CM Storm Scout 2 Gaming PC Case Review

Manufacturer: Cooler Master Co., Ltd.
Product Name: CM Storm Scout 2
Model Number: SGC-2100-KWN1 (Black) / SGC-2100-GWN1 (Gunmetal Grey)
UPC: 884102019036
Price As Tested: $99.99 in Black or Gunmetal Grey (Newegg / Amazon)

Full disclosure: The product used in this review was supplied by Cooler Master

I reviewed the first CM Storm Scout when it was released in the first half of 2009. Back then, it was a unique combination of form, function, and swagger. The built-in handle made it a natural for LAN parties, but the size and weight meant two things - you could pack in some serious hardware, and you needed he-man muscles to carry it around. Perhaps surprisingly, that combination turned out to be very popular, and Cooler Master was encouraged to bring the basic design up to date. Kinda reminds me of the "Black Betty" VW Beetle commercial from a few years back... The 2012 version, called Scout 2, is larger in every dimension, but about .4kg lighter, out of the box. Part of that weight reduction can be attributed to the reduction in the number of fans supplied. The Original Scout had two 140mm fans that don't come with the Scout 2.

The design of the Scout 2 is very much true to the original, no major shifts in form or function have been introduced. The handle on top looks the same, but different, and yes it's improved. The airflow is generally the same, and is highly configurable, like the original. The drive bays are mostly arranged the same, but there's now a removable section of HDD storage, to accommodate longer (399mm) video cards. There's the same combination window/side fan mount on the left-hand side panel, but the 2012 version has the two fans side-by-side on the bottom in order to feed the graphics card more air. I could go on for quite a bit longer, but the basic premise is that almost everything that you liked about the original CM Storm Scout has been updated and improved. Every designer has the equivalent of Buyer's Remorse. As soon as the ink is dry on a new drawing, and the package has been released to manufacturing, the second thoughts start to creep in. "You know, I should have made that part a little stronger.", "I wish I'd spent more time on that front panel, it looks a little clunky.", or "Why did I let Frank work on that switch design, it looks like everything he's ever done - tacky." You get the picture; everyone wants a second chance to do it better. Heck, look at the divorce rate in the US, it's not just industrial designers who want another go....

CM Storm Scout 2 PC Gaming Case Features

• Ergonomic steel reinforced carrying handles bolted to support beams of the core structure
• Dual USB 3.0 support for 10x faster file transfer and high current smart phone / tablet charging (~1A)
• Supports up to 3 ODDs (tool-less), 7 HDDs and 2 SSDs for increased expandability
• Supports up to 9 fans, including dual 120mm fans on the acrylic side panel window
• Top panel LED switch to disable the LEDs of two separate LED lit case fans at night
• Supports all high-end graphics cards after removing the 1st HDD cage
• Dust filters for PSU (slide out) and top panel

CM Storm Scout 2 PC Gaming Case Specifications

Model: SGC-2100-KWN1 (Black) SGC-2100-GWN1 (Gunmetal Grey)
Color: Black (SGC-2100-KWN1) Gunmetal Gray (SGC-2100-GWN1)
Material: Polymer, Coated Steel Mesh and Body
Dimension: 230 x 513.5 x 517.5mm / 9.1 x 20.2 x 20.5 inch
Weight: Net: 8.3 kg / 18.3 lb
M/B Type: Micro-ATX, ATX 5.25"
Drive Bay: 3 (exposed) 3.5"
Drive Bay: 7 (hidden) 2.5"
Drive Bay: 2 (converted from one 3.5" drive bay)
I/O Panel: USB 3.0 x 2 (int.), USB 2.0 x 2, Mic x 1,Audio x 1 (supports AC97/HD Audio)
Expansion Slots: 7

Cooling System:
Top: 120mm fan x 2 (optional)
Front: 120mm fan x 2 or 140mm fan x 1 (optional)
Rear: 120mm red LED fan x 1 (with LED on/off function)
Bottom: 120mm fan x 1 (optional)
Side: 120mm fan x 2 (optional)
HDD cage: 120mm fan x 1 (optional)

VGA card length:
287mm / 11.3 inch (with HDD cage)
399mm / 15.7 inch (without HDD cage)

CPU cooler height:
147mm / 5.8 inch (with side fan)
162mm / 6.4 inch (without side fan) Warranty: 2 years

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