Installing Parts and Final Thoughts

The CM690 II Advanced comes with a fair bit of stuff for a midtower. You get the normal motherboard mounting hardware, a VGA support bracket, screen filter for the PSU area, 5.25 to 3.5�drive bay adapter, 3.5�to dual 1.8/2.5�drive adapter, wire ties, and buzzer speaker.

The VGA support is to help support the weight of large video cards. It mounts to the back of the case and can be adjusted to fit. The support can also hold an 80mm fan to aid in cooling the video cards.

To aid in installing the motherboard standoffs the motherboard tray is stamped with a key showing what holes are needed for what type of motherboard.

Overall, installing parts was very easy, and with plenty of room left in the case I can see some water cooling guys liking this case. The fact it will be relatively cheap being under $100 and needing little to no altering, I'm sure it will be popular.

The CPU backing plate cut out didn’t quite line up with the CPU socket of the Intel DX58SO motherboard I use for the test bench, but the funky position of the socket is not like most on the market.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I really like the CM690 II Advanced. It is very easy to work in and on. The ability to remove items from the case that are not needed or to make room for things like dual radiators without cutting up a perfectly good case is a really big plus. The ability to use multiple 120mm or 140mm fans, and combinations thereof, to cool the case is a big plus.

I also really liked the overall look of the case. It has simple lines and not an in your face aggressive design, but more blending in and not look out of place in my living room. The ability to turn the LED off is nice as well. If I were using the case in my living room it I wouldn’t want the glow from the LED fan.

The CME690 II is to be released the first part of this year. I would think with the cost being $99 for the Advance and $79 for the Standard it's a good bang for buck case. I think the CM690 II will be real popular with the water cooling crowd for the fact there will be very minimal hacking (if any) to get a cooling loop in the case. Cooler Master has also said that window panels will be available down the line for those who want to show off their parts.

Legit Bottom Line: I think Cooler Master has one very nice case with the CM690 II, and it goes to the top of my short list of cases to suggest.

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