• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Antec Sonata vs. 3700BQE

R

Rickyohead

Member
I posted a couple days about asking for recomendations on a quiet, roomy case. many of you suggested the Antec Sonata.

the 3700BQE seems to be the cheaper version of Sonata. Anyone have experiences with both? I am willing to get one of these even though I already have a brand new 480w PSU.

What I've learned so far:

Sonata: lighter, 80 CFM fan, slick surface hard to avoid finger prints, tighter work space
3700BQE: heavy, more space (extra 5.25 bay), cheap plastic door, no firewire in front
Both: black, quiet, good air flow, 2 USBs in front, removable front air filter?

is the 3700 made of steel? do you know if there will be white/beige models? thanks!
 
I think that I would recommend the BQE over the sonata. They have roughly the same qualities as far as sound. The sonata comes with some quieter fans and a quiet PSU, but you can easily put some nice quiet ones in teh BQU. Teh BQ is going to give you much better cooling than the sonata as well. They are known for great airflow. I currently have the 37AMG, but have worked with both, which is roughly the same as the BQE and I can barely hear it. The 2 120's are fantastic, and you just need a quiet psu. The cheap plastic door isn't that much of an issue unless you are banging it around quite a bit. And yes, the front air filter is removable/changeable whatever. THe BQ is made of steel, and I doubt they are coming out in white or beige. If you are really conscerned about noise, you can also throw in some of those sound panels in the bqe.

Cheers
 
There is a bronze (bronzish grey) 3700 as well.

The door is fairly sturdy. I had one of the original lanboy's that had the same door. I also have a 16 month old son who opened the door dozens (if not hundreds) of times with no ill effects. The only reason I got rid of it was because he could open the door easily and he kept ejecting the dvd and resetting the machine. I traded it for an Aria to put on my desk.
 
thanks for the insight. i'm going to shoot for the 3700bqe...it's just so darn expensive right now (about $100 online, no tax, including shipping, or ($100 in store, tax, no shipping). is fed ex saver reliable for getting a case shipped in perfect condition?
 
I like the Sonata (It was real quiet until I got a new mobo with fan on NB) but one slip and I found myself glueing the door hinge back on. the 2 120mm fans are really quiet.

The BQE is a great case as well....seems a bit more sturdy and roomy.

Both are good cases

Sonata : Shiny w/ flimspy door, looks nicer
BQE : not shiny, slightly stronger hinge,
 
The last case (raidmax) I recieved from Fedex had the box all torn up, wet, and falling apart. Surprisingly, the case was not damaged at all. But what sucks is that it is going to be a gift and now there is no box for it.
That was the first time out of about 30 where the box was hacked up.

I am sure part of the damage was due to the "cheap" box, though. Antec boxes are much stronger.

 
Originally posted by: RedWolf
There is a bronze (bronzish grey) 3700 as well.
Click to expand...

It looks identical to the BQE, but the Antec site is abit confusing. Do they both have rubber grommets, washable air filter, made of steel? Seems like the AMB has a slightly stronger 120mm fan (3dB louder) and 1 extra 3.5 internal bay. They are oriented differently, what do you prefer?

BQE inside

AMB inside
 
Why not go for the 3000-B? It combines the best parts from the BQE and the AMB and allows you to choose your own PSU.

This is probably what I'll be buying.
 
Originally posted by: Rickyohead
thanks for the insight. i'm going to shoot for the 3700bqe...it's just so darn expensive right now (about $100 online, no tax, including shipping, or ($100 in store, tax, no shipping). is fed ex saver reliable for getting a case shipped in perfect condition?
Click to expand...


I just ordered my bqe from amazon, should be here Wed via UPS.

I chose the free shipping. $86.44 no tax, free shipping

search for slk3700bqe
 
Originally posted by: FishTaco
Originally posted by: Rickyohead
thanks for the insight. i'm going to shoot for the 3700bqe...it's just so darn expensive right now (about $100 online, no tax, including shipping, or ($100 in store, tax, no shipping). is fed ex saver reliable for getting a case shipped in perfect condition?
Click to expand...


I just ordered my bqe from amazon, should be here Wed via UPS.

I chose the free shipping. $86.44 no tax, free shipping

search for slk3700bqe
Click to expand...

cool.

i ended up buying from amazon (free shipping friday) as well. I chose the slk3700amb instead (didn't want black). it was only sixty something dollars 🙂 and arrived yesterday. thanks everyone for the suggestions.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top