Cooler Master CM 690

Ooh.. I've been wanting a new, cheap, case. Looks like that might be it, there's a 40$ discount going on at newegg off the retail 79$ price

:O Worth it, definitely IMHO

Would be nice if it had a clear side panel, but ah well, can't have everything I suppose. The watercooling holes are a real plus, as is the bottom mounted PSU. I'm so tired of having my PSU at the top. Bleh.

Guess adding a side clear panel and re-mounting the power/reset buttons and lights would make for a nice and neat weekend mod project I spose though

Does the 80mm fan behind the mobo do anything? I've always wondered

There wasn't one in when we tested, but the idea is to cool the back of the CPU I think. The fan is exactly where the CPU goes.

I've seen this case in person, and it is a nice looking case. Nice review as usual guys, cheers.

Sam

Nice case for modding, would a dual 120mm radiator fit in the top (inside) or do i have to place it on top with the fans on the inside in push mode. Also there looks to be room on the bottom next to the psu to fit a single 120mm radiator. Dish the hd tray and place pump/reservior there and move hds to 5 1/4 slots with some nexus disktwins

Deleted

Originally Posted by Tile
The interior design leaves lots to desire because the hard drives don't get any cooling at all. The blowholes on the side panel look like those on the noname cases.

What do you mean? There is a 120mm intake fan right in front of the HDD rack. Good cooling in my book. Its a nice case but sadly it costs 85€ around here which doesnt bring it in the value sector at all as i can pick up better cases (LL, Silverstone) for 90-100€. If the price translation would be better i would buy it.

Great, and just in time for Christmas too. I hope that Father Christmas hasn't got me anything yet...

On the cooling front, how does it manage record a lower CPU temperature when the GPU stress test is going than when it is idle? It seems a bit counter intuitive. (along with have a case temp below room temp, although that probably the thermometer)

There are actually many extra screws included, they are screwed in place near the back of the 5.25 drive cage.

Looks like a decent case for watercooling without breaking the bank.

I love this case and I completely agree with the review. Its only fault is that it isn't as sturdy as other cases, but they had to cut costs somewhere. I am planning on putting my next all Intel system in that box. I'd sure love to see that case filled with fans and watercooling doodads...

According to Slickdeals.net, ZipZoomFly has this case for $40. It comes with a $30 MIR making it $10. Pretty good deal, I think.

i have the case and im pleased with it run cool and silent,i think he was a bit harsh with the build quality tho defo deserveda bit more great case bang for buck.

Only problem I have with it.. I have my watercooling sealed with silicone and my reservoir is a 2.5" bay mounting one.. and I get the feeling things won't fit too happily.. Then again, if I get it off ZipZoomFly the case is only 10$ hmmmm.. Tempting

I'm thinking of upgrading to this from an Antec P180. I know the noise is a bit more, but the P180 is far too heavy and far too difficult to upgrade! Especially the hard disks!

Difficult to decide between cases like this and the anubis though. Anubis has the + that it seems to have nice build quality, but this is cheaper and lighter. But this is made of plastic in parts!

Anyone who has this who has had a P180? Or am I the only one insane enough to take this upgrade path?

"On the cooling front, how does it manage record a lower CPU temperature when the GPU stress test is going than when it is idle? It seems a bit counter intuitive. (along with have a case temp below room temp, although that probably the thermometer)"

i noticed that too, how is the CPU cooler when stressing the GPU then when the PC is idle.

in the spirit of the way the article was written, get those thermometers back out, i demand a retest!!!

lol j/k.

Originally Posted by DarkLord7854
The watercooling holes are a real plus

The grommets only accept up to 1/2" OD tubing, which is a bit limiting.

Originally Posted by Fozzy
Does the 80mm fan behind the mobo do anything? I've always wondered

There's no fan, and there is not enough room for even slim fans, nor are there mounting holes. To the best of my guessing, I'd say that the holes are for ventilation only, and that the recess and two screws are meant for a filter or something like that.

Originally Posted by [USRF]Obiwan
Nice case for modding, would a dual 120mm radiator fit in the top (inside) or do i have to place it on top with the fans on the inside in push mode. Also there looks to be room on the bottom next to the psu to fit a single 120mm radiator.

If you're creative, I'm sure you can fit a 120mm rad at the bottom. There are mounting clips which are too large to secure a 120mm fan, so perhaps it's for a 120mm radiator or slightly larger fan.

As for the top of the case, there may be room for a 240mm radiator inside the case, and two 120mm fans above the steel grill but below the top black grill. It'll be tight though. You may be better off mounting the rad on top, but if you put the fans inside, they're going to see a lot of airflow restriction unless you cut out the black meshing on top of the case.

One thing I really don't like about the cas is that the HD mounts are plastic and feel really flimsy. Then again, I suppose it's necessary for the trays to be toolless.

The HD rack can't be rotated right?

Originally Posted by DarkLord7854
The HD rack can't be rotated right?

Correct.

120mm fans above the steel grill but below the top black grill

you cant do that there not enough space and clip at the bottem is for a 140mm fan

I just got this case Im pleased:)

I'm looking forward to getting mine on 8th June!! - :D

My co-worker brought it in to work today. It's okay. Study. Cheap, relatively, for what you are getting. But CoolerMaster has usually erred on the stale side of dressiness, for me. It just doesn't have class.