Cooler Master CM 690 - bit-tech.net Forums

Tim S · 29th Nov 2007, 07:57

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/200...aster_cm_690/1

We take a look at one of the new mid-sized cases from Cooler Master, the CM 690. With a sleek exterior and a reasonable price point, the CM 690 could be the new benchmark in no-fuss cases, but there's only one way to find out for sure...

DarkLord7854 · 29th Nov 2007, 08:59

Ooh.. I've been wanting a new, cheap, case. Looks like that might be it, there's a 40$ discount going on at newegg off the retail 79$ price

CardJoe · 29th Nov 2007, 09:02

:O Worth it, definitely IMHO

DarkLord7854 · 29th Nov 2007, 09:08

Would be nice if it had a clear side panel, but ah well, can't have everything I suppose. The watercooling holes are a real plus, as is the bottom mounted PSU. I'm so tired of having my PSU at the top. Bleh.

Guess adding a side clear panel and re-mounting the power/reset buttons and lights would make for a nice and neat weekend mod project I spose though

Fozzy · 29th Nov 2007, 09:15

Does the 80mm fan behind the mobo do anything? I've always wondered

CardJoe · 29th Nov 2007, 10:08

There wasn't one in when we tested, but the idea is to cool the back of the CPU I think. The fan is exactly where the CPU goes.

samkiller42 · 29th Nov 2007, 10:35

I've seen this case in person, and it is a nice looking case. Nice review as usual guys, cheers.

Sam

[USRF]Obiwan · 29th Nov 2007, 11:26

Nice case for modding, would a dual 120mm radiator fit in the top (inside) or do i have to place it on top with the fans on the inside in push mode. Also there looks to be room on the bottom next to the psu to fit a single 120mm radiator. Dish the hd tray and place pump/reservior there and move hds to 5 1/4 slots with some nexus disktwins

Tile · 29th Nov 2007, 13:02

Deleted

antiHero · 29th Nov 2007, 14:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tile

The interior design leaves lots to desire because the hard drives don't get any cooling at all. The blowholes on the side panel look like those on the noname cases.

What do you mean? There is a 120mm intake fan right in front of the HDD rack. Good cooling in my book. Its a nice case but sadly it costs 85€ around here which doesnt bring it in the value sector at all as i can pick up better cases (LL, Silverstone) for 90-100€. If the price translation would be better i would buy it.

Cupboard · 29th Nov 2007, 14:43

Great, and just in time for Christmas too. I hope that Father Christmas hasn't got me anything yet...

On the cooling front, how does it manage record a lower CPU temperature when the GPU stress test is going than when it is idle? It seems a bit counter intuitive. (along with have a case temp below room temp, although that probably the thermometer)

enughhh · 29th Nov 2007, 15:45

There are actually many extra screws included, they are screwed in place near the back of the 5.25 drive cage.

KMS-oul · 29th Nov 2007, 22:15

Looks like a decent case for watercooling without breaking the bank.

Max Spain · 30th Nov 2007, 02:52

I love this case and I completely agree with the review. Its only fault is that it isn't as sturdy as other cases, but they had to cut costs somewhere. I am planning on putting my next all Intel system in that box. I'd sure love to see that case filled with fans and watercooling doodads...

Guido · 30th Nov 2007, 17:48

According to Slickdeals.net, ZipZoomFly has this case for $40. It comes with a $30 MIR making it $10. Pretty good deal, I think.

sl1xx · 30th Nov 2007, 18:01

i have the case and im pleased with it run cool and silent,i think he was a bit harsh with the build quality tho defo deserveda bit more great case bang for buck.

DarkLord7854 · 30th Nov 2007, 18:27

Only problem I have with it.. I have my watercooling sealed with silicone and my reservoir is a 2.5" bay mounting one.. and I get the feeling things won't fit too happily.. Then again, if I get it off ZipZoomFly the case is only 10$ hmmmm.. Tempting

Dreaming · 30th Nov 2007, 19:35

I'm thinking of upgrading to this from an Antec P180. I know the noise is a bit more, but the P180 is far too heavy and far too difficult to upgrade! Especially the hard disks!

Difficult to decide between cases like this and the anubis though. Anubis has the + that it seems to have nice build quality, but this is cheaper and lighter. But this is made of plastic in parts!

Anyone who has this who has had a P180? Or am I the only one insane enough to take this upgrade path?

djDEATH · 3rd Dec 2007, 14:41

"On the cooling front, how does it manage record a lower CPU temperature when the GPU stress test is going than when it is idle? It seems a bit counter intuitive. (along with have a case temp below room temp, although that probably the thermometer)"

i noticed that too, how is the CPU cooler when stressing the GPU then when the PC is idle.

in the spirit of the way the article was written, get those thermometers back out, i demand a retest!!!

lol j/k.

Stuey · 3rd Dec 2007, 15:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkLord7854

The watercooling holes are a real plus

The grommets only accept up to 1/2" OD tubing, which is a bit limiting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fozzy

Does the 80mm fan behind the mobo do anything? I've always wondered

There's no fan, and there is not enough room for even slim fans, nor are there mounting holes. To the best of my guessing, I'd say that the holes are for ventilation only, and that the recess and two screws are meant for a filter or something like that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by [USRF]Obiwan

Nice case for modding, would a dual 120mm radiator fit in the top (inside) or do i have to place it on top with the fans on the inside in push mode. Also there looks to be room on the bottom next to the psu to fit a single 120mm radiator.

If you're creative, I'm sure you can fit a 120mm rad at the bottom. There are mounting clips which are too large to secure a 120mm fan, so perhaps it's for a 120mm radiator or slightly larger fan.

As for the top of the case, there may be room for a 240mm radiator inside the case, and two 120mm fans above the steel grill but below the top black grill. It'll be tight though. You may be better off mounting the rad on top, but if you put the fans inside, they're going to see a lot of airflow restriction unless you cut out the black meshing on top of the case.

One thing I really don't like about the cas is that the HD mounts are plastic and feel really flimsy. Then again, I suppose it's necessary for the trays to be toolless.

29th Nov 2007, 07:57	#1
Tim S Pewlius Caesar bit-tech Staff Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Ascot, Berks Posts: 18,021	Cooler Master CM 690 http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/200...aster_cm_690/1 We take a look at one of the new mid-sized cases from Cooler Master, the CM 690. With a sleek exterior and a reasonable price point, the CM 690 could be the new benchmark in no-fuss cases, but there's only one way to find out for sure... __________________ Tim on Twitter \| Tim's Blog \| Tim's Flickr The bit-tech Blog \| bit-tech on Twitter \| Join the bit-tech & Custom PC folding team (#35947)

29th Nov 2007, 08:59	#2
DarkLord7854 Web Developer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 3,841	Ooh.. I've been wanting a new, cheap, case. Looks like that might be it, there's a 40$ discount going on at newegg off the retail 79$ price __________________ Current Computer: eVGA 780i Motherboard \| Q6600 Core2Quad \| eVGA GTX260 896Mbs 216-core \| 2x Seagate 500Gbs \| 8Gbs OCZ Platinum DDR2 800 \| Creative XtremeGamer X-Fi \| Thermaltake Armor Case Custom WordPress, ZenCart, Joomla, vBulletin, etc installs and skinning, PM/E-Mail for a quote

29th Nov 2007, 09:02	#3
CardJoe Player Character bit-tech Staff Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 7,988	:O Worth it, definitely IMHO __________________ this is joe's non-bit-tech blog

29th Nov 2007, 09:08	#4
DarkLord7854 Web Developer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 3,841	Would be nice if it had a clear side panel, but ah well, can't have everything I suppose. The watercooling holes are a real plus, as is the bottom mounted PSU. I'm so tired of having my PSU at the top. Bleh. Guess adding a side clear panel and re-mounting the power/reset buttons and lights would make for a nice and neat weekend mod project I spose though __________________ Current Computer: eVGA 780i Motherboard \| Q6600 Core2Quad \| eVGA GTX260 896Mbs 216-core \| 2x Seagate 500Gbs \| 8Gbs OCZ Platinum DDR2 800 \| Creative XtremeGamer X-Fi \| Thermaltake Armor Case Custom WordPress, ZenCart, Joomla, vBulletin, etc installs and skinning, PM/E-Mail for a quote

29th Nov 2007, 09:15	#5
Fozzy Ultramodder Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 1,386	Does the 80mm fan behind the mobo do anything? I've always wondered __________________ Sponsors: http://www.koolance.com/images/homeimage01.jpg http://www.dangerden.com/templates/r...eader-wide.jpg http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e...age00001-2.jpg

29th Nov 2007, 10:08	#6
CardJoe Player Character bit-tech Staff Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 7,988	There wasn't one in when we tested, but the idea is to cool the back of the CPU I think. The fan is exactly where the CPU goes. __________________ this is joe's non-bit-tech blog

29th Nov 2007, 10:35	#7
samkiller42 KEEP IT CLEAN! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Havant, Hampshire, England Posts: 3,188	I've seen this case in person, and it is a nice looking case. Nice review as usual guys, cheers. Sam __________________ The Rig: i7 920 D0, Gigabyte EX58-UD5, 12GB DDR3 1600mhz, BFG GTX295, Samsung 64gb SSD, WD 640gb Black, Samsung F2 Eco 1TB, Dell 3007WFP, Windows 7 RC. The Netbook: Samsung NC10 Black, Intel Atom, 2gb DDR2 Xbox Live: samkiller42¦PSN: samkiller42¦Bungie: samkiller42

29th Nov 2007, 11:26	#8
[USRF]Obiwan Ultramodder Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Netherlands Posts: 1,220	Nice case for modding, would a dual 120mm radiator fit in the top (inside) or do i have to place it on top with the fans on the inside in push mode. Also there looks to be room on the bottom next to the psu to fit a single 120mm radiator. Dish the hd tray and place pump/reservior there and move hds to 5 1/4 slots with some nexus disktwins __________________ Mascleta: "The most accurate simulation of thunder, humans can simulate..." The answer is 42, so... whats the question again? If you know what 'Peek' and 'Poke' represents, then you are probably as old as me.

29th Nov 2007, 13:02	#9
Tile Banned Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 376	Deleted Last edited by Tile; 3rd Nov 2008 at 00:35.

29th Nov 2007, 14:43	#11
Cupboard I'm not a modder. Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Bury St Edmunds/Durham Uni Posts: 1,845	Great, and just in time for Christmas too. I hope that Father Christmas hasn't got me anything yet... On the cooling front, how does it manage record a lower CPU temperature when the GPU stress test is going than when it is idle? It seems a bit counter intuitive. (along with have a case temp below room temp, although that probably the thermometer) __________________ i7 920, 8800GTS 512, 6GB Corsair all in an Intel DX58SO; 3*320GB RAID5; CM Stacker Samsung Q45.

29th Nov 2007, 15:45	#12
enughhh What's a Dremel? Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 3	There are actually many extra screws included, they are screwed in place near the back of the 5.25 drive cage.

29th Nov 2007, 22:15	#13
KMS-oul You think you know me. Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Edinburgh UK Posts: 1,312	Looks like a decent case for watercooling without breaking the bank. __________________ Gaming Rig: Q6600 G0 @ 3.3Ghz Water-Cooled 4 X Prime95 Stable, MSI P35 Platinum, 2gig OCZ RAM, Seagate HD 250gig, OCZ StealthXstream 600W, ATI X600 Soon to be 8800 gt, 21" SM 215TW MacBook: C2D 1.8Ghz, 1256 MB RAM, 40gig HD OSX 86 Acer Laptop: Celeron M 420 1.6Ghz, 256MB ram, 60gig HD

30th Nov 2007, 02:52	#14
Max Spain Minimodder Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 43	I love this case and I completely agree with the review. Its only fault is that it isn't as sturdy as other cases, but they had to cut costs somewhere. I am planning on putting my next all Intel system in that box. I'd sure love to see that case filled with fans and watercooling doodads...

30th Nov 2007, 17:48	#15
Guido Multimodder Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Where the oil rigs drill Posts: 243	According to Slickdeals.net, ZipZoomFly has this case for $40. It comes with a $30 MIR making it $10. Pretty good deal, I think. __________________ New and improved Jibberish! Now with 20% less coherency! Mods & Creations: Black Energy, AL-rylik

30th Nov 2007, 18:01	#16
sl1xx Multimodder Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: ????????? Posts: 127	i have the case and im pleased with it run cool and silent,i think he was a bit harsh with the build quality tho defo deserveda bit more great case bang for buck. __________________ http://miniprofile.xfire.com/bg/sf/type/2/j4ck3luk.png

30th Nov 2007, 18:27	#17
DarkLord7854 Web Developer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 3,841	Only problem I have with it.. I have my watercooling sealed with silicone and my reservoir is a 2.5" bay mounting one.. and I get the feeling things won't fit too happily.. Then again, if I get it off ZipZoomFly the case is only 10$ hmmmm.. Tempting __________________ Current Computer: eVGA 780i Motherboard \| Q6600 Core2Quad \| eVGA GTX260 896Mbs 216-core \| 2x Seagate 500Gbs \| 8Gbs OCZ Platinum DDR2 800 \| Creative XtremeGamer X-Fi \| Thermaltake Armor Case Custom WordPress, ZenCart, Joomla, vBulletin, etc installs and skinning, PM/E-Mail for a quote

30th Nov 2007, 19:35	#18
Dreaming Supermodder Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The University of York Posts: 502	I'm thinking of upgrading to this from an Antec P180. I know the noise is a bit more, but the P180 is far too heavy and far too difficult to upgrade! Especially the hard disks! Difficult to decide between cases like this and the anubis though. Anubis has the + that it seems to have nice build quality, but this is cheaper and lighter. But this is made of plastic in parts! Anyone who has this who has had a P180? Or am I the only one insane enough to take this upgrade path? __________________ Dreaming C2D E6300 @ 2.8 \| \| Abit IP35 Pro \| \| 4GB Corsair XMS2 800 \| \| BFG 8800GTS OC2 320MB \| \| 500GB Western Digital for OS + 1500GB Seagate for Storage \| \| Antec NeoHE 550 \| \| Lian Li PC A05B \| \| Samsung 226BW 22"

3rd Dec 2007, 14:41	#19
djDEATH gert rubbish or summat Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: BRISTOL Posts: 370	"On the cooling front, how does it manage record a lower CPU temperature when the GPU stress test is going than when it is idle? It seems a bit counter intuitive. (along with have a case temp below room temp, although that probably the thermometer)" i noticed that too, how is the CPU cooler when stressing the GPU then when the PC is idle. in the spirit of the way the article was written, get those thermometers back out, i demand a retest!!! lol j/k. __________________ BEASTIE Lian-Li PC-07b ASUS M2N-E nForce 570 Ultra OCZ StealthXtreme 600W PSU Phenom X3 8750 BLACK EDITION @ 3.103 Ghz (14.5 x 214 FSB, HTT @ 1070 Mhz) Gainward 8800GT Golden Sample @ 730/1825/1000 Mhz 4GB (2x2GB) OCZ Blade PC8500 CL5 Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB WD Caviar SE 250GB