This case replaced CoolerMaster Wavemaster aluminum case so I had high expectations especially based on reviews. The case was somewhat disappointing due to the build quality and quality control. Unfortunately my old case could not accommodate MSI RTX 2070 Super due to HDD cages getting in the way.
GOOD:
- The case is not heavy and did fit all of my components. It would fit even larger video card but I hope no one makes a larger one. The case has lots of room inside and well designed.
- Cable management is quite well thought out, better than my old case. It is easy to route cables below the motherboard even without trying. I had trouble fitting 8 pin CPU connector through the provided hole, however.
- Two 120mm fans are included, one in the back and one in the front. Unless you overclock, there is no need to add more fans. My CPU is 13-14C with room temperature being 20C(69F)
- Lots of places to add fans if desired. Looks like 5 more fans can be added , creating a tornado inside of the case.
- Filter on the PSU fan opening under the case. Not sure how effective it would be, but it is better than nothing. The filter is removable.
- Tool-less installation for some of the components like drives and DVD drives.
- There are no sharp edges inside of the case. All edges are rolled and nice.
MINOR ISSUES:
- Quality control is so so. Paint was chipped as shown in the picture. Also one of the removable CDROM slot covers has a deep scratch on it. I had to touch up the paint chip with the auto touch up paint. You can see the chip in the right low corner on the case - it was quite visible because of the black case.
- LEDs are very bright and white in color. For some people it may be not an issue. I would prefer green or blue LED and a bit dimmer.
- Threaded holes are poorly made. The screws do not go in easy and require pre-fitting before they can go in. I would suggest running a tap before using any screws.
- Screws are painted black and not anodized and the paint rubs off easy from screwdriver or threading. Also screws have round heads not the old style hex heads. The Philips heads strips easy for some reason.
- USB connector did not fit on my motherboard. Most likely I have an old motherboard so this is really not an issue.
- Thumb screws on the card slots are much less useful than manufacturer claims. There is no way any fingers will fit in the space to tighten them so screwdriver must be used. Thumb screws are slotted so they can be used with the driver.
- Lots of holes for fans all over the place and they are not covered with any mesh or filters. I would expect a lot of dust to get in to the case. This is just a guess but time will tell if I am correct. Also small things like a screw can fall inside if accidentally dropped on top of the case. I think I will glue some sort of a mesh on the inside of the case.
- Motherboard stand offs are not removable and some hole are missing. My ATX motherboard has couple of holes that did not have standoffs or holes to put one in. My older case was much more flexible in that regard. Part of my motherboard is hanging without being attached as a result. The side of the board with the power connector is not supported by standoffs but only an inch from the holes there are standoffs available.
- Somehow my drives resonate more in this case and sound louder. Also could be that I can hear them better because of the holes on the top. I can hear my drives even with headphones on and before I could not hear them at all.
Over all the case is usable and there are relatively few cases without glass window, without RGB lights and with CDROM bays so this one probably a better one. It looks OK and fits large video card. The only major issue IMHO is motherboard standoffs. Personally I would look for a better case knowing what I know now.
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 2 |
|---|---|
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
