A quick look at the Coolermaster CM690

[NickS]

How much clearance is there underneath the top bezel? I ask because I wonder if you could fit 2 fans on top between the case and the removal top instead of inside. If that were possible you mgiht even be able to pull off a PA120.2, which would be amazing

I think that might be doable.

[Movieman]

Nice review Nick and a nice case..Good design.

[mike8913]

I think that might be doable.

Nick, if you have the time and don't mind putting in the effort could you try and put the 2 120mm fans between the top and the bezel, just for reference? if it fights this will most likely be my next water cooling rig.

[NickS]

Nick, if you have the time and don't mind putting in the effort could you try and put the 2 120mm fans between the top and the bezel, just for reference? if it fights this will most likely be my next water cooling rig.

Bah, just tried, won't fit. Theres like a plastic shroud built in for the top 2 fans to guide airflow and that prevents it. I don't think its removable either. You could possibly gut it out and it might work, but it'd be close.



You can see it there. If you ripped out that pattern plastic crap and the guide around it it'd be fine.

[Start]

So is there enough room to mount an MCR-220 below the fans or I won't have enough clearance?

[NickS]

I think it depends on your mobo. With my mobo it'd probably hit my RAM.

[Start]

I think it depends on your mobo. With my mobo it'd probably hit my RAM.

I plan on putting the fan between the bezel (plastic shroud) and then mounting my radiator where you are suppose to mount the 120mm fans. I'm just not sure if I have enough clearance for the 120mm fan between the shroud.

[mike8913]

could repost that picture or e-mail it to me. I'm quite curious about it. mk8913@aol.com

[NickS]

I plan on putting the fan between the bezel (plastic shroud) and then mounting my radiator where you are suppose to mount the 120mm fans. I'm just not sure if I have enough clearance for the 120mm fan between the shroud.

I don't think it will fit, I tried.. still not enough room. The plastic design built in blocks it from going up flush with the metal mesh. If you removed the plastic waves it might.

could repost that picture or e-mail it to me. I'm quite curious about it. mk8913@aol.com

[Start]

I don't think it will fit, I tried.. still not enough room. The plastic design built in blocks it from going up flush with the metal mesh. If you removed the plastic waves it might.



[IMG][/IMG]

Looks like I'm going have to cut the wave off to get this thing to work, such a shame it would have been the perfect case for watercooling.

Here is another picture courtesy of Hi-Tech reviews.

[aznsniper911]

Nice review, just what I was looking for! Does the buttons feel cheapish and do you think they will last?

[Jodiuh]

If you mean the power button, it's in a horrible spot. How's lower right corner and it pushes @ an angle sound, lol? There's an equally lame reset switch as well. As long as you've got a board that can turn on via usb/ps2 or the uguru clock, it's a non issue tho. Now the top USB/Firewire/Audio/eSata jacks rock.

[NickS]

If you mean the power button, it's in a horrible spot. How's lower right corner and it pushes @ an angle sound, lol? There's an equally lame reset switch as well. As long as you've got a board that can turn on via usb/ps2 or the uguru clock, it's a non issue tho. Now the top USB/Firewire/Audio/eSata jacks rock.

LOL. I love them. My PC sits on my desk to the left of me so they rock

[DTU_XaVier]

Makes me want a new case
My Antec Plusview needs to retire, it's getting outdated, being 80mm fans all-around, except the rear exhaust fan...
And at sub-100$ it seems nice
Can you measure if an 8800GTX could fit in there?

Best Regards

[Jodiuh]

It does w/ an HR-03 and 120mm. Stays pretty damn cool if you use the side fan too.

[NickS]

Makes me want a new case
My Antec Plusview needs to retire, it's getting outdated, being 80mm fans all-around, except the rear exhaust fan...
And at sub-100$ it seems nice
Can you measure if an 8800GTX could fit in there?

Best Regards

8800GTX's fit great, even two. Coolermaster says the case is even "SLI Certified" lol

[o2bme]

I am thinking about dremel'ing the grid off the fan mesh on one of mine, The plastic waves part I was considering removing every other one. Thoughts?

[Jodiuh]

DO IT! While you're at dremel the rest of those forsaken grills. I'd be willing to bet you not only lose noise, but also about 5-7C on your HDD's...hell, even your case will get some goodness.

Grills = the devil...air filters and cleaners are for dust control

[Start]

Bleh, stupid CM couldn't allow you to fit the 120mm between the molding. Doing some measurement, if CM added another 20mm to the molding, this case would be perfect for water cooling.

[o2bme]

Not to hijaak NickS, just thought you the perfect people to ask on this,

My galaxy, temporary solution, does not fit quite right it stradles the two vents on the bottom. Do I run it upside down even with the risk of venting into the case?






EDIT: NEVER mind! Suppose its too late to hide the post - The big fan is the intake. Still hard to fit in the case, but I love these 690's

[Jodiuh]

Just hope nothing falls in the open grill now. I like fans w/ 80's, preferably 2 for bottom mounts. This way there's no restriction for airflow and I don't risk facing a big hole up...ocz powerstream 520 was easily my favorite psu.

[DTU_XaVier]

Hmm... looking closer at your pics, it seems that all the fan-slots are capable of supporting even 92 and 80mm fans... Could you check to see if that's right for me? I've got 3 80mm fans I could use in the empty top-slots, so I wouldn't need to buy too many new 120mm

Best Regards

[NickS]

Hmm... looking closer at your pics, it seems that all the fan-slots are capable of supporting even 92 and 80mm fans... Could you check to see if that's right for me? I've got 3 80mm fans I could use in the empty top-slots, so I wouldn't need to buy too many new 120mm

Best Regards

Yup they do

[Jodiuh]

Hehe, how about 140's? I know at least the top 2 and side 2 support 120 or 140's.

[DTU_XaVier]

Yup they do

Thanks a bunch
Too bad the case isn't even available here in Denmark yet... I really want one