Alternative to the Antec Sonata III

[Theophilus2010]

Hi eyerone - doing research for my next build.

I used the Antec Sonata (first edition) for my first build and have been relatively pleased with it over the past 7 years. The main thing I don't like about the Sonata is the front door.

In my research so far, it looks like Antec again seems to be a good fit for me. The Sonata III seems to have what I want - quiet, included PSU, decent features. But it also has the door I didn't like in the original Sonata.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a case that has an included PSU and noise-dampening features like the Sonata?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Zap]

Do you need to fit a large graphics card?

The Antec Solo doesn't come with a PSU, but has the noise dampening features. In fact, not only does it have the dampening panels, it has an option for HDD suspension which goes farther than any other case in quieting down HDDs. The Solo is one of my favorite "quiet" cases.

 

[ClockHound]

As a Solo owner, I'd say it's a quiet case with a low power video card and no overclocking - otherwise, it's a burning hella-noise factory. Wish it had the option for 120mm intake fans.

For a similar design and better airflow there's the Fractal Design R3: http://www.fractal-design.com/?view=product&prod=48

 

[alfa147x]

As a Solo owner, I'd say it's a quiet case with a low power video card and no overclocking - otherwise, it's a burning hella-noise factory. Wish it had the option for 120mm intake fans.

For a similar design and better airflow there's the Fractal Design R3: http://www.fractal-design.com/?view=product&prod=48

any idea of where to buy one? The only place i can find wants $50 for shipping 🙁

 

[Zap]

As a Solo owner, I'd say it's a quiet case with a low power video card and no overclocking - otherwise, it's a burning hella-noise factory. Wish it had the option for 120mm intake fans.

Dunno about that. I was running an overclocked CPU in mine, with a Scythe Ninja. I just didn't worry about CPU temperatures as long as it didn't throttle or lock.

However, you brought up a point that is a good segue to another point, and that is:

Performance
Low noise
Reasonable cost

Pick any two. 😛

any idea of where to buy one? The only place i can find wants $50 for shipping 🙁

Only cheaper way to get a Fractal Designs case is to live in Canada or Europe. AFAIK they have no USA retail presence.

 

[piasabird]

The case design with a front door tends to block more sound like the hard drive running and the low hum of a fan. It has both advantages and disadvantages. If you need to access the Drives on the front of the case, you might need to open the door too much and just ware it out.

If you want better air flow you may have to give up something in the noise factor. I tend to like cases with the 120mm fans in the rear and pull the air through the intakes in the front. However, some newer cases with 120mm fans on the top might be nice too. My son has a case with an oversized fan on the side the pulls air out that is another option.

 

[ClockHound]

NCIX seems to be the only North American Fractal Design outlet. http://www.ncixus.com/products/53537...ctal%20Design/
It's $99.00, plus $50 shipping = $149.00 = Antec P183, which is another option. Superior to the solo in terms of airflow, cable management and still has a big front door.

 

[Theophilus2010]

Thanks everyone for your input!

 

[alfa147x]

NCIX seems to be the only North American Fractal Design outlet. http://www.ncixus.com/products/53537...ctal%20Design/
It's $99.00, plus $50 shipping = $149.00 = Antec P183, which is another option. Superior to the solo in terms of airflow, cable management and still has a big front door.

I ended up buying a used Antec 180B for $45 :\

 

[nyker96]

w/o the door, I'd say maybe haf 922 but sonata 3 is quieter than 922 I'd say.