Antec Sonata Elite Mid Tower Case Review

Installation
Installation is a little different for this case, but still pretty simple. Your first step is to install your power supply, attach your motherboard standoffs and secure your motherboard. Nothing really out of the ordinary here.

Antec Sonata Elite Mid Tower Case Antec Sonata Elite Mid Tower Case

Installing an expansion card is easy, just simple remove the desired slot cover by unscrewing the screw. Remember, the expansion bay covers are reusable. Then attach your card to the motherboard and secure again with the screw.

Antec Sonata Elite Mid Tower Case Antec Sonata Elite Mid Tower Case

Now to the somewhat different part; installing a 5.25” drive. The first thing have to do is remove the bay cover for your desired slot. You don’t even have to remove the front bezel to do this; just simply press in on either side of the panel and it should release the cover.  Now you’ll notice that the cover may be a little heavier than usual. This is because there are two drive rails attached to the back of it. Nifty eh?

Antec Sonata Elite Mid Tower Case Antec Sonata Elite Mid Tower Case

The only trouble with these hard drive rails is that they don’t attach themselves to the drive. You have to manually attach four screws, two on either side, to secure the rails to the drive. Once you have them attached, just simply slide it in the open slot until it clicks. You may have to make some adjustments to the positioning of the rails on the drive to align it up with the front panel.

Antec Sonata Elite Mid Tower Case Antec Sonata Elite Mid Tower Case Antec Sonata Elite Mid Tower Case

The next interesting installation step is the 3.5” drive. My first glimpse of the case thought that this part would be interesting to complete, because I was unaware of how you actually had to install the drives. It turns out to be pretty simple. There are two drive rails for each drive, one on the top and one on the bottom, both being secured by a thumbscrew. The thumbscrew on the top rail sticks out in plain sight while the bottom drive rail rests next to the drive rail.

Antec Sonata Elite Mid Tower Case Antec Sonata Elite Mid Tower Case

Once you get them removed you have to actually screw them onto the drive. Most other cases I’ve seen simply snap in place, but a screw installation gives a more secure feeling for your drive.  Then just simply slide the drive back into position and fasten the thumbscrews.

Antec Sonata Elite Mid Tower Case Antec Sonata Elite Mid Tower Case Antec Sonata Elite Mid Tower Case

Attaching the included exhaust fan is pretty easy, just line it up with the slots on the back of the case and attach two screws to secure it in place.

Antec Sonata Elite Mid Tower Case Antec Sonata Elite Mid Tower Case

Once everything is in place you really don’t have a whole lot of room to work with inside of the case, but what do you expect for an almost mini tower case?

Antec Sonata Elite Mid Tower Case