• 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.

So is the BQE just a better version of the Sonata?

Caveman

Platinum Member
One review said Antec took everything they learned from the Sonata and put it into a better case called BQE... Agree or no and why or why not... PSU not important as I will be throwing it away...
 
Well according to the guys over at silentpcreview, they reviewed both the 3700AMB, 3700BQE and the sonata. This is what they had to say at the conclusion of thier BQE review.

"Between the 3700AMB and the 3700BQE, which would I choose? It depends.

* If I didn't want to mess with cutting out the grills I'd go with the 3700BQE.
* If I wanted the best "turnkey" Silent PC case I'd go with the 3700BQE.
* If I was willing to mod the fan grills myself and was going to replace the PSU and case fan with the quietest versions I could get, I'd go with the 3700AMB.

Between the 3700BQE and the Sonata, which would I choose?

* The 3700BQE, no matter what. It breathes better so it'll run cooler at the same noise levels, it's roomier inside and it costs less money than the Sonata. The one thing the Sonata has going for it is the front Firewire port, but that's not much of an obstacle to work around in order to start with a better case."


So according to them, the BQE is the way to go.
 
why get either if you wont use the psu anyway? kinda wasting money. if you dont need a psu you can get nicer cases without psu in that price class.
 
I do like the coolermaster case alot...

My dream case is:
aluminum
black (with maybe so silver trim)
quiet (but doesn't have to be whisper quiet)
cool enough for a mid-aggressive O/C (90nm 3500+)
removable MB tray
Door on the front to cover "ugly" drives

I was thinking Lian Li, but for whatever reason, almost none of their cases come with a door on the front : (

 
Originally posted by: Caveman
One review said Antec took everything they learned from the Sonata and put it into a better case called BQE... Agree or no and why or why not... PSU not important as I will be throwing it away...


Another option is to purchase the Antec case from Directron.com. They'll let you swap the stock power supply for any other power supply of your choice. Another option is to buy a power supply and sell the 380W PS on eBay.
 
Case is going in a Loft/Living/Study area so it has to "look good"...

Thanks for the links Thermalrock, I'll look into those... If memory serves, I ruled out a few of the Lian Lis because of noise from 80 mm fans... Would like to try a case with 120s... The Thermaltake case with the blue anodize accent is nice, but I'm not crazy about the accent... wishing it was silver or just all black

As for the AntecCSR lead... Is this case "shiney" or more like a raw, brushed finish...? I'm not to fond of the shiny cases... fingerprints, etc... Can this case be purchased with a window?

The Directron tip is good; save me the Ebay hassle... I assume they give credit for the PSU?
 
Don't get too excited about Directron, I just went and checked it out. They'll take $5 off the price with no power supply. If you sub in a different supply, you save $3 off the price of buying that power supply separately (at least $3 off the specific one I checked out - normally $56, you can swap it for $53.01).
 
Originally posted by: Jeraden
Don't get too excited about Directron, I just went and checked it out. They'll take $5 off the price with no power supply. If you sub in a different supply, you save $3 off the price of buying that power supply separately (at least $3 off the specific one I checked out - normally $56, you can swap it for $53.01).


I got this case back in late October. At that time the case was listed for around $75. I chose their option to swap out the power supply and it only cost me another $43 to upgrade to the Antec TrueBlue 480 that is priced at $83 regularly.

After reading this post I went back and priced the same system again and confirmed that now they're only giving like a $3.00 credit making the total $156.00. Guess they changed their policy.

As for the AntecCSR lead... Is this case "shiney" or more like a raw, brushed finish...? I'm not to fond of the shiny cases... fingerprints, etc... Can this case be purchased with a window?

Caveman, the Sonata is a very shiny case, almost like the finish on a car. The BQE is a bit more of a flat, brushed finish. Neither case can be purchased with a window.
 
That's great news... I guess I can live with a "steel" case... I wanted aluminum, but I think the BQE and it's variants actually support my desires more closely.

Aside from weight, what's the big problem with steel? I know it's not as good at radiating heat, but I'd guess the effect is negligible (in a non conductance thermal environment). The other thing I'd assume is that it's not as good for water cooling as steel will readily rust unlike aluminum..



 
Woah, a steel case should not rust when watercooling, the water should never come into contact with the case itself.


Originally posted by: Caveman
That's great news... I guess I can live with a "steel" case... I wanted aluminum, but I think the BQE and it's variants actually support my desires more closely.

Aside from weight, what's the big problem with steel? I know it's not as good at radiating heat, but I'd guess the effect is negligible (in a non conductance thermal environment). The other thing I'd assume is that it's not as good for water cooling as steel will readily rust unlike aluminum..

 
Back
Top