Antec Sonata Elite Super Mini Case Review

Posted by: David Mitchelson () on: 02/11/2009 11:15 PM [ Print | 0 comment(s) ]

Installation and Conclusion
Installing all of the components inside the Sonata Elite was a relatively easy process. The first device to install inside this case is the PSU. Installing it after the motherboard will only result in complications because of the beam that spans across the depth of the case. Inside the Elite, there is a fair amount of room and installing components is quite easy.

Installing the 3.5" devices was a doddle thanks to the new system in place. All that has to be done is release two screws from whichever section you wish to install the device, slide the fixture out, install the fixture onto the device and slot the fixture back into the case and screw up. This suspends the device at a totally different angle than normal, tucking it out of the way and allowing for multiple drives to be installed in a smaller amount of space.

Although the Elite is directed at those who thrive on silence and isn't particulary a gaming enclosure, the latest graphics cards will just about fit inside. I installed a NVIDIA 260GTX inside the Elite.

Along with the latest graphics cards, large coolers will also fit nicely into the case. During the installation I fitted a Noctua NH-U12F inside the case, and the tower-like heatsink sat just inside the side panel of the chassis.

As we have mentioned previously in this review, Antec have included an exhaust fan that you can attach towards the rear of the case, near the expansion slots. Installing this was very easy and I did see some significant drops in temperatures especially the GPU temperatures. I saw a good 2C drop. So these additional functionalities do indeed make for a very versatile case.

Conclusion

My opinion of the Sonata Elite is very high. The good design ideas and construction of this case are clearly evident. Antec have focused their efforts in supplying us with a case that dampens out the noises and droning of components from within the chassis, in attempting to fulfil this they have chosen to opt out of incorporating tool-less operations for installing 3.5" devices, expansion cards and optical drives. Not only does this reduce the noise in the case over tool-less designs, it allows the structure to be firm and better quality that will last longer.

The Sonata Elite certainly meets those conceptions, it reduces the noise levels significantly, this is helped by the thick deep panels and sound proofing. The Elite looks like a case of quality and it will stand on your desk looking shiny and proud.

I'm confident the Antec Sonata Elite will do well in a market that thrives on whisper quiet operations and sleek designing. It's big enough to fit the latest and greatest hardware thus appealing to a vast majority out there seeking to purchase a new case.

Vortez Hardware would like to thank Antec for supplying this case.

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