Antec Sonata and Raidmax Questions

[GrfxArt]

Hi; Newbie here :) I'm planning on building my third home computer soon and have been browsing this forum to get an idea of what components to get for my build. Plenty of great information I've picked up. Thank you.

I've done a forum search on Raidmax and from what I've read it seems that the PSU that comes with the Raidmax case is not highly favored.

What about the Raidmax PSU that are sold seperately (not w/ case), such as this one:

http://shop4.outpost.com/product/3895157

(It says Fudin, but I've seen the box at Fry's Electronics, it's labeled Raidmax)

I like the Antec Sonata Case but the front cover could be a problem. What would be the next best choice, one without a front cover?

[Redfallon]

try looking at NewEGG.com (http://www.newegg.com/app/manufact.asp?catalog=7&DEPA=1) or X-Oxide.com (http://www.xoxide.com) I have used both with no problems from either. Fortron, Sparkle are two good PSU's coming to mind, the other guys know the complete list. Also you could try a search for PSU threads. Hope that helps

[ghost2003]

antec sonata front cover isint optional, your stuck with it. But there MANY other good cases out there.

[Glaive]

What's the big deal about the front cover? Do you just really hate having your optical drives covered by a door?

[ghost2003]

If you pust disks in and out all the time then it can be annoying but it doesnt bother me.

[mikezel]

the antec sonata door cover is <i>easily</i> removable. like 2 seconds. you just push a tab with your finger. the case still looks pretty good without it too.

[Panama Red]

Originally posted by mikezel
the antec sonata door cover is <i>easily</i> removable. like 2 seconds. you just push a tab with your finger. the case still looks pretty good without it too.

I'd disagree about "looks good without it too". Without the door, the slide rails are exposed to view. While they are quite a nice feature for quick and easy removal of a CD drive, they aren't that nice looking. Additionally, the key feature of the Sonata is the "Quiet". The drive cover helps muffle any internal noise from the hard drives, fans and power supply. Personally, I like the cover, gives a stealth look to the case.

[GrfxArt]

Originally posted by Glaive
What's the big deal about the front cover? Do you just really hate having your optical drives covered by a door?

I have two kids who will be using the computer plus you have to see where the computer is placed, basically on the floor next to the users legs when sitting at the desk and placing the computer in another area is not an option. I can see the door being a "hassle" and probably breaking off in no time.

I'll just select one of the other Antec cases without a front cover...problem solved.

[mikezel]

Originally posted by Panama Red
I'd disagree about "looks good without it too". Without the door, the slide rails are exposed to view. While they are quite a nice feature for quick and easy removal of a CD drive, they aren't that nice looking. Additionally, the key feature of the Sonata is the "Quiet". The drive cover helps muffle any internal noise from the hard drives, fans and power supply. Personally, I like the cover, gives a stealth look to the case.
sorry panama, youre right about the drive rails. its just that since i have my dvd drive in the bottom slot, i cant see them from where i sit. i guess you wouldn't want to be looking at them. i agree about the sleek look the cover gives, although i'm not sure that i hear much of a noise difference with/without it.

[Panama Red]

Originally posted by mikezel
sorry panama, youre right about the drive rails. its just that since i have my dvd drive in the bottom slot, i cant see them from where i sit. i guess you wouldn't want to be looking at them. i agree about the sleek look the cover gives, although i'm not sure that i hear much of a noise difference with/without it.

No apology necessary, just different perspectives. Probably the reason I tend to hear more in the front is because I did a little mod to the Antec-bullet-holes in the sides. I bought some clear plexiglass like you could use in a picture frame, 11X14, I think. (couple bucks at Home Depot) and cut it so it is a little larger than the area around the bullet holes inside the case. The I bought a roll of magnetic tape at Office Depot for $5 and cut it to fit all around the outside of the plexi panels. That allows me to completely seal the bullet holes from the inside without permanently messing up the case - snap them on or off. Then I added an Antec blue flashing cathode tube to the inside. It is tie wrapper to the psu support cross member. Shows nicely thru the plexi covered bullet holes. Now the air flow is forced to be drawn thru the front filter and the plexi covers dampen the fan and psu sound even more.

[ghost2003]

Originally posted by Panama Red
No apology necessary, just different perspectives. Probably the reason I tend to hear more in the front is because I did a little mod to the Antec-bullet-holes in the sides. I bought some clear plexiglass like you could use in a picture frame, 11X14, I think. (couple bucks at Home Depot) and cut it so it is a little larger than the area around the bullet holes inside the case. The I bought a roll of magnetic tape at Office Depot for $5 and cut it to fit all around the outside of the plexi panels. That allows me to completely seal the bullet holes from the inside without permanently messing up the case - snap them on or off. Then I added an Antec blue flashing cathode tube to the inside. It is tie wrapper to the psu support cross member. Shows nicely thru the plexi covered bullet holes. Now the air flow is forced to be drawn thru the front filter and the plexi covers dampen the fan and psu sound even more.

got to try that, you wouldnt belive the dust that my filter catches. You have a LED attached to that plexie? Dont think putting magnets is such a good idea though.

[Panama Red]

LED is the light stick attached to the psu support. Not directly attached to the plexi, just shines thru. Don't think the magnetic tape will cause any problem. It's against the case and shielded by the plexi and very weak. Been like this since I built it in early Nov. last year.

[mikezel]

i agree that the magnets shouldn't be a problem. i have seen cases with their front doors held on with (fairly strong) magnets. Panama, that sounds like a really cool idea. I've been thinking of something to do to my case without ruining its 'classy' look. i think i'll hafta try that. thanks :)

[SmokeytheBear]

GrfxArt

If you like the features of the Sonata, check out the Antec P160. Same "quiet" features but also has removable MB tray and no front door. Instead it has flip down bay covers that cover your optic drives. When they open, they push down the bay covers.
I wouldn't buy a case with a front door, just my IMHO.
P160 does not come with a power supply which gives you freedom to buy the one that you want. It is a few more dollars, though.

[GrfxArt]

thanks....I was admiring the P160 at the local Fry's Elec., nice case...but I might go for something a little more "basic" like the Antec model SX635BII (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-129-125&depa=1) .....the past two builds I've used mid-tower cases...what kind of possible problems could I run into with this mini tower?

[SmokeytheBear]

Probably the only problem will be it is a lot tighter inside when working on it. It has less drive bays, the MB mounts directly to the case, a good power supply and a reasonable price. If those features meet your needs I see no problem except for having to work in a tight space.
I do like the looks of that design better than the P160 but I needed more room and the quiet features.

[Deckard_BR]

I like my Sonata. Very sleek. I can see why it isn't for everyone, but I find it very easy to work with.

The screaming blue LED's up front don't hurt, either. :)

[ghost2003]

I like the front door but I would also like to have a mobo tray. It is very easy to work in, theres lots of space.