The Antec NSK1380 remains a plausible second-hand case for a low-power microATX, office, or retro PC, but it is not a sensible default for a new gaming build. Its small cube layout and three internal 3.5-inch bays are useful; cramped assembly, USB 2.0-only front I/O, limited practical graphics-card clearance, and an aging bundled power supply are substantial trade-offs.
Antec NSK1380 specifications
The NSK1380 is a late-2000s microATX cube case, not a Mini-ITX-only enclosure. These are its documented original specifications, not guarantees about the condition or completeness of a used example.
| Feature | Documented specification |
|---|---|
| Motherboard | MicroATX up to 9.6 × 9.6 in (24.5 × 24.5 cm); no full-size ATX support |
| Dimensions | Approximately 20.1 cm wide × 26.9 cm high × 33.5 cm deep |
| Weight | Approximately 5.9 kg (13.1 lb) net |
| Expansion | Four full-height PCI expansion slots; this describes the slot layout, not guaranteed clearance for four modern cards |
| Drive bays | Three internal 3.5-inch bays and one external 5.25-inch bay |
| Front I/O | Two USB 2.0 ports and audio input/output |
| Bundled power supply | 350 W, ATX12V 2.01-era design, active PFC, universal 100–240 V input; originally documented as 80 PLUS certified |
| Noise-oriented features | Three-layer aluminum/plastic/aluminum side panels and a 120 mm low-speed PSU fan |
Specifications: Antec product flyer and Antec NSK1380 manual. The old 80 PLUS designation should not be confused with modern efficiency tiers or taken as evidence of present-day PSU quality.
Design and build quality
The NSK1380’s appeal is its compact, plain cube shape: it takes a microATX board and offers a useful number of hard-drive positions without the footprint of a conventional tower. Its flip-up drive cage can be moved to open access for installation, and Antec’s layered side-panel construction was intended to reduce noise. The design reflects its era, however: the front ports are USB 2.0, storage is organized around 3.5-inch drives and an optical drive, and the interior has little spare room for modern component combinations.
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- 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.
The single 5.25-inch bay is the only external drive bay. It can take an optical drive, but there is no separate external 3.5-inch bay for a conventional front-mounted card reader. The four expansion slots are likewise a motherboard layout specification, not a promise that thick or long cards will fit usefully.
What building in the NSK1380 is like
The case is notably less convenient to assemble than a current mainstream enclosure. Expert Reviews’ February 24, 2009 review described a cramped interior, fiddly card installation and cable routing, and the need to remove the top and side panels to slide the motherboard into place. The manual also describes the removable, flip-up cage. The sequence below is a practical recommendation based on that layout and historical review—not a new hands-on build.
Rank #2
- Compact & Durable: Sleek design with sturdy 0.8T steel construction and a 17.1-liter total volume
- Minimal Yet Mighty: Supports standard ATX PSUs, 260mm length GPUs, and 137mm height CPU coolers
- High Airflow Design: Perforated front panel and pre-installed 80mm fan for optimal cooling
- 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x 3.5mm Stereo AUX for easy device connections
- Despite its charming appearance, it's built with durable 0.8T steel for a robust and sturdy structure
- Remove the top panel and both side panels before starting.
- Move obstructing PSU or front-panel cables aside, then release or lift the drive cage.
- Install the CPU, cooler backplate if needed, and memory while the motherboard is accessible.
- Fit the motherboard I/O shield and install the microATX board.
- Connect the 24-pin motherboard and CPU power cables before the interior becomes crowded.
- Install the drives in the cage, then return and secure the cage.
- Check the dimensions and power needs of any expansion card before installing it; confirm cable reach and clearance as well.
- Before replacing the panels, check that cables do not press against a fan or interfere with the cage mechanism.
Plan the build around access and cable routing rather than assuming parts can be added easily after the case is closed. Frequent upgrades or maintenance are a poor match for this layout.
Cooling and noise: what is known
Antec’s design features point toward quiet, lower-power systems: layered panels were intended to dampen noise, the PSU uses a low-speed 120 mm fan, and the drive cage uses thermal interface material intended to transfer hard-drive heat. A Japanese launch report also described a supplied expansion-slot blower fan. These are design details, not evidence of measured noise or temperature performance with current components. PC Watch’s launch report provides the historical blower-fan detail.
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- Mesh Front Panel with Built in Blue LED Strip
- Compact Micro ATX Form Factor Design with Full Length PSU Cover
- Ideal for AIO Solutions up to 240/280 millimeter
- I/O Port: USB 3.0 x 1, USB 2.0 x 2, HD Audio x 1
- 2 Hidden 2.5 inches plus 2 Hidden 3.5 inches Drive Bays
The limited interior makes sustained high heat a concern, especially when a powerful CPU or graphics card is added. There are no established modern standardized measurements here for temperatures, acoustic output, GPU clearance, or cooler height. A low-power system is the more defensible match; do not infer that the case will keep a current high-performance build cool or quiet.
GPU fit and the bundled PSU are the main risks
The strongest compatibility warning is graphics-card thickness and power. The official four-slot figure refers to the motherboard’s expansion-slot arrangement. Expert Reviews found the interior cramped enough to limit practical graphics choices to single-slot cards. It also reported that the included PSU lacked a native PCI Express graphics-card power connector. A Molex-to-PCIe adapter may address connector shape for some cards, but it does not establish that an old PSU can safely supply the required current.
Rank #4
- Micro ATX Case: The case fits for Micro ATX Mohterboard (Max 25.5x25.5cm) and ITX Motheroard (17x17cm)
- Compatibility Accessories: Supports standard ATX Power Supply (150*140*86mm), Supports Graphics Card Max length is 250mm, Lenght is 225mm if you install 120x120x25mm fan on the front side, Supports 3x 3.5'' HDD and 1x 2.5inch SSD, or 2x 3.5'' HDD and 1x 2.5'' SSD if install 2pcs 120*120*25mm fans on the front side. Supports 2pcs 120*120*25mm (front side) and 1pcs 80mm (Back Side) fans, Supports CPU Cooler height Max 135mm.
- Material: The Body of Case is made of 0.8mm SPCC, with lots of air vents for heat dissipation
- Interface on Front Panel: 1xUSB3.0, 1xUSB2.0,Audio&Mic, Power Button, Reset Button
- Packing Include: 1* Black Micro ATX Case only, not inlcude other accessories
The PSU was specified as 350 W with active PFC, universal input, and over-power, over-voltage, under-voltage, and short-circuit protections. Those describe the original design, not the condition of a unit that may have spent many years in service. A power-on test alone cannot establish its health. Do not choose it for a modern performance GPU based only on the 350 W label or the old certification.
- Ask for clear photos of the PSU label and cable connectors, and inspect the case, wiring, fan, cage, and panels for damage or missing parts.
- Do not use an unknown PSU with valuable modern hardware; have its condition professionally assessed or replace it if a compatible replacement can be verified.
- Before planning a replacement, inspect its physical mounting, dimensions, connector arrangement, and pinout. The available documentation does not establish compatibility with every standard modern ATX PSU.
- Do not open the PSU enclosure unless qualified to work safely with mains-voltage equipment.
- Avoid relying on cheap passive adapters without checking pinout and current capacity.
This does not mean every NSK1380 PSU is defective. It means the model name and original specifications cannot tell you the condition of a particular used unit. The historical PSU details are in the manual; the contemporary findings on GPU space and connectors are from Expert Reviews.
Best Value
- Quasi-Filter Mesh Panels: A mesh design comprised of over 57,000 precision-machined 1.5mm holes increases airflow and provides a compelling view of the components within your build
- Optimized for Cooling: With support for 280 and 360mm radiators and up to six fans, the AP201 is primed to deal with the thermal onslaught of high-performance hardware.
- Industry-Leading Spatial Efficiency: Despite a 33L footprint, the AP201 supports ATX PSUs up to 180 mm long, graphics cards up to 338 mm long, custom liquid cooling, and various storage devices.
- Tool-Free Side Panels: A simple yet secure clip mechanism allows chassis side panels to be easily removed and resistant to accidental dislodging.
- Sizeable Cable-Management: The AP201 features an extended motherboard tray with strategically placed cutouts and a 32 mm gap to tuck cables out of sight.
Storage and front-panel limitations
Three internal 3.5-inch positions are a useful legacy feature for a small case, particularly for a build based on hard drives. The cage’s thermal interface was intended to conduct drive heat to the cage, but bay count alone does not make this a modern NAS enclosure: drive vibration, airflow, PSU condition, and access for maintenance still matter. The layout was not designed around dense 2.5-inch SSD mounting, so SSD installation may require brackets or another mounting solution; cable routing can be awkward.
Front connectivity is two USB 2.0 ports and audio, with no documented USB 3.x or USB-C. Internal-header accessories or add-in solutions may help, but add complexity in an already tight case. The front bay also forces a choice: a 5.25-inch optical drive occupies the sole external bay, leaving no second external bay for a conventional 3.5-inch reader. Original bay and I/O details are in the Antec product flyer.
Who should buy or reuse the NSK1380?
A reasonable fit
- You already own it or can obtain a complete example at a very low cost.
- You need a small cube for a low-power office, home-theater, retro, or reused microATX system.
- You plan to use integrated graphics or a short, low-power, preferably single-slot card.
- You can verify the PSU or budget for a replacement whose fit and wiring have been checked.
- You accept USB 2.0 front ports and are comfortable with cramped assembly.
Look elsewhere
- You are planning a new gaming PC, high-wattage CPU, or performance GPU that needs multiple slots or substantial power.
- You need USB-C, front USB 3.x, easy upgrades, liquid-cooling support, or assured modern component clearance.
- The seller cannot show the PSU and cable layout, or the case is missing its cage, panels, screws, or other necessary hardware.
- You need a dependable always-on server or high-value workstation and do not intend to validate or replace the old PSU.
- The complete cost—including PSU, adapters, brackets, or fans—approaches that of a suitable current case.
Price and alternatives
The NSK1380 is a legacy second-hand product, and no dependable current retail price is established. Expert Reviews listed £87 including VAT in its February 24, 2009 review; that is historical context, not a 2026 buying benchmark. A used listing should be judged by condition and the cost of making the complete build safe and workable, not by the case price alone. See the 2009 review for its original price context.
If you want a newer cube-style microATX design, Antec’s Dark Cube is a modern gaming-oriented option, rather than a direct equivalent to the NSK1380’s subdued, low-power role. For a feature-rich contemporary case, Corsair’s small-tower range includes microATX-oriented choices; its size, features, and total cost may not suit someone seeking a tiny retro enclosure. Compare each current model’s published GPU, cooler, PSU, and front-I/O support before buying. Neither linked product category provides enough information here to quote a reliable current price or claim a specific fit for your components.
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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.
