Hello everybody,

I'm upgrading my old build from 2007, and wanted to ask for some advice as to the case. The old build was nested inside an Antec Solo, which I was very happy with - until both the power-up and restart buttons broke during the last year. It's not the end of the world - I can stick in a finger [a pinky for restarting, bent at a rather queer angle ] - but not very convenient either.

Thing is, the rest of the case is as good as it was 4 years ago, and as I intend to keep the PSU and fans, one option would be just to keep the old case, never minding the broken buttons. But if I decide to get a new one, which one would you recommend? (Solo II is not available in Israel yet, so that's not an option. I could get another Solo I, though I'd be basically paying $100 for two plastic buttons, which is a bit silly.) Size is of no issue, btw - I don't mind going bigger than the Solo - as long as it has a solid build and good acoustics.

Thanks in advance - any suggestions/thoughts will be much appreciated.

http://store.antec.com/Category/accesso ... parts.aspx

you might contact them via mail to inquire if there are any spare parts for your case.

Well, will your new system be more demanding than your current system? If not, I see no reason to upgrade the case, unless you want to try something new.

Now which cases to recommend?

NZXT H2
Fractal Design R3

At least that's the ones I can remember..

That's a brilliant idea, Pappnaas - will try that.

Kuzzia, thanks for the the reply - you ask the right question. No, the next system won't be any more demanding, and I'm not in any particular need to try something new; so if I can get spare power-up buttons, I think the case is solved

That sounds swell. I hope Antec have the necessary spare parts. They should have many in stock since many Antec Solo power buttons have broken over time.

Just got a reply from Antec. They can't sell the buttons by themselves, only the full front panel - and not from the Solo, but from the Sonata, which they claim is completely compatible, with the difference being only in the color of the frame ( - garish, but I don't mind it too much, the case sits under the desk anyway).

But the price... 35 Euros for the thing (~$46), shipping included. Do you guys think it's worth it?

I think it's worth it. The Solo seems like a good case, and if you intend to replace it with something similar, it would cost three times that price.

In germany there's no case in the range of 40€ that would come even close to Solo/Sonata. Coming in close, but probably needing some modifications up to swapping fans would be

http://www.nzxt.com/new/products/classi ... _210_elite
http://www.bitfenix.com/global/en/produ ... is/outlaw/
http://www.bitfenix.com/global/en/produ ... merc-alpha

You might even find a NSK4000 around this price range.

Since you'd be replacing the front panel assembly anyway...have you tried using superglue to re-attach the broken plastic reset and power buttons? I got another year out of my front panel doing this.

Thanks for the advice, guys. I too feel that it's worth it - I'm completely happy with the rest of the case, and if I can get another 4-5 years out of it for €35, it's good value for money.

Steve, I'm afraid I've thrown the buttons away a few months ago, when they broke. The connection point seemed so thin that I didn't even think of gluing the back (probably was worth a try, but, well.)

So, I guess case is solved

Oh man. With a pun like that, it better be your last post.

To avoid this happening again, see if there is a BIOS setting that will allow the keyboard to wake the system. That removes the need to use the power button on a daily basis.

Had this configured once, but forgot to tell my cat.