Antec Sonata II (cont'd)

The external drive sled comes out of the front after pressing the tabs in on either side, making it very simple to install floppy drives or a couple of additional hard drives.


Click to enlarge.

For the 5¼” drives, purple rails are used, and much to our appreciation, they are actually held right in the bay covers in pairs, which makes perfect sense.

To secure the rails, normal optical drive screws are used, then the drive slides in from the front until it locks in place. While this isn't completely tool-less, it still is easier than having to take off both sides just to install or remove optical drives.

In terms of construction, the Sonata II, just like its predecessor, is a very solid case. Its steel construction definitely has something to do with this, but other elements factor into the equation as well, such as the larger-than-normal crossbar.


Click to enlarge.

This bar will help support the weight of even the largest power supplies out there, but by the time you include the weight of all the steel and beefy components, don't expect this case to be easy to move around.

Before we move on to our next case, we wanted to show at least one shot of the duct placed over our Zalman cooler as best we could muster.


Antec Sonata II (cont’d) ThermalRock Eclipse
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  • Phantronius - Friday, September 9, 2005 - link

    My P180 is the last case I'll ever buy. I love you Antec!!!
  • leviathan19 - Friday, September 9, 2005 - link

    the 1200 is deeper yes but is still mid tower class it fixes the psu problems and more space is always better for work with it
  • Zepper - Friday, September 9, 2005 - link

    Re. cases that come with PSUs. Either rate the PSU too or deduct the portion of the price that the PSU represents from the case price so you are comparing apples to apples price wise.
    . And I don't care for the looks of a lot of the cases on the market either. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. My case is a Silverstone Berserker which many think is fugly...

    .bh.
  • kmmatney - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link

    I don't see why people make such a big deal out of aluminum cases. In my experience, they are flimsier and louder than steal cases, and more prone to rattle. I don't see why anyone would pay so much money for one...
  • at80eighty - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link

    DRTFA yet, so forgive me if its been covered

    You guys have any leads on cases with more fans?

    with the new VGA's and CPU's i think a cooler case than a cooler-looking case is a better investment..

    any pointers people?
  • johnsonx - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link

    RTFA, and no forgiveness for you!

    The Antec P180 is a quiet cooling dream I think. I looked at one on display over at Fry's and just about wet myself. Then I looked at the price tag and decided to stick with my old, free, boring, beige case. But if the price is no objection, I can't imagine purchasing anything else.
  • at80eighty - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link

    thanx mate! the p180 looks pretty sweet! the price is OK (just about) for me :)

    plus it doesnt have that HEY LOOK AT ME IM AN ATTENTION WHORE!!! look.

    /hope this case shows up in my part of the world :-(
  • Cygni - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link

    I saw one case that i would even consider putting next to my desk.

    If you are supporting the case mfts making these hideous beasts by buying them, i personally hate you.
  • leviathan19 - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link

    why they used this one the 1200 is a better version and fix the psu problem...

    there is missing the pc75b and the TT shark those are nice cases too
  • OvErHeAtInG - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link

    The 1200 is much deeper, for extended-atx boards I think. Definitely not something I would get except for a big duallie rig.

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