Cooler Master Elite 340 microATX case
Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 11:41 pm
I purchased one of these cases and received it yesterday. I haven't seen much about this case online, so thought I'd post some pics. Waiting on a m/board and some fans to arrive before I can start putting it together.
My build specs are:
E6750 w/XP-120 and Nexus 120mm
Gigabyte GA-G33M-DS2R
Crucial Ballistix 2Gb
Powercolor HD3870
Asus 1814BLT DVD/RW
Maxtor DM10 200Gb
Seasonic S12-430
2x Scythe 800rpm slipstream
1x Scythe 1600rpm S-Flex to replace the PSU fan
(XP-120, HDD, PSU and Nexus are from my old PC)
My current case (Antec 3000B) is really way to large for my needs and takes up too much desk space, so I've been looking for a smaller alternative. I've considered all the usual suspects, SG01/03, NSK3480/4480, TJ08, but wasn't happy with them either because of the internal layout or aesthetics. The 340 has the same internal layout as the TJ08, but it was under half the price, and the version I bought doesn't include a PSU or any fans, so nothing is wasted.
The case (excluding feet and front bezel) measures 19.5cm wide, 35cm deep and 37cm high. The feet add 1cm to the height, and the front bezel adds 3.5cms of depth. IMO, pretty much the perfect size for a smaller tower PC. Not too large, and not so small that major compromises have to be made. I liked the size of the SG03, but for the sake of 7cms of extra depth, you gain a fair degree of flexibility.
Overall impressions are very good. I really like the compact size . The side panels are thin as to be expected, but otherwise, it has a surprisingly high quality feel. The feet are hard plastic and may need replacing. Both side panels are removable, and there's some space on the right hand side to help with cable management. The front bezel has an intake area at the bottom in addition to the mesh grill.
The 2x 3.5" drive tray is removable as seen in the photos. This allows enough space for a 2nd 120mm intake fan. A HDD can be suspended below the lower 5.25" bay.
I'm going to try a positive pressure setup using 2x 800rpm slipstream fans at the front, possibly separating the upper and lower parts of the case so 1 fan cools the video card and HDD (if mounted on the bottom of the case) in the lower half, and the other looks after the CPU/RAM/chipset. I'm not sure how well this will work, but want to give it a try. I'm also thinking of fitting the case with Acoustipack as a local retailer will be stocking it from next month.
I was planning to cut out both fan grills, but now I'm not sure. If I don't have an exhaust fan, the rear grill might be ok as it is. I think the front grill will need removing though. Anyone have thoughts on this?
My build specs are:
E6750 w/XP-120 and Nexus 120mm
Gigabyte GA-G33M-DS2R
Crucial Ballistix 2Gb
Powercolor HD3870
Asus 1814BLT DVD/RW
Maxtor DM10 200Gb
Seasonic S12-430
2x Scythe 800rpm slipstream
1x Scythe 1600rpm S-Flex to replace the PSU fan
(XP-120, HDD, PSU and Nexus are from my old PC)
My current case (Antec 3000B) is really way to large for my needs and takes up too much desk space, so I've been looking for a smaller alternative. I've considered all the usual suspects, SG01/03, NSK3480/4480, TJ08, but wasn't happy with them either because of the internal layout or aesthetics. The 340 has the same internal layout as the TJ08, but it was under half the price, and the version I bought doesn't include a PSU or any fans, so nothing is wasted.
The case (excluding feet and front bezel) measures 19.5cm wide, 35cm deep and 37cm high. The feet add 1cm to the height, and the front bezel adds 3.5cms of depth. IMO, pretty much the perfect size for a smaller tower PC. Not too large, and not so small that major compromises have to be made. I liked the size of the SG03, but for the sake of 7cms of extra depth, you gain a fair degree of flexibility.
Overall impressions are very good. I really like the compact size . The side panels are thin as to be expected, but otherwise, it has a surprisingly high quality feel. The feet are hard plastic and may need replacing. Both side panels are removable, and there's some space on the right hand side to help with cable management. The front bezel has an intake area at the bottom in addition to the mesh grill.
The 2x 3.5" drive tray is removable as seen in the photos. This allows enough space for a 2nd 120mm intake fan. A HDD can be suspended below the lower 5.25" bay.
I'm going to try a positive pressure setup using 2x 800rpm slipstream fans at the front, possibly separating the upper and lower parts of the case so 1 fan cools the video card and HDD (if mounted on the bottom of the case) in the lower half, and the other looks after the CPU/RAM/chipset. I'm not sure how well this will work, but want to give it a try. I'm also thinking of fitting the case with Acoustipack as a local retailer will be stocking it from next month.
I was planning to cut out both fan grills, but now I'm not sure. If I don't have an exhaust fan, the rear grill might be ok as it is. I think the front grill will need removing though. Anyone have thoughts on this?