Cooler Master Storm Scout Case Review

Most cases today are placing the PSU at the bottom of the chassis and creating channels on the back of motherboard trays to route cables. The CM Scout is no different in this area and features the PSU located at the bottom of the case.  The intake area under the PSU is guarded by a mesh filter for keeping dust bunnies out.  Sadly this filter is not easily cleaned; when it gets dirty you'll need to remove the PSU for proper cleaning.

Based on the smaller size of the CM Storm Scout there is bound to be some restrictions on space. The PSU area is one of these areas that may cause you some headaches depending on the size of your PSU and how you decide to route the various cables.  We test fit a standard PSU and one that was slightly larger, they both fit just fine.  Some of the larger 1Kilowatt PSUs maybe a whole different story but even they are becoming smaller every day.  Still the Scout is smaller and has to be applauded for being able to handle bigger PSU.

One key item of the "CM Storm" series is security at a LAN event.  Cooler Master has included a new feature that makes it a little safer for you to step away from the computer without the fear of losing any of your devices (Mouse, Keyboard, or Game Pad).  Much like the Sniper the Scout uses the exact same bracket for keeping the hardware safe.  The cable lock can be found under the last expansion slot.

The lock is a very simple idea and looks like any other expansion card slot plate.  The cable lock supports up to 3 devices and works by looping the cables thru the available slots in the cover plate.

What good is a cable lock if the side panel is easily removed?  The little round attachment seen here is for small locks that in turn prevent the door from coming off without special tools.  Most casual thieves are looking for the quick score and seeing a physical lock on a case would deter them quickly.

The day of removing a motherboard in order to install a sturdy heatsink mounting system is over. Cooler Master has opened this area up to allow for quick installation of new heatsinks without taking a motherboard out.