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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The Antec P100 is the better fit for a quiet, storage-heavy conventional PC; the Thermaltake Urban T31 offers more room to expand cooling and, with its hard-drive rack removed, greater documented graphics-card length. Both are older ATX mid-towers best considered as used or old-stock cases in 2026—not current alternatives to modern designs unless the price, condition, and component fit are right.
Quick verdict
| Need | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet-focused build | Antec P100 | Its dual-layer panels, front door, and quiet-computing design are intended to reduce perceived noise. |
| More fan and radiator options | Thermaltake Urban T31 | It has more fan positions and historical documentation for front and top 280 mm radiators. |
| Multiple 3.5-inch drives | Antec P100 | It lists seven tool-less 3.5/2.5-inch trays. |
| Longest GPU clearance | Thermaltake Urban T31, conditionally | Published clearance is 290 mm with the HDD rack or 410 mm without it; front cooling hardware can reduce usable space. |
| New 2026 build needing current I/O or easy fitment | Neither | Neither provides documented front USB-C, and age makes condition, missing parts, and component clearance significant concerns. |
These are traditional steel mid-towers from the early-to-mid-2010s. The P100 was positioned by Antec for quiet computing; the Urban T31 leans toward expansion and cooling flexibility. The name matters: Urban T31 variants include solid-side and windowed versions. Check the exact model or part number, and do not confuse the Urban T31 with the later Thermaltake View 31, which is a different case family.
Sources: Antec P100 specifications; Thermaltake Urban T31 specifications; Thermaltake View 31, for model-name distinction.
Specifications that matter
| Feature | Thermaltake Urban T31 | Antec P100 |
|---|---|---|
| External dimensions | 511 × 206 × 500 mm | 484 × 220 × 523 mm |
| Approximate gross external volume | 52.7 L, calculated from published dimensions; not usable interior volume | 55.7 L, calculated from published dimensions; not usable interior volume |
| Listed weight | 7.2 kg | Not stated on the current official page |
| Motherboard support | ATX capability is reflected in contemporary compatibility material; verify the exact variant and manual | Mini-ITX, microATX, standard ATX |
| Included fans | One 120 mm front intake and one 120 mm rear exhaust; historical specification rates them at 1,000 rpm and 16 dBA | One 120 mm front intake and one 120 mm rear exhaust |
| Additional fan positions | Optional front and bottom 120 mm; top supports two 120 mm or two 140 mm fans | Optional front 120/140 mm fans and two optional top 120/140 mm fans |
| External 5.25-inch bays | Three | Two tool-less bays |
| Internal drive positions | Six hidden 3.5/2.5-inch positions, plus one 3.5-inch position convertible from a 5.25-inch bay | Seven tool-less 3.5/2.5-inch trays |
| Maximum CPU cooler height | Not stated in the cited full specification; verify against the exact variant manual | 170 mm |
| Maximum GPU length | 290 mm with HDD rack; 410 mm without HDD rack | Not stated on the current official page |
| Radiator support | Historical compatibility guide lists 120, 140, and 280 mm options at the front and top; actual assembly clearance must be measured | Official page mentions rear water-cooling grommets but does not provide a complete radiator-size table |
| Front I/O | Verify exact revision and regional variant | Two USB 3.0, two USB 2.0, audio in/out |
| Panel and warranty notes | Solid or windowed variant; current warranty coverage not established | Sound-oriented solid construction; official page lists a three-year warranty, but coverage for used or old-stock units should not be assumed |
The P100 is 27 mm shorter, 14 mm wider, and 23 mm deeper than the T31. Its calculated gross exterior volume is slightly larger, but exterior dimensions do not establish usable clearance: drive cages, doors, fans, radiators, and motherboard placement all affect fit.
#1 Best Overall
- Comes with 4x pre-installed PWM-controlled 120mm ARGB fans, ensuring adaptable airflow and vibrant lighting with daisy-chain connectivity for easy setup.
- Integrated 26-LED ARGB strip offers full spectrum color control and synchronization with motherboard software, enhancing both visibility and aesthetics.
- Supports ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, and back-connect ATX or Micro-ATX motherboards for cleaner routing and flexible builds
- Each side panel features a tool-less mounting mechanism for easy and fast access to internal components, streamlining your build process.
- Fits high-end hardware with support for GPUs up to 420mm, CPU coolers up to 178mm, and a top radiator up to 360mm
Sources: Urban T31 specification PDF; Antec P100 official specifications; historical T31 compatibility reference.
Cooling: T31 has more expansion potential, not a guaranteed temperature win
Urban T31
The stock layout has a 120 mm front intake and 120 mm rear exhaust. Builders can add another front 120 mm fan, up to two 120 or 140 mm fans at the top, and a bottom 120 mm fan. That gives the T31 a higher theoretical airflow ceiling, particularly with top exhaust, but the case ships with only two fans according to the cited specification.
A historical compatibility guide lists 120, 140, and 280 mm radiator support at the front and top. Treat this as a starting point, not a guarantee that every radiator fits: measure the radiator-plus-fan thickness and check motherboard heatsinks, memory, drive cages, and GPU clearance. A front radiator can shorten the space available to a graphics card.
Rank #2
- Meshed Front Panel: ATX PC Case features a mesh front panel for efficient airflow and optimal cooling performance for PC components
- Tempered Glass Design: The chassis features tempered glass side panels, providing a comfortable visual experience while showcasing your hardware and personalised style
- Type-C Ready: Stay in the know with this Type-C Ready Black PC Case that features the latest connectivity options for all of your computing needs
- Magnetic Dust Filter: The magnetic dust filters are mounted separately on the top and bottom of the chassis to prevent dust from entering the interior of the chassis
- Compatibility: Supports up to 8 x 120 mm fans and 1 x 360 mm radiator on front. Supports ATX, M-ATX, ITX motherboard and 50 series graphics cards. Supports up to 340 mm GPU in Length and 200 mm PSU in Length
Antec P100
The P100 also starts with one 120 mm intake and one 120 mm exhaust. It supports optional front 120/140 mm fans and two optional top 120/140 mm fans. Its front door and dual-layer panels favor noise control but can restrict intake compared with an open-mesh front.
No controlled, modern head-to-head temperature test is established for these cases. The T31’s additional mounting options are a flexibility advantage, not evidence that it will run every build cooler; results depend on the fans, components, and configuration.
Noise: the P100 is the purpose-built choice
Antec describes the P100 as a quiet-computing chassis, citing dual-layer panels on all sides, a hinged front door, and fluid-dynamic-bearing fans. That design makes it the more purpose-built quiet case, but “quiet” is not a whole-system measurement or a promise of silence.
Rank #3
- Ample Interior: Explore ample interior space for Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX motherboards, ensuring easy and future expansion
- Components Clearance: Accommodates CPU coolers with a max height of 159mm, GPU cards up to 360mm, and PSU up to 160mm in length.
- Versatile Cooling: Maximize cooling performance with a 240mm liquid cooler and 5 fans.
- Modular I/O Panel: You have the flexibility to adjust its position at the front, top, or bottom on both sides
- Edge-To-Edge Panel: Show off your meticulous build through the transparent side panel with pride.
Thermaltake’s historical 16 dBA figure applies to the specified T31 fans, not a complete PC. Fan ratings should not be compared directly with system-level noise: GPU and CPU coolers, hard drives, fan curves, vibration, and room acoustics all matter. Either case can become loud under demanding hardware; the T31’s acoustic outcome also depends on the extra fans a builder chooses to install.
Storage and expansion
Choose the P100 for more stated internal trays
Antec lists seven tool-less 3.5/2.5-inch trays and two tool-less 5.25-inch bays. This is useful for a multi-drive workstation, home server, or build that still uses an optical drive. Multiple spinning disks can transmit vibration and noise, however, which works against a quiet-build goal.
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Choose the T31 for another 5.25-inch bay and adjustable GPU space
The T31 has three 5.25-inch bays, six hidden 3.5/2.5-inch positions, and an additional 3.5-inch position convertible from a 5.25-inch bay. Its HDD rack is central to the GPU-fit question: the published maximum rises from 290 mm with the rack to 410 mm without it. Removing the rack changes storage capacity, and fans or a radiator at the front can consume some of the gained length.
Rank #4
- FRAME Modular Case System – The revolutionary FRAME system gives new meaning to the word customization. Want to upgrade the motherboard tray to billet aluminum? Want to swap out your front I/O panel for more USB ports? Now you can. A case that can change and grow with your needs (or just your mood). The options are nearly limitless
- 3x CORSAIR RS ARGB PWM Fans – High-performance fans pre-installed in the front of case. Support daisy-chainable 4-pin PWM connections and Zero RPM mode for near-silent operation at low loads. Each Fan has eight LEDs and easily controllable with your motherboard’s +5V ARGB connector
- CORSAIR InfiniRail Fan Mounting System – This steel multi-point mounting system offers unmatched flexibility in front and roof fan configuration. Simply slide the rail to mount fans up to 200mm (140mm in the roof) wherever you like, ensuring targeted airflow
- Clean Lines or Turbo Cooled – The internal side panel near the motherboard tray can be used as a cable cover for clean cable management, or you can remove it and mount fans to the side for increased cooling potential
- 3D Y-Pattern Airflow Panel – Optimized for high airflow and minimal restriction, the steel front panel is perforated in three dimensions with a Y-pattern that provides a low-obstruction path for cool air
These legacy bays are valuable only if the build uses them. An M.2-heavy PC may gain little from either case’s drive capacity, while a used unit missing trays, rails, or bay covers may be less useful than the headline counts suggest.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check modern component fit before buying
Graphics card
- Measure the card’s full length and thickness, including any protruding shroud or power connector.
- For the T31, confirm whether the HDD rack stays installed; use 290 mm with it or the documented 410 mm without it as the relevant published length limit.
- Subtract the space taken by a front fan or radiator and its fans; do not treat the T31’s 410 mm maximum as universally available.
- Check expansion-slot occupancy and whether the GPU’s power cable can bend without pressing against the side panel.
- For the P100, the official page does not state a maximum GPU length, so confirm physical fit rather than inferring it from the case’s external dimensions.
CPU cooler, radiator, and power supply
- The P100’s official CPU-cooler limit is 170 mm. Include fan clips and other projections when checking a tower cooler.
- The T31 cooler-height limit is not stated in the cited specification; confirm it using documentation for the exact variant.
- For either case, check tower coolers against memory, motherboard heatsinks, and the side panel.
- For liquid cooling, measure the complete radiator-and-fan assembly and check top clearance against RAM and motherboard heatsinks. The T31’s historical 280 mm listing does not guarantee clearance for every assembly; the P100’s official page does not supply a complete radiator matrix.
- Confirm the PSU is a standard ATX unit, check its length and cable space, and inspect the mounting hardware. On the T31, also ensure the bottom fan position does not obstruct the PSU intake.
Front-panel connections and convenience
The P100 documents USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports; USB-C is not documented for either case. Verify the exact T31 revision’s front I/O and confirm the cables can reach the chosen motherboard headers. Do not expect integrated fan hubs, RGB controllers, or addressable-RGB connections from these older designs.
Thermaltake’s general guidance is to check the exact chassis limits against the hardware being installed: Thermaltake chassis hardware-fit guidance.
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Best Value
- Easy Build, Direct Performance: ASUS A31 provides mainstream users the great compatibility with 360mm AIO and RTX 5090/4090 in mainstream ATX build
- Real Panorama, Direct View: The A31 features dual-sided tempered glass panels and a frameless, pillar-free design, offering a completely unobstructed view of your system's internal components
- BTF Hidden Connector Design: For a pristine, clutter-free build, all modular cables are concealed behind the motherboard, seamlessly aligning with hidden connectors for a sleek, polished look
- Optimized for Liquid Cooling: Supports AIO coolers with up to 80mm clearance, ensuring superior thermal performance and enhanced system stability
- Striking 8° Angled Base Design: Engineered for both function and style, the 8-degree golden angle enhances airflow efficiency for superior cooling while expanding the viewing angle for a more immersive showcase. This bold design also amplifies ARGB lighting effects, making your system a true centerpiece of innovation and personalization
What to inspect on a used or old-stock case
In 2026, condition and completeness can matter more than launch specifications. Ask for photographs of the exact unit and compare the total delivered cost with a current case that already includes the features your build needs.
- Check that all drive trays, rails, screws, motherboard standoffs, expansion-slot covers, 5.25-inch covers, side panels, and thumbscrews are present.
- On the P100, inspect the front-door hinges and latch; on both cases, check panels, cable-management clips, and filter frames for cracks or damage.
- Test the stock fans for starting, bearing noise, and vibration. A fan that is seized or noisy may need replacement.
- Inspect front-panel connectors and cables for corrosion or damage, and check filters for tears or deterioration.
- Look for bent metal, rust, smoke residue, pet hair, and signs of damp or poor storage.
- For old stock, remember that unopened packaging does not prove that fans, plastics, filters, or rubber mounts have remained in good condition.
Neither model has a clearly verified current official retail buying path in the available product information, and no current price is established here. Do not pay modern-case money unless the legacy bays, sound-oriented construction, or particular fit advantages are specifically valuable to you. Do not assume warranty coverage on a used or old-stock unit from the P100 page’s historical three-year listing.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Antec P100 for a quiet, drive-heavy air-cooled PC
It is the more natural match when a front door, sound-oriented panels, and seven internal trays matter more than an open front or extensive radiator options. Verify the 170 mm cooler limit and GPU fit directly, since its official page does not state a maximum GPU length.
Choose the Thermaltake Urban T31 for expansion flexibility
It suits a build that benefits from top 140 mm fans, a third 5.25-inch bay, or the possibility of a 280 mm radiator, provided the exact variant and complete component assembly fit. The HDD-rack configuration determines whether the published GPU limit is 290 or 410 mm.
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A modern mesh-front ATX case is a better category to compare for airflow, current front I/O, dust filtering, and straightforward clearance. A modern sound-damped case is a more current direction for the P100’s quiet-build aim; a high-clearance design may suit large GPUs and liquid cooling better. Used Fractal Define or Nanoxia silent cases can be considered as similarly aged alternatives, but require the same checks for condition, missing components, and obsolete I/O.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
