Antec Sonata II (00761345151399) ATX Mid-Tower Case

If it didn't have lights, you wouldn't know it was on

I've been wanting to build with this Antec Sonata since the first version came out. The cost kept me away, but when it was time for this last desktop build, I decided that it was time.

The first thing you notice when you open an Antec case (especially this one) is how well made they are. This one may even be better than the average Antec. The inside is well laid out and roomy. The power supply is 450W and quiet as can be (the fan in the PS only comes on when the temp requires it; mine has yet to kick in).

Antec pays attention to all kinds of little details. For example, the optical drive mounting rails are cleverly hidden behind the covers that you remove to install a drive. They're out of sight until you need them. I like the side-mounting of the hard drives, too. You just pull out a tray, mount the drive, and slide it back in. The HD is mounted on rubber grommets to minimize vibration.

They supply plenty of hardware, screws, etc. to mount the average amount of peripheral equipment. The power supply comes with every kind of connector you could need or imagine.

The real story, though, is how the case is designed to offer a quiet environment for your power PC. They use a large (120mm) fan to exhaust air from the case. Because the fan is larger, it can turn at lower RPMs. Mine is usually on the low speed (you can set it with a built-in switch) and you really cannot hear it when it's turning that slowly. If you use a reasonably quiet CPU fan, you're in for a quiet treat.

There are front-mounted connections for USB(2), Firewire(1), and audio (2 mini jacks). These are behind a flip-up door and are surrounded by blue lighting from LEDs. With the blue lights and silver accents, the "satin black" finish makes for one nice case.

Finally, there's a front filter that you can slip out the bottom with no tools to clean things up once in a while. Very nice features for a reasonably-priced case.

If you want a roomy, stylish and quiet case, this is a great product.