My take is they are basically the same; inside at least. Sonata Elite is described as "Two layer, steel with polycarbonate, side and top panels to deaden noise" & Antec Solo as "Dual-layer steel & plastic sound-deadening panels". They are both in the same family of cases listed here http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=MTk= with SOLO listed 1st & Sonata Elite mid-way down the list. Neither comes with an PSU.
Here is the case I have, Fractal Design R3. I really like it. You used to only be able to get them trough a Canadian company. It is a very nice, soundproofed case with plenty of options for 120mm and 140mm fans (side, 2 top, 2 bottom, two front, 1 rear (with a front and r provided and soundproof covers on the others.
There is plenty of support for cable routing including behind the motherboard.
Newegg.com - Fractal Design Define R3 Black ATX Mid Tower Silent PC Computer Case
Here is the manufacturers site.
http://www.fractal-design.com/?view=product&prod=48
They are quite similar. I think the only significant difference is that the Solo gives you the option of mounting the hard drives in a "bungee cord" arrangement that keeps the drive vibrations from being transferred to the case. I don't think the Sonata has that feature.
The drive cages in the Sonata are sideways and can impede air flow.
I think the Antec P150 is a Solo with a different paint scheme.
The Fractal cases are well thought of from a silence perspective also.
You would most likely be happy with any of these choices.
Here is a Sonata review:
Antec Sonata Elite ATX Mid-Tower Case | silentpcreview.com
Here is a thread on how to make the Sonata better than the Solo:
SPCR • View topic - How to make the Antec Sonata better than the Solo! [Guide!]
The power supply you have chosen, the Antec True Power TP-650, is on sale for 69.99 at New Egg. Regular price 129.99.
Free shipping.
Newegg.com - Newegg All-Stars Series: MEMORY! Seriously -- 8GB of DDR3 RAM for $75 and much more
Promo code EMCKFKJ27
Some G Skill RAM is also on sale in the same ad.
And a Fractal R3 case.
It's unclear how long the sale prices are valid.
One thing about that TP new 650 power supply - I have it - is that even though it is modular, there are a lot of non-modular cables coming out of it and the cable shrouds are very stiff and hard to manage, especially the SATA data and power cables. You can't use the successive connectors on the cable to got to neighboring drives (or even every other drive without forcing it) because the length between the connectors on the cable is too long and the cable is too stiff. While this power supply performs great, I wouldn't recommend it because of the cable management.
After reading the reviews the Solo seems to be the better of the 2 cases. :)They are quite similar. I think the only significant difference is that the Solo gives you the option of mounting the hard drives in a "bungee cord" arrangement that keeps the drive vibrations from being transferred to the case. I don't think the Sonata has that feature.
OK, almost ready! I've attached my order in from New Egg but have pushed the button yet. I'd like to get some final thoughts. As ignatzatsonic pointed out, there's some good deals going on until 4/7/2011. I could sub a 650w PSU & save $20. Also, Corsair RAM is on sale & would save $25. Both are listed @ Gigabyte's site for tested RAM http://download.gigabyte.us/FileList/Memory/mb_memory_ga-p67a-ud3-b3.pdf , at least G.Skills is but a lesser Gb version of Corsair's is listed which I would assume is the same.
Also, Commodore Pet made a suggestion to channel savings into an SSD drive. This would go good with silent PC goal in mind. The question is can I do this with an Win 7 upgrade disc as I have posted these concerns before PC refresh possible? . I think the answer is yes because HDDs & other hardware do go bad & there is a need to transfer product keys. My current C: is 75Gb so I wouldn't need a large one; 80-120Gb. SSDs of that size range $100-200.
I'll order on 4/4 or 4/5 so please post your final thoughts. Thanks.
Looks pretty good.
I'd definitely downgrade to the $70 TP-650 power supply. Even that will be overkill, but it's a great price.
The toolkit is an OK idea, but all you really need is a small Phillips head screwdriver.
I'd order a set of thumbscrews for the case if the Solo doesn't already employ them. Makes it much quicker and easier to get inside the case.
You might order some Arctic Silver 5. The CPU will include one batch of thermal paste, but you would need more if you ever had to remount or change the heatsink.
It appears you are going with the stock Intel heatsink to start with. That's fine as long as you understand you may not like its noise profile and you will have to upgrade if you do more than mild overclocking.
The wrist strap is a good idea. As I understand it, static discharges have a cumulative negative effect, even if they are so small as to not be felt.
Go to Gigabyte and get all the downloads.
You won't have any issues with an SSD if you choose to go that route.
Looks good. Just tell me what you think of the TP once you get it LOL
Quote