Antec Sonata III 500 Quiet Super Mid Tower ATX Case (Black)

by Antec

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 21.8 x 10.8 x 19.5 inches ; 20.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 24.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000QAVVAM
• Item model number: SONATA III 500
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #28 in Electronics > Computers & Add-Ons > Computer Components > Computer Cases
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 6, 2007

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Antec Sonata III 500 Super Mid Tower combines style, silence, and efficiency. The Sonata III is whisper quiet when it comes to system noise and the High Definition front audio ports ensure that music will be crystal clear. Use the convenient front eSATA connector for simple data transfer. It is all powered by the EarthWatts 500-watt power supply unit, which is equipped with universal input and Active PFC. This power supply unit is 80-plus certified, one of the most efficient available.

The Antec Sonata also features improved overall air intake for better and quieter cooling. To keep your systems running cool, it has one rear standard 120-millimeter TriCool fan with a three-speed control and one optional front 120-millimeter case fan. This case has a total of nine drive bays--three 5.25-inch external bays, two 3.5-inch external bays, and four 3.5-inch internal bays that are held in individual trays with silicone grommets to absorb hard-drive vibrations. The Antec Sonata is designed to fit motherboards up to standard ATX. It measures 16.7 by 18.2 by 8.1 inches (HxDxW) and weighs 20.2 pounds.

Other features include:

• Metal double hinge door opens up to 225 degrees
• Constructed from 0.8-millimeter cold rolled steel for durability
• Built-in washable air filter to keep dust out of your case
• Front-mounted USB, eSATA, HDA, and AC'97 audio in/out ports

Product Description

EarthWatts 500 Watt power supply (80 PLUS certified) Front mounted USB, eSATA, HDA & AC 97 Audio In/Out ports 9 Drive Bays: - 3 x 5.25" external drive bays - 2 x 3.5" external drive bays - 4 x 3.5" internal drive bays in individual trays with silicone grommets to absorb hard drive vibrations Cooling System: - 1 rear 120mm Tricool fan (standard) with 3-speed control to balance quiet with cooling - 1 front 120mm case fan (optional) Motherboards up to Standard ATX

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

85 of 102 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Good case but BIG problem could damage system, February 20, 2008

By 

S. Roberts "scroberts3" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Antec Sonata III 500 Quiet Super Mid Tower ATX Case (Black) (Personal Computers)

There is a very big and annoying problem with this product. It does not adequately discharge static electricity. If it has been running for a while and you, or your pet, brushes up against the metalic insert on the front of the panel, you can discharge your energy and crash the system. This happens all the time for me when inserting a USB drive. Antec is aware of the problem, here is their response:

Comment: 1. We are working on this problem with a high priority, and have already tested multiple proposed fixes. Unfortunately, the problem is turning out to be more difficult than anticipated. The case is currently being tested in a special ESD lab.
2. The metallicized plastic IS grounded. That fact is one of the reasons this problem is proving so difficult to pin down.
3. We cannot refund monies that were not paid to us, but if a customer needs help returning product to a distributor we can usually help arrange that if the distributor is being uncooperative.
4. We actually expect an answer fairly soon, and as soon as we can we will be making it available to customers encountering this problem. We definitely apologize for the inconvenience, but Antec is well known for the quality of its customer service and for the way we stand behind our products.

UPDATE 3/17/08: As an update, Antec has come up with a solution. they have replaced the front silver metallic panel with a flat piano black panel. I have yet to see if this will fix the problem, but I think that bodes well to their commitment to fixing the issue.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent case for home theater PC. High wife approval factor., September 20, 2007

By 

Don Young (Sacramento, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Antec Sonata III 500 Quiet Super Mid Tower ATX Case (Black) (Personal Computers)

This is an excellent case for my home theater needs. Very quiet and extremely well put together. Installing the motherboard and drives was very easy. The locking front is absolutely essential if you have young children. It prevents them from powering on and off the system. I previously had one of my hard drives crashed by one of my cute little button pusher. Thank goodness for backups. Could not ask for a better case in this price point.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars kill the 2 &3 year old reviews, March 13, 2010

By 

Mark Dunbar "Mark C Dunbar" (Las Vegas NV. U.S.A.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Antec Sonata III 500 Quiet Super Mid Tower ATX Case (Black) (Personal Computers)

The product is excellent. I believe the 2&3 year old reviews should be removed as the company has fixed issues and all the old reviews do is diminish the products worthyness. Just sayin. If it was my product I would petition removals of any reviews past current manufacture dates.