Antec Solo Black/Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Pros: Excellent Contruction, Intuitive Design and QUIET!!!

Did I say Quiet? I was nearly desperate for a quiet pc solution, having grown tired of the constant drone of fan noise coming both from my case fans and my outdated 4850 video card (I have since ordered, but not yet received/installed a replacement 'fanless' 5870).

This review is intended to compare with past experience using the same components.

I have tried numerous different cases, each of which seemed promising at first, only to grow louder as the fan speed needed to increase to cool the internal components. Even with the lack of a front case fan, the Antec Solo case seems to keep components as cool as when I would remove the side off of other cases.

Upon taking it out of the box, you can tell by its weight that it is a made from a heavier duty steel than most. It just 'feels' nice.

Also, I like the very clean integration of the USB ports on the front of the case, which are both stylish and easily accessible.

Cons: The case fan that ships with it is a little loud, though there is a fan controller included. I needed to set it to low before I considered the sound acceptable. I was concerned that my case temps would increase because of this, but so far this hasn't happened. I recently ordered a 120mm Nexus Real Silent replacement case fan, which I think may be even quieter.

At first, I though the lack of a front intake fan was going to be bad for cooling, but again, not a problem so far. Though I don't really think I'll need it, I have also ordered a 92mm Nexus Fan for the front as well. If it doesn't add much noise, I'll keep it in there.

The PSU was a little difficult to install, and if it ever needs to be replaced, it will surely require removing the cpu heatsink. It's a fairly large PSU (Zalman 850), and it really seems like it needs more support towards the front, because it's mildly distorting the metal where it mounts at the rear. Not Antec's fault I guess, but thought I'd mention it.

Overall Review: All in all, I REALLY like this case!

I really don't understand the negative reviews I've read here. I suspect many of those may not be familiar with all of the features that have been intelligently designed into this case.

For example, some people have mentioned that it is difficult to work behind the front door... but it removes really easily. Once you open the door, just lift up on it and it pulls right off the hinges. It is plastic, so you need to be careful, but it's not flimsy.

Same goes for the inside steel door hinged in the opposing direction, which serves as a fan mount, and covers the hard drives. Again, it is designed to pull right off the hinges if you open it and lift up.

Finally, yeah it's a little tight in there, but if you build it right, you shouldn't need to service it very often. Besides, if you need more space than this, then c'mon, it's YOU that has obviously chosen the wrong case.

Pros: Attractive
Panels are solid and well constructed
Spacious
Good selection of front ports
Fairly quiet

Cons: Reset button suddenly snapped off after a few months (really irritating to happen after a BSOD, which was unrelated to the case)
Rear fan bearing started rattling at medium and high RPM settings after a year
Front double doors to reach the 3.5" drive bays are very awkward
Ventilation is poor

Overall Review: Han shot first.