Cooler Master 690 II Advanced Mid-Tower

[Rob Williams]

When Cooler Master released its 690 chassis over two years ago, we're doubtful that even it could have predicted just how well-received it was going to be. It did a lot right in terms of design and function, and with the 690 II, those two factors are pushed even further. The result? The best $100 chassis we've ever looked at, bar none.

You can read Bill's 20th chassis review right here and discuss it here!

 

[Yangster]

Haha I know you said that it had no flaws but you didn't even type the word "cons".:

Pros
* The pricing is excellent.
* External S-ATA dock.
* Impressive cooling performance.
* Highly flexible design.
* Solid build.

Pros
* None. Absolutely none.

Typed pros twice.

 

[Rob Williams]

Haha, and I have no good excuse for this one :-(

Thanks a lot for pointing that out, it's been fixed!

 

[Doomsday]

I love cases which give u a LOT of fan options! lol! for $99, this is a steal! very nice case!

 

[Nilithius]

One Flaw...

The motherboard tray isn't removable. It's not necessary in a full-tower case, but it makes life a whole lot easier in a mid-tower.

 

[b1lk1]

The motherboard tray isn't removable. It's not necessary in a full-tower case, but it makes life a whole lot easier in a mid-tower.

I don't see how having a removable motherboard would give this chassis any more flexibility. With the power supply being bottom mounted, there are no clearance issues when changing it or the motherboard. In fact, I have yet to even see a mainstream mid-tower WITH a removable motherboard tray. The only time I find this a requirement is when using a very small MATX case and even then they are almost always awkward and difficult to use.

I just cannot see how this is a valid need in this sized chassis.

 

[Rob Williams]

I agree that a removable motherboard tray might be nice, but given how often people have to install a new motherboard into their PC, I don't consider it an important issue. Even without it, this chassis makes installation a straight-forward affair. I admit though, that I've never, not once, used a removable motherboard tray. Maybe I don't quite understand their importance.

 

[b1lk1]

I have used them in some really tight M-ATX spec chassis and they are nice in that application. Again, the limitation is often the amount of space allotted for the tray itself usually requiring a low profile heatsink/fan combo. For a mid tower such as the 690 II, there is so much room to work with it just doesn't seem necessary, especially when you consider there is a hole on the motherboard tray for installing backplates for CPU coolers so you can even install the board first and your cooler second.

 

[Unregistered]

A really great review! Don't understand why there's such a weak response. Good job techage.

 

[Doomsday]

i have CM Centurion 590. After watching this and the CM Storm Sniper i just have an urge thingy to buy a new case!

Which one would u guys recommend, CM 690 II or CM Storm Sniper!?

or should i stick with the Centurion 590?!? hehe!

 

[crowTrobot]

How much are the storm snipers now? The 690 II Advanced is still cheaper I think at $100 (storm sniper is around $130-150 IIRC) and I like the look of it more. Plus...more features!

 

[Doomsday]

i think i'll be buying this case soon. Well we have the CM690 II Plus(Asia-Pacific Edition)...
In order to install the cooler master V8, both top and one side panel fan had to be removed on my Centurion 590

this is causing bad airflow inside the case! my idle stock cooler CPU temps were 42-43C and maxed out at 54-55C. Now with the V8 they be 35-36C on idle and 48-49C on Max! my ambient temps are 35-36C!