What's the next CM 690? (need USB 3 ports)

[ellmo]

I've been looking at cases for about 3 weeks - I like the "Cooler Master" brand, and I finally thought I had what I needed in the RC-692-KKN2 (690 Advanced) - but then I see that this seems like an old case.

I love the cooling potential (all the front/top grating)... I'll be OC'ing.

I don't like that the IO ports on the front panel are "2x USB 2.0". Does that mean it's incompatible with USB 3? (my USB 3.0 Flex drive would like a front plug)

So, if this case won't work, any other ideas?

Parameters:
mATX mobo, but want ATX ability (future)
Don't want a case that's too small (can't breathe, hard to build), but don't want something that takes up the whole living room...
Don't worry about price - more interested in what I want!
I like Cooler Master, but...

Purchase imminent - just need the right one!

All comments welcome! Thanks!

 

[ellmo]

Wow - I just found this - will this work?

CM USB 3.0 front panel

(Don't know why I didn't see it before.)

 

[Silvune]

Cooler Master recently announced that they would be updating the CM 690 II with USB3. But if you can't confirm that that is the version you're going to buy then yes that front panel accessory/USB 3 adapter is what you want. The motherboard will need an internal USB3 connector as well obviously.

Other cases which share the same similar internal design to the CM 690 II include:
Rosewill Blackhawk
Enermax Fulmo
anidees AI6
Lepa LPC302
Nexus Prominent R

 

[1foxracing]

You might consider the Corsair 400R case. It has 2 USB3 ports with motherboard header and mounting for 10 fans. It cost $10 more than the CM but you won't have to purchase a separate adapter.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139008&Tpk=400r

 

[hannibal]

Or Antec 183: http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=MjcyOQ==
or Antec 280: http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=NzA0NTM5

 

[ellmo]

Here is what I know about the mobo I am imminently receiving (this week!):

USB Ports:
ASMedia® USB 3.0 controller :
4 x USB 3.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue, 2 at mid-board)
Intel® Z68 chipset :
12 x USB 2.0 port(s) (8 at back panel, black, 4 at mid-board)

It is the ASUS Maximus IV Gene-Z 1155 Z68... several mid-board USB's. ;o)

 

[ellmo]

Gee whiz - that adapter from Cooler Master is like $59.00!!!! Too bad I don't see an option to buy it with the case for a discounted price. Maybe it's made out of gold.

 

[g-unit1111]

Here is what I know about the mobo I am imminently receiving (this week!):

USB Ports:
ASMedia® USB 3.0 controller :
4 x USB 3.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue, 2 at mid-board)
Intel® Z68 chipset :
12 x USB 2.0 port(s) (8 at back panel, black, 4 at mid-board)

It is the ASUS Maximus IV Gene-Z 1155 Z68... several mid-board USB's. ;o)

A couple of suggestions:

Corsair Carbide 400R - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139008
Fractal Design Arc MINI - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352008
Fractal Design Arc MIDI - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352007

Note - with the Arc MINI you will only be able to use Micro ATX motherboards.

Gee whiz - that adapter from Cooler Master is like $59.00!!!! Too bad I don't see an option to buy it with the case for a discounted price. Maybe it's made out of gold.

Yeah Cooler Master tends to way overprice any addins or modifications for their towers.

 

[ellmo]

Best answer selected by ellmo.

 

[ellmo]

Thanks for the tip - It looks like Corsair may work great - your link led me to also look at the 500R - so I'll proabbly pick one of those.

 

[g-unit1111]

Thanks for the tip - It looks like Corsair may work great - your link led me to also look at the 500R - so I'll proabbly pick one of those.

Good choice. I have the Graphite 600T and it is an AMAZING case.