Thanks for the review, I'm curious how this compares with the Caviler 3 since they are about the same price at SVC right now (under $60 shipped w/o power supply)?
I just bought this case and couldn't be happier... Isn't it funny how personal opinion differs on cosmetics because this case was won hands down for me. (I have the black/silver model with perspex window).
My only gripe is with the front fan as it runs a little loud, though I replaced it with the CoolerMaster Ultra when I ditched my P4-3.0 hetsink/fan combo for a Zalman 7000B-AlC. (On another note, the supplied power source is very quiet for a case priced in this range, and I haven't had the need to change it). Even though the drive bay clamps do look a little weak they are very sturdy when pushed into place and I haven't had any probs when swapping my drives around.
If you're thinking about buying this case and have any questions or want to know my specs for comparrison please feel free to email.
Cheers,
Jeremy
AnnoyedGrunt: Good point. The I/O ports all connect directly to the motherboard. We have seen many instances where the FireWire port would pass out through the back and attach to an external port but in this case all ports attach to a capable motherboard.
I have a few suggestions to add to the article:
1. Please mention exactly how the front ports are attached to their repsective components - For example, do the cables attach to headers on the MoBo, or do they use pass through cables and plug into the ports on the back of the MoBo?
2. The PCI slot covers are knock offs, instead of separate pieces, and cannot be replaced easily once they are removed (as far as I can see). I think this should be mentioned as a negative if it is indeed true.
3. The HDD clamping system is nice, but it would be even nicer (IMO) to use rubber isolators on the drive. I think you should mention that as well.
I am most curious about how those I/O cables attach to the MoBo, so if you could answer that I'd appreciate it.
One of my primary concerns with these reviews stil remains. Though the quality appears to be improving. Probably due to editor involvement. Anwyay, here's the concern: no where in the article did it mention who actually made this case, the fan or the power supply.
LocutusX: That is correct, in place of the NorthBridge results for the Centurion we have entered our results for the single nForce chip and left the Southbridge results for the previously benchmarked cases. This change results from the switchup of our testbed motherboard.
"Some of these had clean, elegant designs that were extremely attractive, while a handful of others were designed with themes that were extremely unattractive and did not appeal to AnandTech readers at all.
From the comments posted, we came to the conclusion that the majority of our readers, instead of having a fancy-looking product lacking the features that they need, would rather have a case with a very simple look and with only those certain features that they can't do without during their regular use."
You win today's Stating the Obvious Award. Congrats!
In any case, thanks for listening to your readers. We very much appreciate the non-butt-ugly case reviews.
That case is available in blue and red in addition to the silver (I like the blue, personally). In addition to the toolless drive bays, I like the fact that it's quiet. Add a low-noise 80mm fan like the Nexus (17.6 dB) or Papst (12 dB) and the noise levels would drop even more.
Degrador: The order of those specs were wrong. The 120mm is rated at 13dBA and their 80mm is actually rated at 25dBA. This has been fixed in the article. Thanks for pointing that out. :)
I know another site has reviewed the Cooler Master Praetorian, but I would like Anantech to review it. I like the look of it better than the Lian Li cases,and from everything I have read/heard it is very sturdy, and an exceptional case, as long as you replace the stock fans.
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21 Comments
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Macattak1 - Friday, September 21, 2007 - link
Went to put in a 4th HD. Does not accepts. Case only comes with 3 HD slides mounts or what ever they are called.So now I have to email CM and hope they respond and I don't find out that I have to pay $10 s/h and $5 per or something like that.
Peace and Blessings
serval - Thursday, February 24, 2005 - link
Thanks for the review, I'm curious how this compares with the Caviler 3 since they are about the same price at SVC right now (under $60 shipped w/o power supply)?Any contrasting information or thoughts?
boogietronix - Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - link
I just bought this case and couldn't be happier... Isn't it funny how personal opinion differs on cosmetics because this case was won hands down for me. (I have the black/silver model with perspex window).My only gripe is with the front fan as it runs a little loud, though I replaced it with the CoolerMaster Ultra when I ditched my P4-3.0 hetsink/fan combo for a Zalman 7000B-AlC. (On another note, the supplied power source is very quiet for a case priced in this range, and I haven't had the need to change it). Even though the drive bay clamps do look a little weak they are very sturdy when pushed into place and I haven't had any probs when swapping my drives around.
If you're thinking about buying this case and have any questions or want to know my specs for comparrison please feel free to email.
Cheers,
Jeremy
Dantzig - Sunday, September 5, 2004 - link
Finally, a case that doesn't look like a toy. Thank you!PuravSanghani - Thursday, September 2, 2004 - link
AnnoyedGrunt: Good point. The I/O ports all connect directly to the motherboard. We have seen many instances where the FireWire port would pass out through the back and attach to an external port but in this case all ports attach to a capable motherboard.We will try to mention this in future reviews.
AnnoyedGrunt - Thursday, September 2, 2004 - link
I have a few suggestions to add to the article:1. Please mention exactly how the front ports are attached to their repsective components - For example, do the cables attach to headers on the MoBo, or do they use pass through cables and plug into the ports on the back of the MoBo?
2. The PCI slot covers are knock offs, instead of separate pieces, and cannot be replaced easily once they are removed (as far as I can see). I think this should be mentioned as a negative if it is indeed true.
3. The HDD clamping system is nice, but it would be even nicer (IMO) to use rubber isolators on the drive. I think you should mention that as well.
I am most curious about how those I/O cables attach to the MoBo, so if you could answer that I'd appreciate it.
BTW, I think this case looks very nice.
-D'oh!
whitelight - Thursday, September 2, 2004 - link
#2 - some ppl prefer steel cases because they dampen sound better than aluminum cases.PuravSanghani - Wednesday, September 1, 2004 - link
Mday:Manufacturer: Cooler Master
Product: Centurion 5
Hope that clears up some confusion! :)
Purav
SilthDraeth - Wednesday, September 1, 2004 - link
Adul I guess he might of thought that Cooler Master Centurion 5 was the entire name of the case, and didn't realize that Cooler Master is a company.Adul - Wednesday, September 1, 2004 - link
case is made by cooler master. Did you miss that?Mday - Wednesday, September 1, 2004 - link
One of my primary concerns with these reviews stil remains. Though the quality appears to be improving. Probably due to editor involvement. Anwyay, here's the concern: no where in the article did it mention who actually made this case, the fan or the power supply.PuravSanghani - Wednesday, September 1, 2004 - link
LocutusX: That is correct, in place of the NorthBridge results for the Centurion we have entered our results for the single nForce chip and left the Southbridge results for the previously benchmarked cases. This change results from the switchup of our testbed motherboard.LocutusX - Wednesday, September 1, 2004 - link
What are you referring to when you listed South Bridge temps? I believe the NF3-250 chipset doesn`t have a South Bridge.Phiro - Wednesday, September 1, 2004 - link
Hey now, I liked that Spider man case!ggnl - Wednesday, September 1, 2004 - link
"Some of these had clean, elegant designs that were extremely attractive, while a handful of others were designed with themes that were extremely unattractive and did not appeal to AnandTech readers at all.From the comments posted, we came to the conclusion that the majority of our readers, instead of having a fancy-looking product lacking the features that they need, would rather have a case with a very simple look and with only those certain features that they can't do without during their regular use."
You win today's Stating the Obvious Award. Congrats!
In any case, thanks for listening to your readers. We very much appreciate the non-butt-ugly case reviews.
Deinonych - Wednesday, September 1, 2004 - link
That case is available in blue and red in addition to the silver (I like the blue, personally). In addition to the toolless drive bays, I like the fact that it's quiet. Add a low-noise 80mm fan like the Nexus (17.6 dB) or Papst (12 dB) and the noise levels would drop even more.goku21 - Wednesday, September 1, 2004 - link
Not a fan of this case. I do like the meshgrill in the front, but the silver added into it turns me off. I like my case to be a single color.The other thing I didn't like about this case is that it's a mid-tower case.
On the plus side though, the tool less drive bay features are cool.
PuravSanghani - Wednesday, September 1, 2004 - link
Degrador: The order of those specs were wrong. The 120mm is rated at 13dBA and their 80mm is actually rated at 25dBA. This has been fixed in the article. Thanks for pointing that out. :)SilthDraeth - Wednesday, September 1, 2004 - link
I know another site has reviewed the Cooler Master Praetorian, but I would like Anantech to review it. I like the look of it better than the Lian Li cases,and from everything I have read/heard it is very sturdy, and an exceptional case, as long as you replace the stock fans.Can you try to get a Praetorian for review?
mongoosesRawesome - Wednesday, September 1, 2004 - link
For nearly the same price, you can get the aluminum Cooler Master Praetorian (w/o the 350 watt power supply). Why would anyone get the Centurion 5?Degrador - Wednesday, September 1, 2004 - link
Umm... An 80mm fan rated at 13dB?? Might wanna change that to 33dB (I assume) - half way down page 4...