 2.5” drive to the tray with a
screwdriver.
4. 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
4
Align and secure the 2.5”drive onto the drive holder

15
Use the grommet-lined cable routing holes to route PSU cables.
The yellow circle shows a cable tiedown.
2.5 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.

16
Section 3
Front I/O Ports
GX300 User Manual

17
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 GX300 comes with one 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.

18
Pin
Signal Names
(HDA)
1
MIC2 L
2
AGND
3
MIC2 R
4
AVCC
5
FRO-R
6
MIC2_JD
7
F_IO_SEN
8
Key (no pin)
9
FRO-L
10
LINE2_JD
3.3 HD Audio Ports
There is an Intel® 10-pin HDA (High Definition Audio) connector linked to the front panel of the chassis.
You can connect the HDA connector, depending on your motherboard. Locate the internal audio
connectors from your motherboard or sound card and connect the audio cable. Consult your
motherboard or sound card manual for the pin-out positions.
3.4 Power Switch / Reset Switch / Hard Disk Drive LED Connectors
Connected to your front panel are LED leads for power and HDD activity, as well as switch leads for the
power and reset buttons. Attach these to the corresponding connectors on your motherboard. Consult
your motherboard manual for specific pin header locations. For LEDs, colored wires are positive ( + ).
White or black wires are negative ( –). If the LED does not light up when the system is powered on, try
reversing the connection. For more information on connecting LEDs to your motherboard, see your
motherboard user’s manual.
3.5 Rewiring Motherboard Header Connections
Note: Polarity (positive and negative) does not matter for switches.
Front panel leads

19
There may come a time when you need to reconfigure the pin-out of a motherboard header connector.
Examples could be for your USB header, audio input header, or some other front panel connector such
as the Power Button connector.
Before performing any work, please refer to your motherboard user’s manual or your motherboard
manufacturer's website to confirm the pin-out needed for your connector. We strongly recommend
making a notated drawing before beginning work so that you can recover if your work gets disturbed.
Determine which wires you need to remove in order to rewire your plug to match the USB pin-outs on
your motherboard (refer to your motherboard user’s manual). Working on one connector at a time, use
a very small flathead screwdriver or similar tool to lift up on the black tab located beside the gold posts
(squares). This will allow you to easily slide out the pins from the USB plug.
Working carefully so as not to damage the wires, connectors, or pins, slowly remove the pin from the
connector. Repeat these steps for each wire you need to change.
Working carefully so as not to damage the wires, connectors or pins, slowly insert the pin into the
correct slot of the connector then snap closed the black tab that was lifted in step 1. Repeat these steps
for each wire you need to change.
Front panel headers

20
Section 4
Cooling System
GX300 User Manual