Coolermaster ATCS 710 Review

Its time for another world exclusive here at hexus.net we've managed to get our hands on a coolermaster ATC 710, this case has been most eagerly awaited. Lets see whether it lives up to the Coolermaster name for quality and practicality. The case is a engineering sample so things may change in the final version, but the basics are there.

What are the specs of the case?

• 5.25" Bays (Exposed) x 4
• 3.5" Bays (Exposed) x 2
• 3.5" Bays (Shadow) x 4
• Form Factor: - ATX Mid-Tower
• Material: - Aluminum front panel & Case body 1.0mm SECC (Zinc-coated Steel)
• Case : 13kg
• Dimensions : 455mm(L) X 205mm(W) X 522mm(H)
• Dual 80 mm x 80 mm x 25 mm Fan attached front panel.(Fan not included)
• Dual 80 mm x 80 mm x 25 mm Fan attached back panel.(Fan not included)
• Blue Power LED
• Removeable 3 1/4 drive bays
• Quick release cd/dvd drive attachment

Colours

There are two versions of the ATC-710 first the gray version (ATC-710-GX1) this is the one we are testing here.

This version is dark grey/black with an anodised aluminium front and black bay covers. The sides are painted steel, they are painted black similiar again to the sides of the ATCS 200.

The second model is a silver version (ATC-710-SX1) with this looks like its going to be a very tasty looking case.

First impressions

As with all cases and computer equipement opening up the box isn't half exiting. I wasnt sure what to expect with this case as I didnt know much about it. First off I had forgotten how heavy steel cases are compared to aluminium, its been so long since I have had one. Once I got the case out of the box, and down onto the floor to look at I was impressed the front of it is lovely its anodised black/grey. Similiar to the front of the ATCS 200. The second thing I noticed was the lock, hmm damn I hope there's key. There was, the case came with a little box with two keys and a bag of screws and stuff for the motherboard and psu etc.

Open the door

I spent 5mins trying to get the front door open until I realised I had locked the door, after slapping myself I got it open. When you open the door you are presented with the drives. Ypu get 4 5 1/4 drive bays andd 2 3 1/4 drive bays at the front. Note I recieved all four large bay plates which is good, and a change from the norm with Coolermaster I hope they decide to do this with the final version. The power button is inside the door which could be a pain for some people but its not that much hassle. You will probably notice two things missing straight away , a reset button and a hard disc led. They aren't there. I really hope this is changed in the final version as they are both very useful to have. Note those of you with drives that have knobs sticking out will run into difficulties as with any case with a door clearance is at a premium.

Opening her up

Now this case is the first Coolermaster I've seen with a handle. It is also lockable so you can keep you pesky housemate's /siblings out of your expensive pc if need be. The side is quite heavy but and absolute breeze to remove possibly the easiest method I've seen to date. Note that only one side is removable well easily the other side is held in by normal screws. That said there is no need for it ever to be removed, everything can be access from the one side. Now looking inside the case , it may make some of you think erm I recognise that? Particularly those with chieftec cases , as this case is a combination of the Coolermaster and Chieftec.

Installing your parts

One my biggest dissapointments in the case was the lack of a removeable motherboard tray is this makes life so much easier. That said the space around the motherboard is huge and installing a motherboard is fairly quick and painless. This is helped in part due to the removeable drive cages (3 1/4 drive bays) these are removed by sliding back the lever and pulling out. It makes installing hard drives a breeze and gives extra clearance for installing the motherboard. The installation of the 5 1/4 drives is just as painless due to the quick release tabs that you screw to the side of the drives then simple click the drive into place in a bay. Far far easier than messing around with tiny screws while trying to hold the drive in place as is the norm. I was also dissapointed not to see thumbscrews on the expansion slots as this saves so much time when swapping cards around.

PSU fitment

This is another area that I feel improvement is required, installing the PSU is done from the inside. This is quick and relatively painless but I found it was difficult to line the PSU up with the screw holes as there is nothing to support the psu or hold it in place. I assume that nothing is needed to support the PSU once its in due to the extra strength of steel when compoared to alumiunium. Once it was in it was very secure and wasnt budging, which is reassuring. The addition of a rail or cage to help guide the PSU in place would be nice to see though.

Cooling

Now as standard this case is not shipped with any fans, it has space for 4 80mm fans. There are dual fans at the front and dual fans at the back. I would suggest that the front ones should be intake and the rears exhaust. Fan fitment is excellent, no fans screws required here. They just clip into place, the best solution I've seen. I noted that laser cut fan grills would not fit with the little clips but normal wire grills will do fine. With a touch of modding I think the laser ones will squeeze in. I fitted three papst fans and a ys-tech fan just above the cpu, to see how good the cooling is. I was impressed it was very good. Prehaps a top blowhole would further improve things but as they are is fine for all but the hottest setups.

Other stuff

I have already mentioned the lack of the hard disc LED, but the power one already in place caught my eye straight away. Its a blue LED. Those of you who know me know how much I like them, I really hope they are kept in the final version as the black with the blue is a really nice effect. On the bottom of the case there are four plastic feet that look very substational. They can be turned through 90 degree's as well for extra stability if you desire. The overall quality of the case is very very good, one of the best steel cases I have seen.

Gallery

Pro's

• Very good looking
• Quality in build
• Door to hide drives
• Blue LED
• Cooling is excellent
• Removable drive trays
• Space for lots of drives
• Price
• Fitting of drives very easy
• Easy access with the sidepanel handle
• Lockable side and front for security

Con's

• No reset switch
• No hard disc led
• Clearance for drives maybe an issue for some
• Heavy
• No thumbscrews
• No removeable motherboard tray

Conclusion

You can't go wrong buying this case, you definitly won't be dissapointed. The few slight niggles I noticed are not a big problem. The case is excellent value (around £100 I am informed). If you are on the look out for a new case and can't afford an all aluminium one, then this is the case for you. Modding of the case should be very simple as Chieftec window kits will fit this case as well. A big thumbs up for Coolermaster again.

Thanks

A big thanks to Coolermaster for send the case, its always nice being the first website to get our hands on something this nice.