Antec Launches New Sonata Proto Case for PC Enthusiasts

[btarunr]

Antec, Inc., the global leader in high-performance computer components and accessories for the gaming, PC upgrade and Do-It-Yourself markets, today announced the Sonata Proto, the newest addition to Antec's critically acclaimed Sonata line of Quiet Computing enclosures. Based on the worldwide best-selling Sonata III 500, the Sonata Proto combines improved noise reduction and powerful cooling with a modernized aesthetic and affordable price.

In response to popular demand, the Sonata Proto sports a new matte black exterior for an extra stylish edge, as well as an interior 2.5" SSD mount for convenience. The standard Sonata combination of improved cooling performance, whisper-quiet operation and enhanced flexibility is retained, as the chassis features one rear 120mm TwoCool 2-speed exhaust fan, as well as seven expansion slots and ten drive bays (three 5.25" external drive bays, two 3.5" external drive bays, the 2.5" bay and four 3.5" HDD trays).



The Sonata Proto's hard drive bay utilizes a modular tray system with vibration-absorbing silicone grommets, assuring Quiet Computing. Additionally, the Sonata Proto has convenient front-mounted USB and HD audio ports, features a built-in washable air filter for quick and easy cleaning and supports Mini-ITX, microATX and Standard ATX motherboards.

"For many users, the cost of building a reliable, quiet and efficient computer can be challenging," said Scott Richards, senior vice president of Antec. "With Quiet Computing performance and plenty of space for full-featured builds, the Sonata Proto offers system integrators and PC enthusiasts a proven design at an affordable price."

The Sonata Proto is available now for an estimated price of $74.95 through major retailers, e-tailers and distributors. The Sonata Proto is backed by Antec's AQ3 Antec Quality 3-Year limited warranty on parts and labor.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[qwerty_lesh]

They claim powerful cooling features, however I haven't seen any decent cooling innovation for the sonata series since the Sonata II Air-guard kits were available.

This thing looks just like a Sonata III without the e-sata.

One good thing though, at least it doesn't look like the Sonata designer, seriously what were they thinking with that train wreck.

 

[karnak]

I have always found the front USB ports on Sonata cases to be extremely easy to break. Only design flaw noted.

 

[mechtech]

Ahh the good old sonata 3, I have built 4 pc's with them. And every time I do, I send Antec my list of "needs improvement" and 3 yrs later still nothing.

-I think the door hinge should be on the other side since more often than not the PC sits on the right side of the chair, or be able to open either way.

-the leds are like lasers, they should protrude slightly to be observable from any angle, and be green for power and red for hdd

-the support bar should be notched to allow psu removal when the system is fully assembled, or have an adapter so it can be removed from the back.

-the rear fan doesnt have a 3pin mobo header anymore-so sad

-only available in black, what about [white, red, and a few others]

-case should be about 2 inches longer for clearance between big vid cards and internal fan i [if used]

- the ducting from the sonata 2 should be brought back and the user should decide to use it or not

-they finally have decent spacing between the usb ports, but i would prefer 3, and 1 esata and firewire would be nice

-the front mic and stereo jacks are not labelled in any way whatsoever

-a minor gripe, maybe an inch taller to allow for 1 inch between the bottom of the mobo[atx] and bottom of the case, for certain configs and cables, etc.

I think if Antec implemented these into the Sonata then it would truely be a great case, instead of a satifactory case.

Do it Antec, I'm waiting for a Sonata 4, listen to the people!!!

 

[FreedomEclipse]

id take the Centurion 590 OR the Antec 300 for that matter over this one.

 

[TIGR]

I've long liked the Sonatas as quiet enclosures with high build quality per dollar for not-too-extreme systems—particularly the Sonata III 500 with its included 500w Earthwatts PSU. They simply feel and are solid and well-built, which customers appreciate, so I've used them for scores of rigs—just ones that didn't require insane cooling. This new one looks good, nothing revolutionary. If it were available bundled with the 500w (or better) Earthwatts for $80-$85 shipped, I'd buy a dozen and start building, maybe keep a few on hand for future builds. That bundle would sell fine at the $110-$120 price point too and I'd consider it to be well worth it, but given the deals I've gotten on the Sonata III 500 in the past, I think a lower price is possible and would make it popular, to put it lightly.

Only thing I would prefer is a bottom-mounted PSU.

This is the kind of case I like to see: well built, simple, reasonably quite, and at a good price. No fancy grills, flashy crap, etc.

 

[theeldest]

I my sonata.

It's quiet. It's black. It's pretty.

 

[Deleted member 24505]

It looks like a coffin from the front.

Doh its not a full front view *nutkicks self*

 

[TIGR]

It looks like a coffin from the front.

Doh its not a full front view *nutkicks self*

Good stuff right there.

 

[runnin17]

Owned a Sonata III 500. Sold it for what I paid for it ($65), glad to be rid of it.

 

[HeroPrinny]

You've even ruined your own fridge line, So Antec your going back to good looking designs again?

 

[TIGR]

Owned a Sonata III 500. Sold it for what I paid for it ($65), glad to be rid of it.

Why?

 

[runnin17]

Thing collected dust like crazy. Was fairly quiet, but now I only use full tower cases.