Will Antec Sonata hold back overclocking?

[thelawnet]

I'm pretty close to buying a Sonata case, mainly because it looks nice and contains a good power supply.

My system specs will be

AMD Sempron Socket 754 2800+
512MB cheap PC3200 RAM
Cheap Socket 754 motherboard (not sure which one) that will overclock well
Existing 7200rpm Seagate 160GB hard drive
Existing 5400rpm Maxtor 40 GB hard drive
NEC 3520a dvd burner
ATI Radeon 7000 AGP

Anyway, will the poor cooling of the Sonata affect my overclocking abilities?

And would a SmartPower 350W based system (16A on 12v rail, compared with 24A on Truepower 380W that comes with the Sonata), such as the Antec SLK1650b provide enough power for my system to overclock to its full potential?

I don't really care that much about noise, I just like the look of the Sonata. I like the Sonata because it's *mini*, no honking towers for me thanks. Other recommendatiosn would be good, but I'm mainly looking at Antec, as other premium brands are more expensive and I am on a budget.

 

[stackingreasyBBs]

Meh, I would get the Sonata. The case cooling shouldn't hold you back (up to a point) but the CPU cooling might. I'm at 2.1GHz on my A64 2800+ with a 3700BQE, which has similar cooling potential to the Sonata. System temp is like 33 or something around there, but the CPU (with stock cooling) never goes below 48. So if you're really gonna push it, I would invest in a Zalman or XP-90 or 120 if it will fit. Plan on running a divider with that RAM, I would think. Of course, YMMV with a Sempron, which is probably a different animal when it comes to OCing.

 

[charlietee]

My experience with the Antec Sonata is not a positive one.

Very poor cooling even with the misplaced front 120m/m fan...Another concern that just drove me crazy is the way it sucks dust into all of your optical drives.

I also found that the 380watt TruePower not up to overclocking...The blue power light's on the case just bugged me to death...Way too bright.

If you like that case the SLK3000B is a much improved version of the Sonata...Can be had for under 50 dollars delivered to your front door.

Add this 350watt Fortron power supply.

This combination is way better than the Sonata.

If you can afford just a bit more that 120.00 dollars, opt for the 500watt Fortron BlueStorm...Killer set-up...Excellent cooling in a very up to date case with an absolute beast of a power suppy.

Just my humble opinion of course.

 

[Nessism]

It's true that the Sonata is not a great cooler, but I doubt it will hold back you back as long as you get a good cpu cooler. The new improved 380 True Power power supply is a good one and has plenty of juice to drive your system.

Just make sure to get another fan for the front and place the case on a hard surface to allow the lower bezel opening to draw air.