Up front
Initial impressions of the Sonata III 500 are positive, although the lack of a fitted case-badge is a bit unusual. However, a self-adhesive Antec badge does come in-pack.
Clearly, Antec is not just aiming this chassis solely at the home builder - system integrators are key customers, too. Its dimensions of 463(w) x 206(w) x 425(h) mm make it one of the smallest chassis we have looked at in quite a while but, at 9.1kg, it's still a hefty little thing since it's made of steel.
The case itself is fronted by a carbon-coloured plastic panel with a horizontal chrome strip where the front ports are located. It's a very simple affair overall but has a bit more shape to it than other Antec cases we've looked at recently.
The included Antec badge rounds off the front door nicely - system integrators, of course, will put there own brand there. The indentation makes the placing of the badge easy enough, just peel off the backing paper and align it accordingly. It feels very old-school to apply your own case badge but surprisingly rewarding.
Although the front is plastic, the rest of the case is steel and finished in high-gloss black at the sides, on top and even underneath. Two locks are fitted, one on the front door and another on the edge of the integrated handle on the left-hand side panel.