How good is the CM 690?

goujon945 · 10 Jun 2009 at 20:53

Hey guys,

I'm building a rig for a friend and I need some advice. It's mid range AMD rig -

Phenom II 720 BE
Asus 790 GX
4gb RAM
4850 512mb
Etc.

I chose the components but he's choosing the case. I recommended the Antec 300 as I have one and like it a lot however he wants the newish Gladiator RC-600. As it is new I can't find any detailed reviews but the CM 690 looks really similar, so I was hoping you guys with a CM 690 could offer your views on it. Same goes for owners of the Gladiator. Are they worth £20 more than the Antec 300?

Cheers

Stanman67 · 10 Jun 2009 at 21:03

I cant speak about the Antec 300 as never owned it but I have the CM690 and the original Sonata. I like toe CM690 for its cable managmenet and tool free feature. However the only draw back is internally its not as big as I thought it would be - but this will be the case with the antec.
Here are some pics of my case.
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18018216

goujon945 · 10 Jun 2009 at 21:11

The CM 690 looks quite a bit bigger than my Antec 300, thanks for the pics. Whats the build quality like? My 300 is used for a server so it does its job well but the paint job isn't all that great and it's a tad flimsy. Does the CM 690 hae any fan filters on the front?

TheRedZealot · 10 Jun 2009 at 21:15

The CM690 does not have fan filters at the front but for the price it is has a lot of space and great cable management.

Stanman67 · 10 Jun 2009 at 21:27

goujon945 said:
The CM 690 looks quite a bit bigger than my Antec 300, thanks for the pics. Whats the build quality like? My 300 is used for a server so it does its job well but the paint job isn't all that great and it's a tad flimsy. Does the CM 690 hae any fan filters on the front?

Its a nie sturdy case with solid rubber legs not the 50P sized ones you get on some. The only gripe I have is the way the panels come off, you have to slide and lock and it can be a bugger. There are three fans pre installed 1 at front 1 at back and one in the side. you can install optional extra top and bottom. I have love it apart from the side panels. Its worth the money. It would be a fab deal if there was a little bit more space between the mobo and HDD encllosures

how random · 11 Jun 2009 at 15:11

goujon945 said:
The CM 690 looks quite a bit bigger than my Antec 300, thanks for the pics. Whats the build quality like? My 300 is used for a server so it does its job well but the paint job isn't all that great and it's a tad flimsy. Does the CM 690 hae any fan filters on the front?

My 690 has a fan filter for the front 120cm fan, you have to take the front of the case off to see it.

morkfromork · 11 Jun 2009 at 18:37

Just brought a 690. All i can say is i'm happy with mine. Plenty of room and very good cable maagement. Feels strong and sturdy and well worth the pennies.

Just finished spraying the inside black. Will be doing a couple of mods on it. Will post a log when i have the photo's sorted.

skippy2421 · 12 Jun 2009 at 00:23

I'm chuffed to bits with mine, lots of room, plenty of slots for fans, which i have filled most of lol, for the price i think it is great, easily matches some of the more expensive cases. My 690 also has a front fan filter, only intake that doesn't is the one on the side.

goujon945 · 12 Jun 2009 at 00:31

Cheers for the input guys. By the sounds of it, it seems like a nice case. Ill pass on the info to my mate and hopefully see for myself in the next week or so

skippy2421 · 12 Jun 2009 at 00:42

yea it's good, will swallow the components you have listed quite easily have a look at mine

believe it or not that is a 4850 in there. I quite like the fact they give you loads of screws up the side as i often lose them lol.