CM 690 vs some others

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ROCKFISH

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For a new computer build I have the option to get a very cheap CM 690 with the side window included for 50 dollars. I've read tons of reviews and it seems like a very good case but how does it hold up to something like an Antec 900? I'm mostly worried about the air flow in the case along with the noise factor but the later doesn't bother me as much. (the build includes a GTX 280 and a Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme so you have an idea on the clearance issues) I'm not too worried about the price especially if it means less headaches in the future but saving some money here and there is always nice. (also in Canadian funds so a lot of great deals don't apply to me at all) Any opinions or suggestions would be nice and if you want to know anything else just ask.

EDIT*
Thanks for all the comments, I really appreciate it.

Another question though. I've seen a lot of people mount the Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme so that it blows the air up and out of the case. Is this because it would normally not have the clearance because of the fans on top with typical mounting or is it just a preference? I think it might have something to do with an i7 build because it's a bit higher on the mobo tray, anything even close to that?
 
690 will fit a Coolermaster V8, which is little taller than the Thermalright.
 
the cm-690 truly is a wonderful case in ever way..
i had my full i7 system in there with no heat issues, the only reason i moved on was because it wouldnt fit my watercooling plans

and you will have no issues with the true i had the black edition in mine as well as sli 280's
 
You can't go wrong with this case. I just replaced mine with a Cosmos S so I'll be getting rid of one soon. I really have loved that case though.
 
CM-690 has no gap under the PSU. If your PSU has a fan on the bottom, it will act like a vacuum cleaner sucking in dust from the floor. There is only so much a fan filter can do.

You can install the PSU upside down. But, anything (screw, washer, ...) dropped, while working in the case, could fall inside the PSU (through the fan opening).
What if it happens while the PC (PSU) is on? :eek:

This is the only concern I have with CM-690. So, I am still using my Antec P180.
It provides a 1" gap under the PSU. So, you can install the PSU right side up and the air intake comes from the front of the case, which is away (at least farther) from the floor. I prefer that setup.
 
MrF said:
CM-690 has no gap under the PSU. If your PSU has a fan on the bottom, it will act like a vacuum cleaner sucking in dust from the floor. There is only so much a fan filter can do.

You can install the PSU upside down. But, anything (screw, washer, ...) dropped, while working in the case, could fall inside the PSU (through the fan opening).
What if it happens while the PC (PSU) is on? :eek:

This is the only concern I have with CM-690. So, I am still using my Antec P180.
It provides a 1" gap under the PSU. So, you can install the PSU right side up and the air intake comes from the front of the case, which is away (at least farther) from the floor. I prefer that setup.
Click to expand...

fan filters do quite a bit actually..
 
I never had a problem with any of the PSU's i had installed in my 690 (1000HX, 750TX, decathlon 650W) and my dorm room is incredible dusty
 
I know I am picky.
Both cases have filters. It's all relative. The one with its intake farther from the floor should pick up less dust. At least, that is the thought that is bothering me.

I even have a phone book under my P180 to lift it up further away from the floor.

I know a lot of it is the placebo effect.
I really like the case.
 
Unless you want to watercool and internally mount a triple radiator the CM690 is a hard one to top in its class (I own it).
 
I honestly don't like mine. It's not the best for wiring, and it's not to great looking either.

It's got a good amount of room, it does everything required, but...
 
The only thing I don't like about the CM 690 is the front panel is a pain in the ass to take off.
 
CM690 is a great case... tooless design, bottom mounted PSU, side mounted HDD rack... and it's a big case! I love mine!
 
The 690 is a nice mid tower. It it doesn't have as much build quality as the antec cases but it has a nice number of fans.
 
lollerskater69 said:
The 690 is a nice mid tower. It it doesn't have as much build quality as the antec cases but it has a nice number of fans.
Click to expand...

going from a cm690 to a three hundred, i can say the antec feels more solid, but I like the tooless design of the CM better, and the CM is A LOT quieter, particularly in HDD noise dampening.
 
I'm really satisfied with the Three Hundred. Out of all the cases I've ever owned I'd have to say this is my favorite. Looks great, breathes well, and was $55 shipped to my doorstep. :D
 
dont get me wrong i like my three hundred, its just when the raptor is looking for a file.....you can hear it in the next room :D
 
Thanks for all the comments, I really appreciate it.

Another question though. I've seen a lot of people mount the Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme so that it blows the air up and out of the case. Is this because it would normally not have the clearance because of the fans on top with typical mounting or is it just a preference? I think it might have something to do with an i7 build because it's a bit higher on the mobo tray, anything even close to that?
 
i love my cm 690, out of all my builds, ive never repeated the same hardware twice (PSU's, vid cards, etc). But this is my second build with a cm 690. Which says alot for me since the Case has always been the first thing i get bored with
 
If you're handy with a dremel you can add another 140mm to the top and bottom of the 300, add a couple holes for routing cables and you'll end up with equal if not better airflow than the 690 and better overall build quality case for about half the price.

Closing the right case door of the 690 has at times had me in days long delerious fevers, I don't know if the 300 leaves any more room to route cables.
 
The secret to the right door is to prop the case at an angle and put it on.. Seems to make it alot easier :p
 
For the money, it's a great case but there were some things I didn't love.

- The overall design and construction was nice, but I found the paint to be pretty cheap as I scratched the back side panel very easily. The power and reset buttons were also really flimsy.

- If you're a perfectionist concerning cable management, you'll want a modular PSU or access to a dremel.

- Personally, the look of the case didn't completely appeal to me without painting the interior black.

- A big gripe of mine was one I didn't even think about until after I switched to an Antec 1200. My load temps decreased by roughly 7c degrees, even though I'm running my fans on the Antec at a lower RPM and CFM than on the CM690. Both had decent cable management and airflow was not an issue. The major issue was the fan grills and filters. When I bought the case I put my hand in front of the intake fans and could not feel any air moving into the case (at all). I figured the stock fans were junk and bought Yate Loon medium speed fans to replace them. During install I plugged the fans in without connecting them to the case and noticed great air movement with my hand in front of the blades. However, once I installed them into the case I was left with the original problem I had with the stock fans - almost no air could be felt at all on the intake fans.

Overall these issues might not be a big deal to some people, but the last one was particularly annoying. I'm sure some of the temp changes are related to the fact that the Antec is a full tower, but given that I can actually feel air moving from these fans, I'd also guess that the design of the CM690 was also limiting airflow in the case.

For $50 with window included, the CM690 is a pretty nice case. Compared to the Antec 900 I'd say they are fairly comparable, but the 900 has extremely bad cable management options which hurts it in both looks and airflow performance. If you have access to a dremel, that problem is probably less evident though.
 
CM 690 > Antec 900 hands down.

I've worked on both the the 690 is a breeze to work with (tool-less design).

The airflow in both cases is no joke though! but I think the 690 is better myself. I actually liek the holes for the PSU to push the heat outside the case... just make sure you dust it every so often!
 
after the first time you get the front panel off, its not nearly as hard after that
 
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