[Review] Cooler Master CM Scout - Overclock.net

shoot2scre · 08-27-09

I. Introduction

The CM Storm - Scout, is what Cooler Master is calling a, True LAN Gaming Chassis. It offers mobility, sound design and proves that careful thought was put into the design of the case to accommodate new builders and LAN Pro's alike. The Scout is a fairly rugged, yet extremely portable, mid-tower chassis. Cooler Master, in building the Scout said that they dedicated their focus on "Strength, Security and Control" and it certainly shows.

The Scout is BLACK... and I mean ALL BLACK. Careful attention was paid to rounding off all the corners and giving the inside of the box a smooth matte black finish. Aesthetically, the case is a beautiful blend of menacing lines and luxurious features. The flat-black interior looks great through the automotive tinted side window.

The side-window accommodates two exhaust fans for more efficient cooling. There is also a clever and useful button that triggers "Stealth mode" deactivating cooling fan LEDs on the front of the case. Inside, the case also utilizes a Motherboard cut-out that will allow you to swap heatsinks without the hassle of removing your motherboard, a logical inclusion.

The case retains it's stability and rigidity while boasting wonderful cable management (especially when compared to my Antec 900). There is also a handle on top of the case that CM says is steel reinforced. It makes carrying the case around an absolute breeze. Nothing about this case feels cheap or like an afterthought. The case manages to be lightweight yet sturdy, sporty yet practical, and offers features that you don't normally get out of the box with the competition.

II. Specifications and Features

The CM Scout is a fairly large Mid-Tower at 19(D) x 8.6 (W) x 19.5 (H) in inches. The case weighs in at just over 19lbs according to Cooler Master. Thanks to the handle on the case, it feels much lighter than that when transporting (even when full). There are Five, 5.25" Drive Bays and a kit to convert one 5.25 inch bay into a 3.5" Drive Bay for your customizing pleasure. It also comes with a kit to convert the 3.5 inch bay into a 2.5" Bay. The case includes one 140mm Red LED Fan on the front (60 CFM), one 140mm fan on the top and one rear 120mm Red LED Fan (44 CFM). The Acrylic side-window supports two additional 120mm fans giving you plenty of opportunities to properly cool your machine.

The case also boasts some nice, additional features that might not be immediately apparent. As previously mentioned, you have the ability to turn off the LED lights of the case fans with one touch of a button on the front/panel of the case. It is extremely convenient and a very nice addition... especially if you sleep in the same room as your CPU. Cooler Master also included StormGuard, a security system for safeguarding your gaming peripherals that locks them into place in your case. The case is also completely screw-less, which may or may not be a feature depending on where you stand. The case also includes 4 top-mounted USB ports and an eSATA port.

III. Installation

The case was honestly very easy and a joy to work with. The case comes with various accessories you’ll need including standoffs, screws, drive rails, rubber grommets, zip ties, and the aforementioned drive bay converters. Moving my components from my Antec 900 to the CM Scout was actually easier than I expected. The case was slightly cramped when all was said and done but everything fit well enough. I would be wary though if you have an overly large video card. My 9800gtx barely fit into the case... and I mean BARELY. Anything larger than the 9800gtx might not fit.

The bottom-mounted power supply unit actually sits on a mesh grill. This is a very nice and welcomed addition. The power supply when mounted in the Scout will actually have clearance above the ground thanks to some nice sized case-legs. This will allow you to mount your power supply in any way you desire without any worries.

As I mentioned before the expansion slots are completely tool-less. I always (normally) ditch the tool-less methods and opt for screws, but for the reviews sake I figured I'd give the tool-less design here a try. To my amazement the tool-less design employed actually worked very well. My components felt safe and secure and I didn't feel the need to switch to screws.

My only real gripe, if you can call it that, is the cable management. The Scout does have some cut-outs and gaps for routing cables behind the motherboard and around the case, but there is limited space behind or below the hard drive cage and it was a very tight squeeze to fit everything behind the MB with the side-panel on. I suspect that non-modular PSU's would be somewhat cramped in here. While the CM Scout certainly offers more cable-management options than the Antec 900 I was coming from, CM could have probably been just a little bigger to accommodate some more elaborate setups... but I'm really just nitpicking.

That complaint aside, everything about the inside of this case screams high-quality. There are no loose or questionable parts. The case feels sturdy and substantial in every respect of the word and there is not a single part of the case that isn't painted, coated and sealed in a delicious black matte.

IV. Summary

Overall I think the CM Scout is a wonderful case. It's slightly more cramped inside than my 900 was but offers a lot of features that I don't get in my old Antec. The SafeGuard feature is great for LAN parties and keeps someone from walking away with your peripherals. The handle makes moving the computer a breeze and the case is unquestionably stylish and cool to look at. The case kept all my components cool with the stock fans and I will probably be sticking with the case.

Features & Design = 10/10
Build Quality = 10/10
Ease of Installation = 9/10
Cable Management = 9/10
Air Flow = 8/10

I will monitor the thread for suggestions, questions, or requests.

Thanks for reading!

kev_b · 08-27-09

It is a nice case, there's even more first hand talk of this case at the CM Scout Club, If you have bought this case then get your butt over there and join, and if you haven't bought it, get it!

shoot2scre · 08-27-09

I was actually given the case by Cooler Master. I had contacted them to obtain some TIM for my TIM review (which was literally the worst decision of my life... it's so damn time-consuming)... and one of their product reps asked if I would review their case for them. So I did.

I really love the case. Is there a better place to post the review so people see it?

boredgunner · 08-27-09

Nice case but it's priced too close to the HAF 922. The Storm Scout needs to be cheaper, closer to CM 690 pricing.

shoot2scre · 08-27-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by boredgunner

Nice case but it's priced too close to the HAF 922. The Storm Scout needs to be cheaper, closer to CM 690 pricing.

Yeah... I believe the case is still retailing around $100. It is still a good value when compared to the Antec 900 as the case is slightly nicer in construction, features, overall aesthetic and has some good cable management and a reinforced handle.

Maddog7771 · 08-27-09

Very well written. I would get one if I did not have my mind set on the Corsair D800.

PathogenX · 08-27-09

Nice review dude
great case I love my scout
and like you said I wish they improve cable management

boredgunner · 08-27-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by PathogenX

Nice review dude
great case I love my scout
and like you said I wish they improve cable management

Cable management looks fine to me. Here is kev_b's Storm Scout.

shoot2scre · 08-27-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by boredgunner

Cable management looks fine to me. Here is kev_b's Storm Scout.

Cable management wasn't really a problem for me... but I have a modular PSU. I would imagine that some of the larger PSU's that are not modular would get pretty messy. Overall I didn't have any real problems with the case but felt like for the review it should be mentioned.

TheTurk · 08-27-09

Here is a nice deal for who like the CM storm scout (that if you have a microcenter near you)
http://microcenter.com/single_produc...uct_id=0308296

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[Review] Cooler Master CM Scout

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