The idea of moving a computer into the living room is not a new one. Video-out, surround sound, and DVD drives make the PC a versatile multimedia component, and this did not go overlooked by tech savvy users. Adventurous case modders turned old stereo equipment into computer cases, while manufacturers released a variety of colored enclosures to meet this emerging market segment.
My first attempt at home theater PC was a simple black ATX case that was concealed inside my entertainment center. While this setup worked, it was not the cleanest solution to the problem, and in the end it still looked like a PC in the entertainment center. I had seen case mods that converted stereo equipment into PC enclosures, but for a guy with a full time job, family, and no Dremel skills, this was not an option.
Antec’s Overture Piano Black Quiet Media Case is part of the Lifestyles Series, and has been designed to integrate perfectly into a home theater system, providing PC enthusiasts with an off-the-shelf solution for that multimedia PC project. Using a sleek black desktop design, the Overture combines Antec’s superb build quality, full-size ATX capability, and a noise reducing features, resulting in a PC enclosure that blends into the home theater system or living room. The specs for this case read pretty much like any other ATX case on the market, but as you will see, the Overture is far from average.
Features:
TruePower 380Watt ATX12V power supply features a single-fan design for ultra-quiet operation.
Front mounted USB & IEEE1394 (FireWire) ports
Front Audio ports
7 Drive Bays:
- 2 x 5.25″ external drive bays
- 2 x 3.5″ external drive bays
- 3 x 3.5″ internal drive bays with rubber grommets to absorb hard drive vibrations
Motherboards: Standard ATX
All-
Yeah the Antec case looks great, but the Power supply is a custom deal, with the cords, coming out the same side as the power plug inside the case. Because of this, replacing it is annoying, as you have to get the replacements from Antec. Having now gone through two power supplies I can attest that this is the big draw back from this case.
I second Richard’s comments. I’m waiting for my third PSU replacement from Antec – 10 days after warranty ended. Not sure if they will. PSU design is obviously bad. No alternates will fit mechanically. Don’t buy Antec!
The PSU on my Antec Overture died, so I ordered a generic replacement only to discover that the original PSU was customized for the case. From the sounds of the comments above, I’m not sure it’s worth ordering a replacement from Antec.
Anyone ever find a replacement PSU for this case? I have had two power supplies go bad on me, and now need a replacement. I would say buyer beware for this case! It looks great, but the odd ball Power supply makes it a bad selection.
I had a dead PS in the Overture from the get go. While waiting for Antec to replace the bad supply, I cut up another make and made it fit. This was not an easy job and required sheet metal modification of the PS case, kwik-nuts, soldering and other exotic work arounds. I now have a spare supply (the replacement from Antec), and a prototype custom supply that still works after two years of constant use! — (Picked a good one to mod, and have been real lucky!) It took quite a few hours for my not so nimble fingers and brain to figure out how to make it work without blocking the vents or the fan. I had to relocate the power cord input and put a plate over the original standard power supply cutouts for the power input and the switch on that supply.
I love the case, but the “Special” power supply from Antec was probably the worst one they ever designed, and a web search on this case will verify a lot of folks had problems with it. Look around for a “garbage” Overture case and you will at least have the “blown” supply to swap good guts into. Then you will at least have all the connectors for the latest motherboards. Oh yeah, don’t bother to swap out a “cheapo” supply if you bother to do this. Might as well spend some bucks and get a good reliable “heavy duty” supply from a known manufacturer. My experience would indicate that any supply will fit into the antec power supply case, and you’re effort would be soldering some wires etc, and you wouldn’t have to do sheet metal work. I used Enermax for my project.
Tom