Intro

I opened an email one evening from BigAkita where he asked, “Do you want to review the new Antec Aria SFF case?” he then said, “The case only can hold a 9.5” by 9.5” mobo.” After checking out the DFI unveiling of this case at StompFest. I responded with a “Hell Yes!!! I'll find a board to fit that case no matter what!” After my first review of a case from Antec, the Sonata, I was more than happy to see if Antec is holding up their tradition on great quality cases. I knew the small form factor case (SFF) was uncharted waters for Antec, and I also knew I was in for a treat.

This is a new architecture for me. SFF cases have been gaining in popularity all over the world because of the performance that can be stuffed into such a small footprint. The ultra compact Shuttle has been leading the race with their SFF, but now other companies have decided to jump on the bandwagon. Shuttle is still leading but they have some competition biting at their heels. I liked the fact that Antec is not exactly jumping on the bandwagon but offering a path that is all their own. They are offering a SFF case with PSU and a Multimedia card reader, with the owner choosing the mobo combo. I hope you don’t think that’s all…it’s not.

Antec has added to their LifeStyle Series of cases with the little box known as the Antec Aria. The Aria is in a class all by its self; with an upgradeable SFF case, to a more powerful PSU, and not to forget the Antec Aria is labeled one of the quietest cases around. You now have a choice for many Micro ATX boards, up to three hard drives and with four expansion slots this case can compete with the big dawgs.

The Box in a Box in a Box

After the suppliers get enough complaints, or they actually read the reviews, they start to listen. This case was double boxed; I'm glad someone is paying attention to shipping problems. The box was well packed with Styrofoam peanuts and the internal box was unscathed.

The case has colorful box with a completed listing of details of the case and specifications.

Opening the box again you can see molded foam securely holding the case. Hidden in a "secret" compartment was the user guide. Once I pulled the case/foam out, I found an ATA cable. This cable is short, pre-sleeved, and doesn't’t look too pretty, but it's effective and is another nice plus from Antec.