Cooler Master CM Storm Sniper PC Case

Observation

Below we have what CM Storm touts as their Storm Tactics (strength, security and control) all good things to possess no doubt, even for a computer chassis. As with anything everyone will form their own opinions as time goes by, but for now I can lay mine out for you to take how you will on their claims to the following and more. 

Storm Tactics™ – Strength, Security, Control

Strength

The Sniper features unprecedented airflow from up to three huge fans: a 200mm blue LED fan in the front, a top exhaust 200mm LED fan and yet another optional 200mm VGA intake, all backed up by additional 120-140mm fan locations (6 in total), creating some seriously heavy duty airflow to cool all your high-end PC components. Developed with elite engineering skills, and reinforced by the highest grade materials, your Storm gear will perform and deliver with unfailing reliability, letting you focus on your game and worry less about your hardware.

I have to admit the case does have some very good air flow. Not only that the ability to change up the components from 200mm fans to 120mm and even L/C Radiators if desired is a big plus. However, as I found out due to a fan failure, what isn’t a great thing is that at the present time these Force 200 fans are not available in the US. Yes, Cooler Master did send me one out, however, it was not a direct replacement and not LED. Not good. lol 

As for the rest of the case, .. the chassis is indeed very sturdy built and well laid out. The steel was not flimsy at all, nor did I find a sharp or jagged edge and the paint finish was flawless. The plastic front panel and other panels were very thick and sturdy as well. Everything on the case was well fitted and all lines flowed well. 

Kudos CM Storm, well done indeed. 

Security

Presenting the StormGuard™ – a groundbreaking new patent from the CM Storm Labs, this unique new security solution consists of a specially designed PCI-bracket located at the rear of the main chassis body. By locking your peripherals and side panel firmly in place, Storm Tactics and the StormGuard will protect your PC and 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.

Although I personally found it a bit of a pain to deal with at first, only because I had never used one lol, I think this is a grand idea. If you have ever had anything like a mouse or keyboard stolen, then you will be dang thankful for this little gadget indeed. And the ability to move it to a PCI slot if need be, for whatever reason (short cable etc) is a plus too. It may not stop the thieves, but it will slow them down. … well maybe a blink of an eyes worth. 

Verdict? Worth having!

Control

The Sniper offers a built-in one-for-all fan controller, which lets you tune your airflow to find the perfect balance between thermal performance and silent operation. Integrated in the extra large control knob is a LED light switch, letting you decide exactly when to turn on the lights for a full-on gaming session, and when to chill out in the dark with your favorite movies. Furthermore, the Sniper gaming chassis features convenient carrying handles for fast and efficient mobilization, multi-position water cooling holes, tool free design, and great expandability for peripherals, HDDs, optical drives and function panels. Injected with Storm Tactics, the Sniper lets you tweak and tune your hardware to work just the way you want it.

 Ok, so the big knob on the front I was unsure of at first, but you know now I look at it and think of big old radio knobs. heck what can I say it grew on me. The fact that it has a dual functionality that actually works gets a thumbs up too. Turn off the lights and turn down the fan speed and take nap if ya need to, or turn the lights on and the fans at full blast for some serious battle. OK, so there is so much more to the control center of the CM Sniper than the one single knob. Yeah, your right you have a ton of USB ports, e-SATA, HD or AC 97 audio, and fire wire …. yup that little panel is full of goodies. Of course you could always add more, believe me their is room. :)

My observation … hmmm …I like it.