Peace and Quiet
Written: Jan 19 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: This case is very quiet, has convenient front USB/audio, and easy to use drive mounts.
Cons: "Antec" drilled in side, but the case is black, so you don't really notice holes.
The Bottom Line: You want my advice? I think you should buy this case.
"What are these holes?"
"These are speed holes, they make the car go faster."
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| mr_noname's Full Review: Antec LifeStyle Sonata ATX Mid-Tower Case |
Three months ago I put together a new computer. Until then, I had used Dell computers exclusively, which I found to be reliable, and quiet. I initially purchased a $70 case, but during my first week using it, several flaws exposed themselves - poor construction, loud fans, rattling air vents. I returned it and decided to purchase the Antec Sonata after reading the reviews on epinions. The other reviews, as you may have noticed, are all five-stars, and I concur. I was particularly interested in having a quiet case (like my old Dell), so the Sonata sounded like a good choice. I paid $100 (after a $30 mail-in rebate). The case has been excellent in every respect.
It is easily the best computer case I've owned. It has all the conveniences of more expensive cases, an adequate power supply (380W), and it's quiet. The computer does not sound like a DC-9 at takeoff power. The fan produces a light, unobtrusive hum (like the Dell), yet has provided adequate cooling (Pentium 4, 2.4 GHz 800 MHz FSB - runs at 30 - 35 degrees C, peaks at under 50C). The fan is 120 mm (which I understand is 50% larger than a typical case fan, allowing it to spin at a slower speed while moving the same amount of air).
The drives mount with incredible ease - you just screw the included drive rails onto your drive, and slide it in until it snaps (All the drive bays operate this way - four internal and two external 3.5", three external 5.25"). Removal is just as easy. The drives are behind a removable door, which I initially saw as just an extra barrier between me and the CD tray. I had planned on removing the door, until I discovered that when the door is closed, noise from spinning CDs is significantly reduced.
The computer has two USB ports, a firewire port, and two audio ports on the front. I do not use the firewire or audio ports, but the two USB ports hooked up to my motherboard with ease (a diagram is included with the case, but a diagram of your motherboard is also necessary).
The case is not all done-up with extras and fancy lights like some. There are a couple blue LED lights located on either side of the front USB/firewire/audio ports, but you don't have to hook them up.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
mr_noname
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Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 0 members
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