| CM Storm Trooper Computer Case |  |
| Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cases | |
| Written by David Ramsey | |
| Tuesday, 27 September 2011 | |
|
Page 4 of 7
Closer Look: InteriorAfter removing the left side panel, we're greeted with the immense, fully painted case interior. The two fans at the right of this image each cool a removable 3.5" drive cage that can accomodate up to four drives, and are also the only LED-lit fans on the system. If you prefer, the drive cages can be removed and rotated so the fans are in front of the case, blowing towards the rear. While it's nice to have this option, the design of the drive cages means that the fans can only blow down the length of the drives, so my preferred setup of "drives mounted sideways for neat cabling, fans at the front for best airflow" isn't possible. My disappointment in this was offset by the sight of the nine card slots this case supports.
The area behind the motherboard tray shows the 3 large grommetted cable routing holes, as well as a large number of tie-down points (I count 18). The hole for CPU cooler backplate access is huge.
Looking into the drive bay area, we can see the three 5.25" bays at the top of the case, with the first four-drive 3.5" cage directly below. Removing a 3.5" drive cage-- a simple matter of unscrewing two thumbscrews-- will open up three 5.25" bays.
To install 5.25" devices, you simply pop off the bay covers and slide the devices in. Since there are no latch mechanisms, you'll secure your devices with screws. Frankly I prefer this method since even with a latch, the drive is only secured from one side and always needs at least one screw on the other side to keep it stable. In this image you'll see I've re-oriented one of the 3.5" drive cages so the fan is facing front.
With the top plastic panel removed, we see the sturdy metal handle's attachment to the case, as well as get a better look at the radiator/fan mounting area. Combined with the space at the bottom of the case, you could mount two 2x120mm radiators. The rear case handle is at the far right of the image. 
Let's take a closer look at some of the interior features of this case in the next section.
|
|
Comments
I also noticed a lot of these reviews focus on the internals of the case but not much on the usability from a users perspective. Its like reviewing a house based on how well an electrician can run wires but not on how someone will live in the house.
What do you want to see more of in terms of usability?
When I say user, I mean use of the computer not the building of it. The use of it for what it is, like plugging in cameras or external drives or web cams, printers, CD's or DVD's or Blu Rays. Etc. Thats the use of the computer. Running wires, installing hard drives, adding memory internally are the building of it but not the use.
If you follow me on the above then I can continue, I personally use a computer more technical than most. I have some bare drives which I put in an external case and then plug into either an e-sata or usb port. For me, for this use, it would be nice just to slide the drive into some bay and bypass the external case. For a webcam, a USB plug in the back would be best as I want the wire to be hidden. For temporary connections like plugging in a camera to transfer pictures - a plug close to the bottom of the case would be best because I will likely place the camera on the desk next to the computer. It would be nice if the USB plugs were flush mounted as opposed to being in some kind of "cave" because then I don't have much trouble making the connection. Lining the USB plugs along a vertical edge of the case might be a good idea.
Its that kind of usability I am referring to.
There are other factors as well, should this case be on the floor or on the desk and if on the desk can we lay it down or stand it up? Then based on that, what is the best placement of power button and USB ports and maybe a headphone jack as my daughter sometimes likes ot listen to music and its a pain to have to plug a temp headphone into the back.
##newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817994062
Ditto for USB connectors in a position other than the top of the case, etc. Of course if you can find a mid-tower case with these characteristics, that might make more sense for you than buying a full tower case like this one.
its like the HAF X CM-Stormed in a cool way!
it seems like the top can fit 2x140mm's too
can the left side panel mount 2x120mm's for exhaust?
if u wont change the hard drive cage orientation, can u put fans in there
for crossflow?
can u put 5.25" bays sideways too ?
Like I mean, by the end of 2012 when most cases will have USB 3.0 as their main standard and cases will be coming with 4 USB 3.0 instead of the 2 3.0 and 2 2.1 ports right now; will Cooler Master supply us with something to upgrade?
Thanks.
A minor gripe admittedly, but still one worth considering.
It also begs the question - get this case; or wait until 2012 when the (inevitable) USB 3.0 revision one comes out?
Otherwise, it's a good case ... hmm.
#i.neoseeker.com/neo_image/193001/article/CoolerMaster_Storm_T rooper/Trooper%2011.jpg
It's noteworthy that other companies (such as Corsair) do sell USB 3.0 upgrade kits for their cases.
It's been almost two years since the introduction of SuperSpeed USB 3.0, and we're only just starting to see motherboards with native USB 3.0 headers. There are very few USB 3.0 devices as yet. I think the two font connectors on the Storm Trooper will suffice for many years to come. After all, how many USB 3.0 devices do you think you'd ever have plugged into the front of the case at once? I've never had more than two USB 2.0 devices!
Although the market for USB 3.0 devices is expected to explode by 2013. Oh well ... I'm looking for a case that will last 3-4 years. This so far has been the most attractive option to suit my needs that I have seen so far.
After reading your fine review and several others, I'm very strongly leaning towards getting this case.
Budget - up to $350
Need:
- Full tower case
- Lots of room to work inside (expected of any full tower)
- USB 3.0 support
- Good cable management
- Excellent thermal performance (and room for more fans)
- Something that I can move around with a lot; I though about aluminum for that reason
I'm aiming to have this case last me 4-5 years. I also have thought in a couple years of upgrading to water cooling.
Build quality of this case seems pretty solid. Of all the cases released so far, this is the one that seems to fit the bill the closest.
can anyone tell me where is the power led wire is located on the cm storm trooper? unable to locate and/or find it. found the reset wire, power wire, and ide wire but not the power led wire. thanks