Antec Sonata III Enclosure

Introduction:

    The Sonata III is the third chapter in this series of enclosures from Antec. Over a year ago, I had the opportunity to review another case from this line: the Solo. Now I'm getting the chance to review the Sonata III. The Sonata III is marketed to the quiet users, and I'm one of those people. New front panel connections, along with a 500W Earthwatts PSU, add to the enclosure's improvements along with many more features.

About the Company:

    So what can Antec do for you? That depends on who you are. If you’re a computer user, and you’d like to upgrade your existing computer or build a new one yourself, we’ve got the computer cases, power supplies, cooling fans, lighting components, and accessories that you need. If you’re a system builder or VAR, we’ll help you deliver reliable and cost-effective systems to your customers. And if you’re a retailer, we’ll help you reach an explosively growing market: namely, “do-it-yourself” computer users who enjoy building and upgrading their own computers.

Specifications:

• Improved overall air intake for better and quieter cooling

• EarthWatts 500 Watt power supply (80 PLUS® certified)

• Front mounted USB, eSATA, HDA & AC’97 Audio In/Out ports

• 9 Drive Bays:
  - 3 x 5.25" external drive bays
  - 2 x 3.5" external drive bays
  - 4 x 3.5" internal drive bays in individual trays with silicone grommets to absorb hard drive vibrations

• Metal double hinge allows the door to open up to 225º

• Cooling System:
  - 1 rear 120mm Tricool™ fan (standard) with 3-speed control to balance quiet with cooling
  - 1 front 120mm case fan (optional)

• Built-in washable air filter keeps harmful dust out of your case

• 0.8mm cold rolled steel for durability

• Motherboards up to Standard ATX

• Dimensions: 16.7" (H) x 18.2" (D) x 8.1" (W)
  42,5cm (H) x 46.3cm (D) x 20.6 cm (W)

• Net Weight: 20.2lbs / 9,1kg
  Gross Weight: 25.5lbs / 11.6kg
   

Packaging:

Retail Front

Retail Rear

Cloth bag

    The Sonata III arrived in the retail box with no signs of damage. The retail box is done up in white and has a detail picture of the enclosure on the front, while the other three sides have all the features and specifications. The case is protected with the softer foam and the case is wrapped in a cloth bag to protect the piano finish.

Exterior:

3/4 Front

Front I/O

Hinge

225° swing

    As far as exteriors go, this one is smooth and sleek with clean lines. The front bezel is broken down into 3 sections and is covered in a black Piano finish. The upper section has a door covering the external bays and switches. The door swings open 225°, which makes it user friendly for people who have the tower on the right side of the desk. Section two on the bezel is the front panel I/O connections, the lower section has openings for the front air intake, and behind this area is a removable air filter.

Barrel lock

External bays

Power/Reset

    Behind the bezel door are three 5.25" and two 3.5" external bays. The Power/Reset buttons are located here as well. The hinges are metal that go into plastic, so this means no swinging from the door. A barrel type lock is used on the bezel door to keep things secure.

Side latch

Rear Panel

Removable filter

    The side panel is a solid panel with no openings; towards the back of the panel is a latch type locking mechanism. The latch also has a barrel type lock for some added security. The rear panel is the typical layout with the PSU opening (which has a PSU already installed) at the top, an 120mm exhaust opening, and seven PCI expansion slot openings. The right side panel is just plain, and on the bottom end are four rubber feet help isolate noise. While we are under here, the new design also allows for the air filter to be removed easily.

Got News? Send 'em in!