| CM Storm Trooper Computer Case |  |
| Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cases | |
| Written by David Ramsey | |
| Tuesday, 27 September 2011 | |
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Page 7 of 7
SGC-5000-KKN1 Final ThoughtsI admit to being an old-school builder who's never been entirely comfortable with SFF systems...even though I recognize I could build my entire current Intel system, complete with two GTX 580s, with a micro ATX motherboard like the Rampage III Gene and a micro ATX case, there's just something about the size, presence, and ease of building in a full tower case that makes them seductive. Of course, full tower cases are expensive, even if they're crafted of steel and plastic instead of aluminum, which is certainly something you'll want to consider when buying parts for your system. The real advantage of a full tower case lies in the amount of hardware you can stuff in it: this case can easily handle multiple radiators as well as more 2.5", 3.5", and 5.25" devices than any one person is likely to have! Still, the extra space is nice when working inside the case, and it also gives you some measure of "future proofing".
I complained in the review that the design of the hard drive cages meant that my preferred setup of sideways-mounted drives (for neater cabling) with a front-mounted fan (for better airflow into the case) isn't possible with the Storm Trooper's design. This is true, but the design does give the Trooper a significant advantage over cases like Cooler Master's own HAF series: much more versatility! You can remove and reposition the cages to arrange things exactly as you want: with a little modding, even mounting a front radiator is possible. Building a system in this case was fast and easy, and I'm now looking at it and thinking how easy all the space would make setting up my first custom water cooling setup. That said, there are still a few nits I have to pick with this case. The lack of an adapter cable for the SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports means that unless your motherboard has a USB 3.0 header, you can't use two of the USB ports on the I/O panel. Also, it's weird that the power LED is connected directly to the power supply inside of a motherboard header, making it impossible to tell when your computer's asleep. As I mentioned in the introduction, Cooler Master's first cases were all-aluminum wonders, and as far as I can tell, they have only one aluminum case today, the ATCS 840. I still miss these cases sometimes, but none of them could ever have held a candle to the features and function of the Storm Trooper. Cooler Master Storm Trooper ConclusionAlthough we strive for objectivity here at Benchmark Reviews, please remember that each author perceives these points differently, and our conclusions and recommendations will necessarily differ from others. Also, prices can fluctuate and designs change after publication, so that the product we review might not have the same price and specifications of a product that's available later. Please do not base any purchase solely on our conclusion, as it represents our product rating specifically for the product tested, which may differ from future versions. Benchmark Reviews begins our conclusion with a short summary of each of the areas that we rate. The performance of the case was excellent. It's delivered with four fans, and you can mount several more. If you like water cooling, the standard case supports two 2x120mm radiators, no modding required. There's tons of room for all your hardware and cables. The appearance of the case is purposeful, but not as dramatic as some of Cooler Master's other cases like the HAF X. While it's a handsome case, there's nothing in particular to make it stand out from all of the other solid black industrial-themed cases out there. As expected from Cooler Master, the construction quality of the case is superb. All panels and parts fit precisely, and the rubberized coating on the top and front of the case is a nice touch. Full tower cases are all about functionality, and the Storm Trooper delivers, with everything from more drive mounts that you could probably use to steel carry handles to multiple radiator mounting positions. Cooler Master's decision not to include a USB 3.0->USB 2.0 adapter cable will inconvenience many users, though. Costing $149.99 (Newegg), the Storm Trooper is about the price of Cooler Master's various HAF series cases. While more expensive than most mid-tower cases, the price is actually pretty good for a full tower cases at this level, undercutting those like the Thermaltake Level 10 GT and the various Silverstone and Lian Li cases by over a hundred dollars. There are cheaper full tower cases available, of course, but the Storm Trooper provides an excellent combination of vaule and function. Pros:
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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