Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsGood size and features - overheating issues
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 28, 2022
***Edit***
After using this case for 2 weeks, I noticed heat issues when the CPU was under load. I have an i7 CPU, not overclocked, and during Lightroom exports, the core temps were hitting 100. Moving the dust filter to the top helped a bit. I installed a fan in the front, and that helped too, but it made the PC loud, and it was running a lot. I also increased the fan speeds and usage times. I think that the problem is that the PSU is mounted vertically at the top on the front of the case, so it blows exhaust right onto the CPU. That also means that there is no cool air intake. directly in line with the CPU. An intake fan in the bottom of the case doesn't do much, since it's right against the ground, there is a dust filter, and the GPU blocks it. A fan in the front of the case at the bottom of the front panel isn't in line with the CPU. Removing the front dust filter helps a bit, but then the case will fill up with dust.
*****
I was building up a new PC, and I like to keep the tower under my desk, but I only have about 17" of space, so I needed a shorter tower, preferable with the power button and USB on the front or side. Also, I needed a case that would hold an ATX MoBo and a large GPU. I was deciding between this one and the Lian Li 011D Mini.
I have to admit, I really wanted the Lian Li, because of the extra room, build quality, and aesthetics, but it had a couple of drawback. The buttons and ports are on the top, it's a little wider, and it has a lot of glass, so I was afraid of hitting it with my foot and shattering a panel. Also, the Lian Li was more than 2x as expensive, and I feel like a case is one area where I can cut corners a bit. Also, although it looks pretty, I'm not planning to install a bunch of LED lights, and I'm keeping it under my desk anyway, so it's not really a showpiece.
I would say that this case, the Cooler Master, so far has met my expectations.
Pros:
The build quality is decent. I didn't run into any sharp edges or poorly-cut panels.
The looks are understated and minimalist, which I like.
Space is well-used and well designed, so you can fit a lot into a smaller space.
Shorter tower.
Buttons and ports on the side.
I/O panel can be placed in many positions.
Can be positioned vertically or horizontally.
I really like the little carriers for the drives. They will each hold 1 HDD or 2 SDD (or 2 small HDD). It's easy to take them off, so you don't need to remove the screws from the drive every time you need to get access to something or if you want to move the drives around.
Cons:
The space is a little tight, and it's hard to reach all of the MoBo screws, but it's a smaller case, so that's to be expected.
The instructions are basically useless, but you can pretty much figure everything out.
The PSU is in a strange spot, and you lose access to the main power switch if you have one.
I'm not sure why the PSU is in a little carrier, but I'm glad they included an extension cord, and you can always unplug it from the outside, since there is no main power cutoff switch.
Acrylic panel isn't as nice as glass, but it's cheaper and won't shatter.
The I/O panel has a flimsy attachment to the case, so it bends a bit when you plug in a USB
Overall, fit, finish, build quality and features make this a good buy at this price point.
