Antec Sonata... please shut up.

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frank84

Golden Member
Mar 13, 2003
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www.enomooshiki.com
I finally got it.
Antec Sonata. My passion for the quiet computing need led me to buy it. On top of that, got myself a nice Seasonic PSU to go with it.

No physical MOD has been done on the case, but I will work on it most likely.

I was dissapointed a little. Sonata wasn't that quiet. Matter of fact, it was louder than my Kingwin KT-424 Aluminum case.

So, I am thinking.. what the heck did I do wrong....

Right now, I have a stock 120mm fan on the rear, and that's it. (Panaflo is on the way)
Zalman for both cpu and gpu..

I think the problem is coming from the fan, since I connect it directly to PSU
Yes, I do have a fan controller, but Seasonic PSU doesn't give me enough 4-pin connector to go around my system..so I had to sacrifice my fan controller..

To free some of those 4-pin connector, I decided to get som SATA HDD instead of my ATA, so I can use SATA connector for the HDD and save bunch of spaces and such. By doing this, I will also save the spaces that is taken by my regular IDE round cables.

With the busy schedule and my lazyness, I don't know how I am going to manage to do all these, plus physical modding. But I know I have to do it.

so, let's check what I am supposed to do...

1. Get SATA HDD
2. Put Fan Controller
3. Connect the fan to the Fan Controller
4. Put all the Zalaman fans to lowest

Hopefully this will change things around,
After I am done with things above, I will start working on the physical MOdding for better airflow and such.

Wish me luck,
oh yes, any feedback or suggestions will be appreciated,

and Pictures will come soon.
 
C

cyberknight

Senior member
Sep 3, 2004
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gotta suspend your hard drive if you wanna be hardcore...

i originally had the sonata, but I got it replaced. It just doesn't have the potential for quietness due to the lack of airflow. sure out of the box it is pretty quiet, but not quiet enough. I got an Inwin C720T now. the side venting really helps a lot for the cooling.
 
F

frank84

Golden Member
Mar 13, 2003
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Originally posted by: cyberknight
gotta suspend your hard drive if you wanna be hardcore...

i originally had the sonata, but I got it replaced. It just doesn't have the potential for quietness due to the lack of airflow. sure out of the box it is pretty quiet, but not quiet enough. I got an Inwin C720T now. the side venting really helps a lot for the cooling.
Click to expand...

yes, the air flow is kind of hard in Sonata, that's why I am highly considering the physical modding, which I don't mind at all.

suspending my harddrive will be an option once i get my sata drive.
I think I saw someone doing it by patching a construction sponge on it...
 
M

mshan

Diamond Member
Nov 16, 2004
7,868
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I think most people at Silent PC Review would say that in order to undervolt the rear 120 mm fan, you need to add an undervolted front 120 mm fan. This hopefully allows the rear fan to spin at less than 7V and hopefully the front at around 5V. Airflow should be much improved over the single rear exhaust, which at 5V, causes the case temps to rise quickly even under minimal load.

I own a couple Zalman 7000 and, in a very quiet system, their fan bearing / motor noise becomes irritating, even at 5V. No way around it unless you replace the fan or get something like a Thermalright XP90 with a quality quiet fan.

Search the Cases sub-forum at http://www.silentpcreview.com and see what others have done.
 
D

Dyloot

Senior member
Dec 4, 2004
302
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76
The Sonata out of the box is pretty damn quiet for a stock, inexpensive case. If you're looking for silent, you're asking a lot from a $100 case (including power supply).

Now, if it's just quiet you're looking for, the rear 120mm fan and the Antec power supply aren't loud at all. Usually it's the CPU and video card fans that get you in the end.

My biggest gripe about the Sonota is the stock power supply that comes with it. I built an Athlon 64 rig with a Lanparty nf3 a few months back for a friend, and the 380w power supply is barely cutting it.

I'm really surprised that Antec didn't start using better PSUs in these things, especially since they're so popular.

Dyloot
 
T

Techno Pride

Member
Oct 30, 1999
139
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76
The 7700 comes with Fanmate2. I think the VF700 comes with the 5v/12v adaptor. Assuming you're not using some heavy duty power hungry parts, you should be fine turning both of the fans down.

The stock fan is pretty ok (to me) at 5v, but I would really prefer to have a Coolermaster LED/UV on the back.

EDIT:

my drive suspension on the Sonata. Prob not the best implementation out there, at least it helps reduce noise better than the stock grommets.
 
Last edited:
T

Techno Pride

Member
Oct 30, 1999
139
0
76
Originally posted by: Dyloot


My biggest gripe about the Sonota is the stock power supply that comes with it. I built an Athlon 64 rig with a Lanparty nf3 a few months back for a friend, and the 380w power supply is barely cutting it.

I'm really surprised that Antec didn't start using better PSUs in these things, especially since they're so popular.

Dyloot
Click to expand...


how did you determine that the TP380S was "barely cutting it"?
 
M

Mik3y

Banned
Mar 2, 2004
7,089
0
0
Originally posted by: Dyloot
My biggest gripe about the Sonota is the stock power supply that comes with it. I built an Athlon 64 rig with a Lanparty nf3 a few months back for a friend, and the 380w power supply is barely cutting it.

I'm really surprised that Antec didn't start using better PSUs in these things, especially since they're so popular.

Dyloot
Click to expand...

*sniff sniff* what's that i smell? oh wait! i know! it's bullsh!t! maybe you should sober up and learn that antec makes some of the best psu's money can buy. as for the 380W, what makes you think it's barely cutting it for your rig? you can handle an fx-55, 6800 ultra, 2gb ram, 2 hd's, optical drives, sound card, and etc with it. if u wanna know something about psu's, wattage isnt everything.
 
0roo0roo

0roo0roo

No Lifer
Sep 21, 2002
64,795
84
91
you are NEVER limited by psu connectors. Y connectors for psu's are cheap.. maybe a buck each. frys and online places...or microcenter has em. or any local computer shop to boot:p

the default config uses the truepower for controlling the 120mm..since that psu has fan control. if you run it off a normal connector without speed control i'm guessing it will run much faster and louder as most antec fans do. as it is setup the 120mm in mine does run rather slowly. i never tested with mine, its hooked up to the psu and its quiet. that being said the seasonic should be slightly quieter than a trupower.
 
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Dyloot

Senior member
Dec 4, 2004
302
0
76
Originally posted by: Mik3y
Originally posted by: Dyloot
My biggest gripe about the Sonota is the stock power supply that comes with it. I built an Athlon 64 rig with a Lanparty nf3 a few months back for a friend, and the 380w power supply is barely cutting it.

I'm really surprised that Antec didn't start using better PSUs in these things, especially since they're so popular.

Dyloot
Click to expand...

*sniff sniff* what's that i smell? oh wait! i know! it's bullsh!t! maybe you should sober up and learn that antec makes some of the best psu's money can buy. as for the 380W, what makes you think it's barely cutting it for your rig? you can handle an fx-55, 6800 ultra, 2gb ram, 2 hd's, optical drives, sound card, and etc with it. if u wanna know something about psu's, wattage isnt everything.
Click to expand...

Who said that Antec doesn't make quality PSUs?

As for the 380w not cutting it, the DFI nf3 that's currently plugged into the sucker runs OK as long as you don't plug in a graphics tablet and a digital camera. When I do, the board often doesn't post on reboot until you reset the bios and unplug the USB devices.

RGone at DFI-Street identified the issue as a power problem and suggested I buy a better power supply:

I had the DFI engineers add a UsB booting fix or "try to" to the NF3 bioses and it 'helped' some people. A point to consider is the 'power' drawn by UsB devices from the 5Volt line is considerable and tablets are suspect as current hungry to my mind. For sure 380watts is very low for the NF3 by DFI as those boards were meant to fly and the parts and pieces draw a good deal of power to do that "flying". A powered UsB hub might be a cure. A better, more powerful power supply like this one I use might help.
Click to expand...

If you're calling BS that's fine, I was just relating my personal experience. I have no problem with Antec, and plan on replacing my Sparkle 400w for an Antec 550w in the coming months. That doesn't change my opinion that the Sonata should ship with something better than a 380w supply... perhaps like the 480w supply that you're currently using?

Dyloot

 
M

Mik3y

Banned
Mar 2, 2004
7,089
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0
Originally posted by: Dyloot
Originally posted by: Mik3y
Originally posted by: Dyloot
My biggest gripe about the Sonota is the stock power supply that comes with it. I built an Athlon 64 rig with a Lanparty nf3 a few months back for a friend, and the 380w power supply is barely cutting it.

I'm really surprised that Antec didn't start using better PSUs in these things, especially since they're so popular.

Dyloot
Click to expand...

*sniff sniff* what's that i smell? oh wait! i know! it's bullsh!t! maybe you should sober up and learn that antec makes some of the best psu's money can buy. as for the 380W, what makes you think it's barely cutting it for your rig? you can handle an fx-55, 6800 ultra, 2gb ram, 2 hd's, optical drives, sound card, and etc with it. if u wanna know something about psu's, wattage isnt everything.
Click to expand...

Who said that Antec doesn't make quality PSUs?

As for the 380w not cutting it, the DFI nf3 that's currently plugged into the sucker runs OK as long as you don't plug in a graphics tablet and a digital camera. When I do, the board often doesn't post on reboot until you reset the bios and unplug the USB devices.

RGone at DFI-Street identified the issue as a power problem and suggested I buy a better power supply:

I had the DFI engineers add a UsB booting fix or "try to" to the NF3 bioses and it 'helped' some people. A point to consider is the 'power' drawn by UsB devices from the 5Volt line is considerable and tablets are suspect as current hungry to my mind. For sure 380watts is very low for the NF3 by DFI as those boards were meant to fly and the parts and pieces draw a good deal of power to do that "flying". A powered UsB hub might be a cure. A better, more powerful power supply like this one I use might help.
Click to expand...

If you're calling BS that's fine, I was just relating my personal experience. I have no problem with Antec, and plan on replacing my Sparkle 400w for an Antec 550w in the coming months. That doesn't change my opinion that the Sonata should ship with something better than a 380w supply... perhaps like the 480w supply that you're currently using?

Dyloot
Click to expand...

i'm just saying all this because i have an antec sonata. what are the specs on your system? 380W is more than enough for 95% of computer users out there. i only got the neopower because of the sleeved and removable cables to go with my window since the True380 was just a cable mess.
 
D

Dyloot

Senior member
Dec 4, 2004
302
0
76
Originally posted by: Mik3y
Originally posted by: Dyloot
Originally posted by: Mik3y
Originally posted by: Dyloot
My biggest gripe about the Sonota is the stock power supply that comes with it. I built an Athlon 64 rig with a Lanparty nf3 a few months back for a friend, and the 380w power supply is barely cutting it.

I'm really surprised that Antec didn't start using better PSUs in these things, especially since they're so popular.

Dyloot
Click to expand...

*sniff sniff* what's that i smell? oh wait! i know! it's bullsh!t! maybe you should sober up and learn that antec makes some of the best psu's money can buy. as for the 380W, what makes you think it's barely cutting it for your rig? you can handle an fx-55, 6800 ultra, 2gb ram, 2 hd's, optical drives, sound card, and etc with it. if u wanna know something about psu's, wattage isnt everything.
Click to expand...

Who said that Antec doesn't make quality PSUs?

As for the 380w not cutting it, the DFI nf3 that's currently plugged into the sucker runs OK as long as you don't plug in a graphics tablet and a digital camera. When I do, the board often doesn't post on reboot until you reset the bios and unplug the USB devices.

RGone at DFI-Street identified the issue as a power problem and suggested I buy a better power supply:

I had the DFI engineers add a UsB booting fix or "try to" to the NF3 bioses and it 'helped' some people. A point to consider is the 'power' drawn by UsB devices from the 5Volt line is considerable and tablets are suspect as current hungry to my mind. For sure 380watts is very low for the NF3 by DFI as those boards were meant to fly and the parts and pieces draw a good deal of power to do that "flying". A powered UsB hub might be a cure. A better, more powerful power supply like this one I use might help.
Click to expand...

If you're calling BS that's fine, I was just relating my personal experience. I have no problem with Antec, and plan on replacing my Sparkle 400w for an Antec 550w in the coming months. That doesn't change my opinion that the Sonata should ship with something better than a 380w supply... perhaps like the 480w supply that you're currently using?

Dyloot
Click to expand...

i'm just saying all this because i have an antec sonata. what are the specs on your system? 380W is more than enough for 95% of computer users out there. i only got the neopower because of the sleeved and removable cables to go with my window since the True380 was just a cable mess.
Click to expand...

It's nothing special. A DFI nf3, Athlon 64 3400+, Leadtek 6600gt, a WD 7200 rpm SATA drive, an optical drive, and, of course, the back 120mm fan and the stock HSF. Nothing, I figured, that a 380w wouldn't handle. His stupid drawing tablet seems to have created a power issue, and the DFI boards are finicky when it comes to power.

I didn't post to debate on the quality of Antec PSUs. I respect the company and plan to purchase one of their 550w PSUs later this year. I am annoyed that a brand new Sonata came with a supply that one of the most respected DFI online authorities is telling me doesn't cut it, and because of it I will not buy another 380w PSU in the future. It is my opinion that Antec should have released a new version of the original Sonata with a better PSU.

Dyloot
 
T

Techno Pride

Member
Oct 30, 1999
139
0
76
there are 2 versions of the TP380S. The newer one comes with SATA connectors and is able to supply more amps on the +12v rail. Pretty much capable of handling any stock A64 + 6600GT.

The new one's prob an ATX1.3 spec and shouldn't have problems supplying enough amps on the +5v rail for lots of USB devices.

with regards to the tablet issue, is the user trying to run too many devices off a single USB port on the mobo?
 
G

Gerbil333

Diamond Member
Jan 28, 2002
3,072
0
76
Originally posted by: Dyloot
It is my opinion that Antec should have released a new version of the original Sonata with a better PSU.

Dyloot
Click to expand...

They're working on that. The Sonata II will come with an Antec Smart Power II 450W PSU. I don't know how well that will stack up to the TruePower II line, but it's probably more powerful than the older TruePower 380W.
 
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MJGunn

Golden Member
Aug 28, 2001
1,983
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0
I'm running an old antec case right now (If I recall correctly, the 1035b, the one before they put the little flip-up for usb/firewire ports). Right now all I run is 2 80mm exhaust fans in the rear, and the front is open enough for good airflow. Should I be ok with the Sonata (Sonota 2, probably).

I keep the computer in a desk cubbyhole, so the airflow is important, it has to get all its cool air from up front.
 
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