Alternative to Antec Sonata?

[case-info-pls]

I need some case recommendations. I'm looking for something like an
Antec Sonata.

It's a bit too expensive (I pay UK prices) although getting a power
saves buying another one.

I want to have several hard drives, quiet fans, decent build
quality, and easy to access to change things.

There are some niggles with the Sonata which I would like to avoid
such as:

(1) the front door is flimsy and I don't want one anyway
(2) very shiny finish (fingerprints)
(3) quirks with USB connectors (plugs can short on the case metal)
(4) rubber feet provided for hard drives come off easily
(5) drive rack position makes the cable/connector space very cramped

Any ideas?

 

[>]

I need some case recommendations. I'm looking for something like an
Antec Sonata.

It's a bit too expensive (I pay UK prices) although getting a power
saves buying another one.

I want to have several hard drives, quiet fans, decent build
quality, and easy to access to change things.

There are some niggles with the Sonata which I would like to avoid
such as:

(1) the front door is flimsy and I don't want one anyway
(2) very shiny finish (fingerprints)
(3) quirks with USB connectors (plugs can short on the case metal)
(4) rubber feet provided for hard drives come off easily
(5) drive rack position makes the cable/connector space very cramped

Any ideas?

Check out Computer Shoppers review of cases:
http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/labs/241/pc-cases/introduction.html

I've recently built a few systems using the C&J Computers EZcool K-110
case.
It's a low cost case with a budget psu included.
(For a decent system fit an alternate psu)

Case has 4 x 5.25" bays, space for 5 x 3.5" HDD's & 1 FDD.

No case fans are included but the case enables one to be fitted in front
of HDD's and another at the rear.
Both locations are drilled for either 80, 90 or 110mm fan sizes which is
nice.

Front panel has a small connector panel on the R.H.S. giving 2 x USB, Mic
& Headphone 3.5mm jacks.
Also has a couple of front covers for 5.25" optical drives which I don't
like and discard.

Generally though for the price it's ok.
Versatile too in that you can fit fans to front, rear or both of 3
different sizes.
Price - about £30 inc VAT (including 500W / 24 pin budget psu)

 

[Flasherly]

I need some case recommendations. I'm looking for something like an
Antec Sonata.

It's a bit too expensive (I pay UK prices) although getting a power
saves buying another one.

I want to have several hard drives, quiet fans, decent build
quality, and easy to access to change things.

There are some niggles with the Sonata which I would like to avoid
such as:

(1) the front door is flimsy and I don't want one anyway
(2) very shiny finish (fingerprints)
(3) quirks with USB connectors (plugs can short on the case metal)
(4) rubber feet provided for hard drives come off easily
(5) drive rack position makes the cable/connector space very cramped

Any ideas?

1- Remove it (I use mine to conveniently hang Grado 80 headphones). 2-
Oh, well-o-well (brushed aluminum Antec here). 3-Shrink tubing. 4-
Epoxy the backside inserts (I prefer a folded towel the width of
cases).
5-Buy low-profile cables, &/or add tie wraps spiral cable wrap (PATA
is becoming obsolete, anyway).

http://www.newegg.com/Store/BrandSubCategory.aspx?Brand=1516&SubCategory=7&name=Antec-Computer-Cases

The plan is for lots of granularity in narrowing in on specific
features, then change the sort to reviews/popularity -- bingo, after
reading some interesting reviews, something should popup.

 

[SteveH]

I need some case recommendations. I'm looking for something like an
Antec Sonata.

It's a bit too expensive (I pay UK prices) although getting a power
saves buying another one.

I want to have several hard drives, quiet fans, decent build
quality, and easy to access to change things.

There are some niggles with the Sonata which I would like to avoid
such as:

(1) the front door is flimsy and I don't want one anyway
(2) very shiny finish (fingerprints)
(3) quirks with USB connectors (plugs can short on the case metal)
(4) rubber feet provided for hard drives come off easily
(5) drive rack position makes the cable/connector space very cramped

Any ideas?

Check out Computer Shoppers review of cases:
http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/labs/241/pc-cases/introduction.html

I've recently built a few systems using the C&J Computers EZcool K-110
case.
It's a low cost case with a budget psu included.
(For a decent system fit an alternate psu)

Case has 4 x 5.25" bays, space for 5 x 3.5" HDD's & 1 FDD.

No case fans are included but the case enables one to be fitted in
front of HDD's and another at the rear.
Both locations are drilled for either 80, 90 or 110mm fan sizes which
is nice.

Front panel has a small connector panel on the R.H.S. giving 2 x USB,
Mic & Headphone 3.5mm jacks.
Also has a couple of front covers for 5.25" optical drives which I
don't like and discard.

Generally though for the price it's ok.
Versatile too in that you can fit fans to front, rear or both of 3
different sizes.
Price - about £30 inc VAT (including 500W / 24 pin budget psu)[/QUOTE]

I'd be surprised if that PSU even delivered 350w.
Personally, I wouldn't spend as little as that on just the PSU, let alone
the PSU and case.

 

[>]

I'd be surprised if that PSU even delivered 350w.
Personally, I wouldn't spend as little as that on just the PSU, let alone
the PSU and case.

I don't doubt what you say about the psu hence my comment - "For a decent
system fit an alternate psu"

The case however IMO represents excellent value for the money and although
it is without all the frills of screwless mounting for drives etc, it is
never the less well designed, has a good air flow, is spacious and will
accomodate large gfx cards and plenty of drives.

 

[SteveH]

I'd be surprised if that PSU even delivered 350w.
Personally, I wouldn't spend as little as that on just the PSU, let
alone the PSU and case.

I don't doubt what you say about the psu hence my comment - "For a
decent system fit an alternate psu"
[/QUOTE]

Therefore the o/p may as well get a Sonata.
As it happens, I've got to do a build in a Sonata, later this week.