Cooler Master Storm Scout II Advanced Case Review: Falling Behind the Curve
by Dustin Sklavos on March 19, 2013 12:01 PM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
- ATX
- Cooler Master
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Introducing the Cooler Master Storm Scout II Advanced
Cooler Master has been fairly gung ho on the PR side about their Storm Scout II Advanced. While we missed the opportunity to review its predecessor, the Storm Scout II, we aim to rectify that omission by putting this new semi-portable ATX chassis through its paces. Cooler Master has a long history of strong enthusiast offerings (with their HAF line being particularly well loved), but does the Storm Scout II Advanced inherit that legacy of greatness or are they falling behind the curve?
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Unlike the HAF series, the Storm Scout II Advanced benefits from a cleaner design with rounded angles and smooth lines. There are a trio of handles on the top of the case to make moving it between LAN parties (or really, just moving it in general) easier on the end user, and Cooler Master includes a fairly traditional positive pressure cooling system, with two red LED fans (LEDs can be toggled off) in the front of the chassis and a single exhaust fan in the rear. As has become de rigeur, it features support for a 240mm radiator in the top, but its primary function is to be a sleek, semi-portable gaming case.
| Cooler Master Storm Scout II Advanced Specifications | ||
| Motherboard Form Factor | Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX | |
| Drive Bays | External | 3x 5.25" |
| Internal | 7x 3.5", 2x 3.5"-to-dual-2.5" trays | |
| Cooling | Front | 2x 120mm red LED intake fan |
| Rear | 1x 120mm exhaust fan | |
| Top | 2x 120mm fan mount | |
| Side | 2x 120mm fan mount | |
| Bottom | 1x 120mm fan mount | |
| Expansion Slots | 7 | |
| I/O Port | 2x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.0, 1x Headphone, 1x Mic | |
| Power Supply Size | ATX | |
| Clearances | HSF | 162mm |
| PSU | 160mm with bottom fan / 220mm without | |
| GPU | 287mm with drive cage / 399mm without | |
| Dimensions |
9.1" x 20.2" x 20.5" 230mm x 513mm x 517.5mm |
|
| Weight | 18.87 lbs. / 8.56 kg | |
| Special Features |
USB 3.0 via internal header LED toggle Removable drive cage panel Side window Toolless drive installation Handles |
|
| Price | $109 | |
The Storm Scout II Advanced isn't particularly light, but it's well built, using a combination of SECC steel and plastic. This is a case that really is designed to be moved, though components are going to add close to another ten pounds to its weight. Where I think things take a little bit of a turn is in the cooling system design; simply put, we've seen this before. A lot. And the lack of any 140mm support of any kind is crippling to the case's cooling potential at a time when many manufacturers are making the shift to larger fans.
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Blibbax - Wednesday, March 20, 2013 - link
"This is not a case suitable for overclocking, at least not unless you're planning on adding additional intake fans to the side panel."So why didn't you? I can't imagine many users putting a powerful system in this case without installing 2 or even 4-5 extra fans. Reply
Communism - Wednesday, March 20, 2013 - link
Dustin, you should review the:CFI Prime 211 CFI-A4896 Black ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...
I just purchased one and am amazed that the company managed to get everything anyone could realistically wish for in a $35 case.
Tool-less drive bays, thumb screws included for both side panels, 3x 120mm fans [I can't believe you can get a case with a useful top fan at this price. USB 3.0 internal headers. Cable management room behind motherboard tray with cutouts. Bottom mounted Power Supply placement.
The styling is also very muted.
The case is very light but it doesn't feel flimsy (to me at least).
Light a fire under case manufacturer's asses with a review of this case :D. Reply
milleron - Saturday, March 23, 2013 - link
Cooler Master got it right with the Storm Sniper for this class of enthusiast. It has 3 large-diameter, low-RPM fans in place of all the little yippy fans in this thing, and it has sturdy handles. My Sniper is a laid-back Golden Retriever to the Scout II's terrier. Sniper does not have front-panel USB3 ports, but it's otherwise perfect for anyone looking for a very portable mid-tower. I keep my fans on low all the time -- just barely audible and niece and cool. Sure hope they make a Storm Sniper II with USB3 ports, but CM's not advertising the Sniper at all, so I'm not optimistic. Replymikeymop - Wednesday, April 03, 2013 - link
What ODD is that in the final picture? Reply