Introduction
For many years Cooler Maters has delivered enthusiast level computer hardware. If we take a look in the past, CM Stacker and NVIDIA Edition of computer cabinets from Cooler Master have really served The Gaming Community, The Over-Clockers, The Collectors & The Enthusiasts.
Cooler master is now looking forward for proving an answer to everyone, a computer case that solves the purpose of all the computer users and at the same time, can be taken to any of the LAN Party happing around town. When you put a great looking cabinet, a rigid design, positive air flow and AMD in a box and shake it really hard, you get Cooler Master Storm Sniper AMD Dragon Platform Edition.
Cooler Master Storm Range Of Products Mostly emphasizes on the following 3 features
Strength
Developed with elite engineering skills, and reinforced by the highest grade materials, your Storm Gear will perform and deliver with unfailing reliability, letting your focus on your game and worry less about your hardware.
Security
Storm Tactics will protect your PC & gaming Gear from thieves and other thuggish individuals. Never again return to your seat at a LAN-Party to find that some villain has grabbed your gaming mouse and headset, or even worse, your entire system.
Control
Storm Tactics lets you tweak and tune your hardware to work just the way you want it. With Storm Gear, the power is in your hands.
So let’s move ahead and bring the Cooler Master Storm Sniper AMD Dragon Platform Edition under our scope, to find the true STORM TACTICS.
[BREAK=Features & Specification]
Features
Let’s take a look at the feature set, provided by Cooler Master.
1. Fierce exterior design inspired by military weapons.
2. Aggressive AMD-red LED fans.
3. Unique side panel window with AMD Dragon graphics.
4. Unprecedented airflow from up to 2 huge fans.
5. Next generation control center for tuning your lights and fans.
6. StormGuardâ„¢ - ground-breaking security system for safeguarding your gaming peripherals.
7. Convenient handle and foot stand for fast and efficient mobilization and relocation.
Specifications
Let us take a look at the specification sheet.
Next : The Crust; Packaging.
[BREAK=First Look: Packaging]
Packaging
At the front we see the AMD Dragon Platform Edition and a picture of the Dragon (As on the Side Panel). The thing to notice here is that the name Cooler Master is nowhere to be seen, however is replaced by CM Storm which has a beautiful logo of its own. The punch line of CM Storm is “ARMING THE GAMING REVOLUTIONâ€.
Back of the box shows the list of features of this cabinet as usual; Elaborated with pictures. The thing to note is that we do have the AMD’s logo here which clearly states “THE FUTURE IS FUSIONâ€, giving the cabinet its name. And you can have a better preview of the Dragon Decal of the side panel.
One sides of the box show the specification of the product inside it while the other shows a mere picture of the cabinet. Please note that the website given on both the side of the box is not Cooler Master - Ultimate provider of Computer Chassis | Cooler | Power Supply but CM Storm.
Next : Out Of The Box Experience
[BREAK=Out Of The Box Experience]
Out Of The Box
The cabinet comes wrapped in usual plastic sheet and is supported by Styrofoam padding on the top and at the bottom.
This time Cooler Master has really gone a step ahead in providing a detailed manual of the product, specially emphasizing on the features and removable parts of the construction.
Following items came with the cabinet.
1. Rubber covers for Liquid Cooling Tube Vents.
2. 4 Rubber Base, if you plan to change the Foot Stand with something more conventional.
3. 5.25†to 3.5†Drive Bay Convertor.
4. Motherboard Mounting Screws.
5. Extra set of screws for mounting other peripherals.
6. A set of cable ties.
Next : Exteriors of the DRAGON.
[BREAK=Exteriors of the DRAGON]
Exteriors of the DRAGON
Front of the cabinet has all Mesh (Honey Comb) design, to support maximum air flow, one of the main features of this chassis. We have 5 5.25†drive bays and the logo of SNIPER embossed on the left top of the case. Important to notice is, unlike Cooler Master HAF 932, this case comes with a pre installed 5.25†to 3.5†drive bay convertor. This saves a drive bay cover. Also, the method of converting to 3.5†drive bay is quite unique and much easier than any other computer case available in the market till date.
And now the side panel, with all its guts and glory, has the AMD FUSION Dragon DECAL and is huge enough to show all the interiors of the cabinet, a dream come true for any enthusiast.
The right side panel of the cabinet is made by keeping the Motherboard Back Tray Cable Management in mind. So we have a large section of the tray embossed. And to preserve the beauty of it Cooler Master has smartly printed a CM Storm logo at the on the side panel.
Next : Back & Bottom
[BREAK=Storm Tactics - Security]
Back Side
The back of the cabinet is similar to that of HAF-932, however the better thing about it is that it comes with extra holes for Liquid Cooling Kit Installation. This is a good idea, specially when you decide to but the put at the bottom and need to have holes at the bottom of the cabinet for easy access to the radiator.
We have the usual 120mm Fan at the back and PSU Bay at the bottom of the cabinet.
CM Storm Tactics - Security
The other thing to note here is the Extra Window that Cooler Master has provided, the use of the same is that you can put the cable of your mouse & keyboard across it and then connect it to the back panel of the motherboard, this makes the connected device impossible to be stolen (unless the person decides to cut the cable and take the device).
Next : The Top Panel
[BREAK=Top Panel]
Top Panel
The top panel of the cabinet is a delight to look at. It has the following connectors & features.
• 4x USB Ports.
• 1x 1394 (Firewire) Port.
• 1x eSata Port.
• 1x Headphone Out & 1x Mic In.
• Power & HDD LED.
• Power & Reset button.
• Analog Dial Fan speed Controller
• Case Fan LED Button
Going a step ahead, cooler master has provided a switch for the LED FANs in the case, using with you can turn off the LED of the case fans. Cooler Master has fitted specially crafted LED Fans for this purpose. The Case Fan speed Controller has connectors for 5 fans, the same is the case with the LED Switch, it can have 5 Fans connected to it for controlling the LED functions.
Top of the case has for a handle imbedded in the design of the case itself, making it impossible to recognize at the first look. Cause the handle is embedded, it is much rigid and can carry the weight of any RIG this case is part of. This cabinet will always be the center of attraction in any LAN-Party you decide to take it to.
Looking closely at the top, we see the 200mm fan which is a RED LED fan with following specification.
Front & Top Fan Specification
We clearly see that with the CM Storm, Cooler Master has launched a new range of low noise high CFM 200mm case fans. This range of fans come in 2 different LED colors RED & BLUE, and have segregated connections for LEDs and Fan Power.
The bottom of the cabinet has Rigid foot stands which can be moved at a 90 degree angle and can support the cabinet at any surface. The look of the base is more identical to the base of an Anti Aircraft Gun Mount.
The thing to notice is that the overall structure of the case is identical to that of tank and really looks like a Military weapon.
Next : The Interiors
[BREAK=The Interiors]
Inside The Sniper
First thing first, the HDD area of the case. It is a tool less design with damping materials used.
In the front we have the Force 200 fan installed for maximum airflow.
Bottom of the case has a vent for an additional 140mm fan installation, Cooler Master has made it sure that the installation of this fan remains tool free. However if one needs to install a 120mm fan, he/she needs to remove the meshed grill and screw the fan to the bottom of the cabinet.
Looking at the PSU Area, I was happy to see that Cooler Master has made it sure that proper damping is provided to the PSU, here we see 2 rubber strips at the PSU mounts at the bottom of the cabinet.
Next: Interiors - Back & Top
[BREAK=Interiors - Back & Top]
Back & Top
The backside of the cabinet has the tool free 7 expansion slots, however are designed in a manner to provide maximum airflow. Good for the people using single slot Graphics Cards.
One of the most important security feature is the additional security slot, which makes sure that your valuable mouse and keyboards are only users to use. Only thing you need to do is to make the wires pass through the channels in the bay, and then connect them at the back of the computer.
At the top of the cabinet we see the Force 200 case fan.
Next: Motherboard Tray
[BREAK=Motherboard Tray]
Motherboard Tray
The motherboard tray area is open enough to incorporate any ATX motherboard and still have lot of room to work with those 5 HDDs and other peripherals. To note that the tray comes with loops for using cable ties for better cable management. One more thing to note here is engraved channel on the motherboard tray, this surely provides extra space between the motherboard and the tray and is made by keeping in mind the extra airflow and enthusiast’s computer need.
And a look at the back side of the motherboard tray. Following the same trend as that of HAF 932, cooler master has made a hole in the Motherboard Tray for east CPU Heat sink Replacement.
Next: Testing
[BREAK=Testing]
Test Setup
For testing purpose we kept the three cabinets against each other, these are
CM Elite 330
CM HAF 932
CM Storm Sniper AMD Dragon Platform Edition
The hardware used for the setup is as follows.
• CPU - Intel E6600
• Motherboard - ASUS P5KC
• RAM - 2x2GB Corsair Dominator at 1066MHz.
• GPU - ATI Radeon 3870x2 1GB By Visiontek
• PSU - Real Power Pro 460
• HDD - 250GB Seagate Barracuda at 7200 rpm.
• Optical Device - Samsung 22x DVD Rom Drive.
The Temperature Charts
Next : Conclusion
[BREAK=Conclusion]
Conclusion
After comparing the CM Storm Sniper AMD Dragon Platform Edition with the most used and the most recent cabinet in of Cooler Master, we saw that the cabinet certainly keeps all the promises and if one of the most rigid yet good looking cabinet that I have come across. CM Storm Tactics do pass all the tests of Security, Maneuverability, Strength and design of the cabinet.
Pros.
• Rigid Design.
• Security for your costly devices.
• Ground breaking LED control of the Fans
• Pre Build Fan Contoller
• Good Airflow.
• All Meshed Metal design allows maximum airflow.
• Can incorporate most of the liquid cooling solution available today.
• Beautiful Dragon Decal for showing the inside stuff.
• Easy to carry the cabinet, unlike the HAF 932.
• Foot stand is rock solid and can take load of any weight an entusiast’s RIG has to offer.
Cons.
• The cable for the LED switch needs to be a bit longer.
• The side panel could have incorporated an additional fan.
As an author of the review I rate this product 5/5. A must have for all the Gamers Specially AMD Platform Lovers.
PLEASE DIGG THE REVIEW HERE.
For many years Cooler Maters has delivered enthusiast level computer hardware. If we take a look in the past, CM Stacker and NVIDIA Edition of computer cabinets from Cooler Master have really served The Gaming Community, The Over-Clockers, The Collectors & The Enthusiasts.
Cooler master is now looking forward for proving an answer to everyone, a computer case that solves the purpose of all the computer users and at the same time, can be taken to any of the LAN Party happing around town. When you put a great looking cabinet, a rigid design, positive air flow and AMD in a box and shake it really hard, you get Cooler Master Storm Sniper AMD Dragon Platform Edition.
Cooler Master Storm Range Of Products Mostly emphasizes on the following 3 features
Strength
Developed with elite engineering skills, and reinforced by the highest grade materials, your Storm Gear will perform and deliver with unfailing reliability, letting your focus on your game and worry less about your hardware.
Security
Storm Tactics will protect your PC & gaming Gear from thieves and other thuggish individuals. Never again return to your seat at a LAN-Party to find that some villain has grabbed your gaming mouse and headset, or even worse, your entire system.
Control
Storm Tactics lets you tweak and tune your hardware to work just the way you want it. With Storm Gear, the power is in your hands.
So let’s move ahead and bring the Cooler Master Storm Sniper AMD Dragon Platform Edition under our scope, to find the true STORM TACTICS.
[BREAK=Features & Specification]
Features
Let’s take a look at the feature set, provided by Cooler Master.
1. Fierce exterior design inspired by military weapons.
2. Aggressive AMD-red LED fans.
3. Unique side panel window with AMD Dragon graphics.
4. Unprecedented airflow from up to 2 huge fans.
5. Next generation control center for tuning your lights and fans.
6. StormGuardâ„¢ - ground-breaking security system for safeguarding your gaming peripherals.
7. Convenient handle and foot stand for fast and efficient mobilization and relocation.
Specifications
Let us take a look at the specification sheet.
Next : The Crust; Packaging.
[BREAK=First Look: Packaging]
Packaging
At the front we see the AMD Dragon Platform Edition and a picture of the Dragon (As on the Side Panel). The thing to notice here is that the name Cooler Master is nowhere to be seen, however is replaced by CM Storm which has a beautiful logo of its own. The punch line of CM Storm is “ARMING THE GAMING REVOLUTIONâ€.
Back of the box shows the list of features of this cabinet as usual; Elaborated with pictures. The thing to note is that we do have the AMD’s logo here which clearly states “THE FUTURE IS FUSIONâ€, giving the cabinet its name. And you can have a better preview of the Dragon Decal of the side panel.
One sides of the box show the specification of the product inside it while the other shows a mere picture of the cabinet. Please note that the website given on both the side of the box is not Cooler Master - Ultimate provider of Computer Chassis | Cooler | Power Supply but CM Storm.
Next : Out Of The Box Experience
[BREAK=Out Of The Box Experience]
Out Of The Box
The cabinet comes wrapped in usual plastic sheet and is supported by Styrofoam padding on the top and at the bottom.
This time Cooler Master has really gone a step ahead in providing a detailed manual of the product, specially emphasizing on the features and removable parts of the construction.
Following items came with the cabinet.
1. Rubber covers for Liquid Cooling Tube Vents.
2. 4 Rubber Base, if you plan to change the Foot Stand with something more conventional.
3. 5.25†to 3.5†Drive Bay Convertor.
4. Motherboard Mounting Screws.
5. Extra set of screws for mounting other peripherals.
6. A set of cable ties.
Next : Exteriors of the DRAGON.
[BREAK=Exteriors of the DRAGON]
Exteriors of the DRAGON
Front of the cabinet has all Mesh (Honey Comb) design, to support maximum air flow, one of the main features of this chassis. We have 5 5.25†drive bays and the logo of SNIPER embossed on the left top of the case. Important to notice is, unlike Cooler Master HAF 932, this case comes with a pre installed 5.25†to 3.5†drive bay convertor. This saves a drive bay cover. Also, the method of converting to 3.5†drive bay is quite unique and much easier than any other computer case available in the market till date.
And now the side panel, with all its guts and glory, has the AMD FUSION Dragon DECAL and is huge enough to show all the interiors of the cabinet, a dream come true for any enthusiast.
The right side panel of the cabinet is made by keeping the Motherboard Back Tray Cable Management in mind. So we have a large section of the tray embossed. And to preserve the beauty of it Cooler Master has smartly printed a CM Storm logo at the on the side panel.
Next : Back & Bottom
[BREAK=Storm Tactics - Security]
Back Side
The back of the cabinet is similar to that of HAF-932, however the better thing about it is that it comes with extra holes for Liquid Cooling Kit Installation. This is a good idea, specially when you decide to but the put at the bottom and need to have holes at the bottom of the cabinet for easy access to the radiator.
We have the usual 120mm Fan at the back and PSU Bay at the bottom of the cabinet.
CM Storm Tactics - Security
The other thing to note here is the Extra Window that Cooler Master has provided, the use of the same is that you can put the cable of your mouse & keyboard across it and then connect it to the back panel of the motherboard, this makes the connected device impossible to be stolen (unless the person decides to cut the cable and take the device).
Next : The Top Panel
[BREAK=Top Panel]
Top Panel
The top panel of the cabinet is a delight to look at. It has the following connectors & features.
• 4x USB Ports.
• 1x 1394 (Firewire) Port.
• 1x eSata Port.
• 1x Headphone Out & 1x Mic In.
• Power & HDD LED.
• Power & Reset button.
• Analog Dial Fan speed Controller
• Case Fan LED Button
Going a step ahead, cooler master has provided a switch for the LED FANs in the case, using with you can turn off the LED of the case fans. Cooler Master has fitted specially crafted LED Fans for this purpose. The Case Fan speed Controller has connectors for 5 fans, the same is the case with the LED Switch, it can have 5 Fans connected to it for controlling the LED functions.
Top of the case has for a handle imbedded in the design of the case itself, making it impossible to recognize at the first look. Cause the handle is embedded, it is much rigid and can carry the weight of any RIG this case is part of. This cabinet will always be the center of attraction in any LAN-Party you decide to take it to.
Looking closely at the top, we see the 200mm fan which is a RED LED fan with following specification.
Front & Top Fan Specification
We clearly see that with the CM Storm, Cooler Master has launched a new range of low noise high CFM 200mm case fans. This range of fans come in 2 different LED colors RED & BLUE, and have segregated connections for LEDs and Fan Power.
The bottom of the cabinet has Rigid foot stands which can be moved at a 90 degree angle and can support the cabinet at any surface. The look of the base is more identical to the base of an Anti Aircraft Gun Mount.
The thing to notice is that the overall structure of the case is identical to that of tank and really looks like a Military weapon.
Next : The Interiors
[BREAK=The Interiors]
Inside The Sniper
First thing first, the HDD area of the case. It is a tool less design with damping materials used.
In the front we have the Force 200 fan installed for maximum airflow.
Bottom of the case has a vent for an additional 140mm fan installation, Cooler Master has made it sure that the installation of this fan remains tool free. However if one needs to install a 120mm fan, he/she needs to remove the meshed grill and screw the fan to the bottom of the cabinet.
Looking at the PSU Area, I was happy to see that Cooler Master has made it sure that proper damping is provided to the PSU, here we see 2 rubber strips at the PSU mounts at the bottom of the cabinet.
Next: Interiors - Back & Top
[BREAK=Interiors - Back & Top]
Back & Top
The backside of the cabinet has the tool free 7 expansion slots, however are designed in a manner to provide maximum airflow. Good for the people using single slot Graphics Cards.
One of the most important security feature is the additional security slot, which makes sure that your valuable mouse and keyboards are only users to use. Only thing you need to do is to make the wires pass through the channels in the bay, and then connect them at the back of the computer.
At the top of the cabinet we see the Force 200 case fan.
Next: Motherboard Tray
[BREAK=Motherboard Tray]
Motherboard Tray
The motherboard tray area is open enough to incorporate any ATX motherboard and still have lot of room to work with those 5 HDDs and other peripherals. To note that the tray comes with loops for using cable ties for better cable management. One more thing to note here is engraved channel on the motherboard tray, this surely provides extra space between the motherboard and the tray and is made by keeping in mind the extra airflow and enthusiast’s computer need.
And a look at the back side of the motherboard tray. Following the same trend as that of HAF 932, cooler master has made a hole in the Motherboard Tray for east CPU Heat sink Replacement.
Next: Testing
[BREAK=Testing]
Test Setup
For testing purpose we kept the three cabinets against each other, these are
CM Elite 330
CM HAF 932
CM Storm Sniper AMD Dragon Platform Edition
The hardware used for the setup is as follows.
• CPU - Intel E6600
• Motherboard - ASUS P5KC
• RAM - 2x2GB Corsair Dominator at 1066MHz.
• GPU - ATI Radeon 3870x2 1GB By Visiontek
• PSU - Real Power Pro 460
• HDD - 250GB Seagate Barracuda at 7200 rpm.
• Optical Device - Samsung 22x DVD Rom Drive.
The Temperature Charts
Next : Conclusion
[BREAK=Conclusion]
Conclusion
After comparing the CM Storm Sniper AMD Dragon Platform Edition with the most used and the most recent cabinet in of Cooler Master, we saw that the cabinet certainly keeps all the promises and if one of the most rigid yet good looking cabinet that I have come across. CM Storm Tactics do pass all the tests of Security, Maneuverability, Strength and design of the cabinet.
Pros.
• Rigid Design.
• Security for your costly devices.
• Ground breaking LED control of the Fans
• Pre Build Fan Contoller
• Good Airflow.
• All Meshed Metal design allows maximum airflow.
• Can incorporate most of the liquid cooling solution available today.
• Beautiful Dragon Decal for showing the inside stuff.
• Easy to carry the cabinet, unlike the HAF 932.
• Foot stand is rock solid and can take load of any weight an entusiast’s RIG has to offer.
Cons.
• The cable for the LED switch needs to be a bit longer.
• The side panel could have incorporated an additional fan.
As an author of the review I rate this product 5/5. A must have for all the Gamers Specially AMD Platform Lovers.
PLEASE DIGG THE REVIEW HERE.