Cooler Master Centurion 590

First off, here are the specs of this case:

• Dimension (W / H / D): (W) 210 x (H) 440 x (D)510 mm
• Weight Net Weight: 8.5 kg ; Gross Weight : 9.3 kg
• Material Chassis: SECC, Bezel: Metal mesh+ABS
• Motherboards: ATX, Micro-ATX
• Components: 5.25″ Drive Bay 9 (Exposed; without the use of exposed any 3.5 inch drive bay), 3.5″ Drive Bay 4 (Hidden; from one 4-in-3 device module (included), 1 (Exposed; converted from one 5.25 inch drive bay), I/O Panel USB 2.0×2, IEEE 1394 x1, MIC x1, SPK x1 (supports HD / AC’ 97 Audio)
• Cooling System: One 120x120x25 mm front fan (blue LED), 1200 rpm, 17 dBA (included), One 120x120x25 mm rear fan (exhaust), 1200 rpm, 17 dBA (included)
• Expansion Slots: 7 Optional Component Transparent side panel
• Power Supply: Standard ATX PS2/ EPS 12V (Optional)

Important Note: The test specs of my PC changed from my initial photos to what you will see from here on out. Unfortunately for me, I experienced a severe hardware failure after I initially built my test PC. The motherboard I used decided it was tired of life and as it went it took my graphics card out with it. One important fact I need to note is that I had plenty of clearance using a Noctua NU-12P heat sink inside this case and side panel fans installed. You can fit the biggest air cooler in there with all the fans installed for maximum cooling.

Since I decided it was time for a whole new PC for myself, I chose something that would really test the ability of this case to house not only a hot Quad core, but also an internal water cooling loop as well.

My test configuration consists of:

• Processor: AMD Phenom 9850BE 2.5GHz
• Motherboard: ASUS M3A78-EMH HDMI
• Memory: Mushkin PC2-6400 2X2GB
• Video: HIS 3450 256MB
• Sound: ASUS Xonar D2
• Storage: Seagate 7200.11 500GB, Samsung DVD Burner
• Power Supply: Enermax Liberty 400W
• Chassis: Cooler Master Centurion 590
• Etcetera: Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit
Cooling
• Swiftech MCR220 Quiet Power Dual 120mm Radiator
• Swiftech APOGEE GT CPU Water block
• Swiftech MCP355 Industrial Water Pump
• Swiftech MCRES-MICRO reservoir
• 3/8″ ID Tubing

After measuring everything and building the water cooling system outside the case, I tested it for 24 hours to make sure there were no leaks. After that, installation was a snap.

One important note. I was hoping everything would easily line up for the radiator mounting, but due to the limited space up top with the motherboard mounted so close to the top of the case, I had to offset the radiator. I am still very pleased with the install since it only took 2 small pieces of double sided tape and 2 screws to securely fasten the radiator to the case.

With a quick pull, the front case bezel comes off quickly give you ample room to work. I installed the reservoir inside the empty 5¼ drive area.

A couple of zip ties and some careful wire routing and we’re done! As you can see, there is plenty of room inside the case for everything. Even a full size ATX motherboard would have no issues with mounting this cooling solution internally.

Testing & Final Thoughts

After buttoning everything up, it was time for some quick testing. I use Prime95 version 25.5 to stress all 4 cores equally and I game test my video card to load it up with some heat. Since this motherboard allows CrossfireX with my 3450, I also included the chipset temperatures. CPU and motherboard temperatures are reported using ASUS PC Probe II. The graphics card temperatures are reported by ATI’s Catalyst Control Center.

As you can see, the temperatures are very good and if you consider the fact that the chipset and the graphics card are both passively cooled, my reported temperatures are excellent. The excellent airflow characteristics paid off big time.

After spending a few days with this case, I liked it so much it became the new home for my personal PC. Cooler Master has an excellent product in the Centurion 590. When buying a budget case, there always seems to be a major compromise somewhere. I have yet to find one in my testing. In fact, I believe this is one of the best cases I have tested to date. It is the right size, the right weight, the right build quality and it has airflow that is second to none.

Gone are the days we need to spend hundreds of dollars on flashy pre-modified cases. Companies like Cooler Master have taken all the guesswork out of it for us. Their versatile lineup seems carefully crafted to go after every segment of the market and they do it quite well in my opinion. You really have to spend a bit more money to find anything that surpasses the quality found here for so little money. After a quick check online for pricing, I found this case advertised anywhere from $65-80. You really do get a lot for a little money here.

I give this case a solid 9. I was nothing but impressed with it. The one thing that pushed it above the pack is the simplicity and functionality of the power supply mounting design. Being able to properly orient the power supply so easily is a feature ALL cases with a bottom mount design should have. I have yet to see anything that compares to it for the same money. Add a few fans and it will compete head to head with the Antec 900 and NZXT Tempest. It is extremely flexible in its design and it will swallow up whatever you want to install inside.

So there you have it. I really enjoyed working on this review. I have had some really good cases at my disposal and this unit is definitely right up there with them. If you are on a tight budget do not overlook this one. Even if your budget is flexible, you’d be foolish not to give it a second look. Other than the obvious of wanting more included fans, there really are no faults that would cause me to overlook it when recommending a new case to my friends and family. Great job Cooler Master!

Pros
• Solid design and build quality
• Excellent airflow
• Very spacious
• Power supply mounting

Cons
• Side panels somewhat thin
• Paint is easily scratched
• Would like to see more fans included

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