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1 2 3 4 5 6 NextNovember 20, 2004 by Russ
Kinder
Considering the sheer volume of Coolermaster products that SPCR has reviewed
in recent months, it should be safe to assume that the company itself requires
no introduction. Oddly though, the one product category that is noticeably
absent from all these Coolermaster reviews are cases. Since Coolermaster
built their reputation on their cases, it is high time that
we take a look at one. Luckily, CM recently
introduced their new Centurion 5, which has a a feature set that makes it
interesting for silent PC'ers.
Our review sample arrived with the blue anodized aluminum
accents.
Striking yes, but the aluminum proved a fickle photography subject.
The Centurion 5 is Coolermaster's midsize, mid-level case. At $90 you probably
would hesitate to call it a "budget" case, but it does price out
at 40% less than CM's high-end WaveMaster aluminum cases. Posted in the table below is information quoted directly from Coolermaster's web site.
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Centurion 5 Specifications |
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Centurion, an honorable name, represents quality
of Discipline, Integrity & Loyalty. With the Centurion besides you,
now you can concord the world feeling safe and proud without having
to be a Caesar.
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Key Features
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Superior Airflow
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Special perforated screen design provides the superior airflow and maximum
cooling performance; easy to clean and maintain |
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Tool-free
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Tool-free assembly/disassembly for quick and maintenance or upgrade |
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120mm Case fan
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Come with a 120mm rear fan to give your PC the best ventilation |
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Specifications
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Dimension
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480 mm x 202 mm x 435 mm (D x W x H) |
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Material
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Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis |
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M/B Type
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ATX 12"x9.6" max |
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Power Supply Form Factor
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Standard ATX PS2; 350W |
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5.25" Drive bay
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5
(Exposed) |
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3.5" Drive bay
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1
(Exposed), 4 (Hidden) |
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Ventilation
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One
80 x 80 x 20mm Front Fan (intake)
One 120x 120x 25mm Rear Fan (exhaust) |
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Application
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USB
2.0 x2
IEEE 1394 (FireWire) x1
MIC x1
SPK x1 |
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Available color
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Silver,
Blue |
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Weight
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9.7kg |
The specs are fairly standard fare for a case in this price range. Of particular
interest is the use of a steel chassis instead of Coolermaster's famous
aluminum. From Cm's perspective, going to steel for the chassis is a cost
saving issue, but given aluminum's infamous vibration prone qualities, this actually makes the product more attractive to SPCR
buyers. Note, too, the 120mm exhaust fan, which has quickly become the de-facto
requirement in this age of runaway thermals.
Continuing the retail-friendly transformation of computer components
formally packaged in plain brown boxes, the Centurion 5 comes in a full
color packaging. Don't hold the condition of the testing sample's container
against CM, this much-abused box has endured more transoceanic trips than
a box typically would. The security inspectors of TSA were particularly unfriendly.
(But when you boldly label your package "Armed with Honor", perhaps
you should expect to get a second look from the guys in Customs)
Included with the case is a nice box of goodies, and an honest-to-goodness
instruction manual. The accessory box includes a power cord, a replacement
PCI slot cover, wire ties, case badge, mainboard standoffs, and enough screws
to hold a couple of PC's together.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: If you are new to SPCR and to Computer Silencing...
We review much the same gear as other PC hardware web sites, but our goals and priorities, and the point of view we bring to every component category is often markedly different. So much so that there are numerous comments in the forums of new visitors spending many days immersed in reading SPCR until the penny finally drops.
If you are new to the idea of PC silencing, please read the article Cases: Basics & Recommendations in the Recommended section. It will provide a broad view, a view of the forest that will help you from getting lost among the trees. This case review — as well as our other case reviews — will make more sense when you've absorbed the contents of Cases: Basics & Recommendations.
The same can be said of all the reviews in all the sections. Most of the component categories have a corresponding core information article in the Recommended section. You are strongly advised to read those core articles for a broader understanding of the issues that pertain to noise in each component category.
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