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Cooler Master CM Stacker

Provided By: Cooler Master
Retail: CM Stacker - $167, Cross Flow Fan - $37 (find on PriceGrabber)
Review Date: July 15th, 2004
Written By: Daniel W.

For the past couple of years, compatibility between motherboards and computer cases rarely have a problem thanks to the industry standard ATX. All that is about to change thanks to Intel and their new BTX standard. Just because Intel is yearning for this major standards change, it does not necessary mean it is going to happen. Though a handful of motherboard manufactures are already revealing their future line of BTX boards at computer expos, another handful of manufactures are not as impressed or eager to make the switch. In addition, AMD is not very impressed with BTX and may not switch at all.

Cooler Master CM Stacker
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To help users ease through this transition period of uncertainty, Cooler Master has releases a new computer case, CM Stacker, that is compatible with both ATX and BTX. This full tower is about more than compatibility. With the ability to handle up to eleven 5.25" drives, eight case fans, and two power supplies, CM Stacker is all about expandability and performance. In addition, the CM Stacker can be equipped with Cooler Master's new Cross Flow Fan that provides fresh air to the entire motherboard and all its various components. This review will take an in depth look at the multi talented CM Stacker and its optional add on, the Cross Flow Fan.

Packaging:

Cooler Master CM Stacker
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Cooler Master's CM Stacker comes packaged in a huge, fully colored retail box with a purple background and gray top and bottom borders. The front of the CM Stacker box has a picture of the case along with its name, a list of its unique features and an icon list of its main features. The right side of the box features an introduction to the CM Stacker computer case and its available colors. The left side of the box has the specifications list. CM Stacker's box back has a detailed diagram of all of the computer case's features.

Cooler Master CM StackerCooler Master CM Stacker
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Inside, Cooler Master's CM Stacker is enclosed in a plastic bag to protect from scratches and is held in place by two pieces of Styrofoam. A white box with all the included accessories is located in the top power supply bay.

Cooler Master CM Stacker
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Cool Masters' Cross Flow Fan is packaged in a clear plastic box with purple schemed inserts. The front of the package features the name of the product along with Cooler Master's corporate logo. The back of the box has the specifications and features list along with a diagram showing how the Cross Flow Fan blows air across the entire motherboard. Inside, the fan and its PCI bay speed controller are held in place by a black cardboard frame.

Cooler Master CM StackerCooler Master CM Stacker
Click on image for larger picture

CM Stacker

More about Cooler Master's CM Stacker, can be found on their web site.

Features:

  • Supports up to 11 5.25" drives
  • Moveable front control panel with 6 USB 2.0 connections
  • Maximum `; supports E-ATX and the upcoming BTX
  • Dual power positioning design
  • Cooling: supports up to 8 fans
  • Front – Full mesh screen provides superior air flow; support up to three 12 cm fans
  • Top - Ultra silent 8cm Fan * 1 (exhaust)
  • Side – Mesh screen on side panels provides the maximum air ventilation
  • Rear – Ultra Silent 12cm Fan * 1 + 8 cm Fan * 2 (intake)
  • Motherboard – 300mm cross flow fan; provides superior air flow for key PC components (CPU, VGA etc.)
  • Tool-free installation; Supports the use of screws for permanent installation
  • Maximum flexibility in space utilization for self-assembly
  • Aluminum alloy motherboard tray frame
  • Strengthened with 1.00mm steel plates
  • Superior mechanical design for greater stability

Specifications:

  • Dimension: 584 mm x 227 mm x 536 mm (D x W x H)
  • Material: Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis
  • M/B Type: EXTEND ATX, BTX
  • Power Supply Form Factor: Standard ATX PS2
  • 5.2” bays: 7 (Exposed), up to 11
  • 3.5” bays: 1 (Exposed), 3 (Hidden), up to 12 (with additional 4-in-3 Device Modules)
  • Ventilation: One 120 x 120 x 25 mm Front Fan (intake) 1200RPM 16.4 dBA; One 120 x 120 x 25 mm Rear Fan (exhaust) 1200RPM 16.4 dBA; One 80 x 80 x 25 mm Top Fan (intake) 1800RPM 23.8dBA
  • Front Ports: six USB 2.0, one IEEE 1394 (FireWire), one Earphone jack, one MIC
  • Available Color: Silver

Cooler Master CM Stacker
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Cross Flow Fan

Features:

  • Totally solve the overheating problem from system
  • Provide effective heat dissipation for the motherboard key components
  • Adjustable 4 - speed fan controller allow you to have total control of performance and silence

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 50×50×336mm
  • Weight: 400g
  • Voltage: DC12V
  • Start Voltage: 5V
  • Current: 0.24amp
  • Speed (4), Noise level, Airflow: OFF 0 RPM, 0 dB, 0 CFM; LOW 1400 RPM ( 6.5 V ), 22 dB, 25 CFM; MIDDLE 1800 RPM ( 8.5 V ), 30 dB, 32 CFM; HIGH 2500 RPM ( 12 V ), 38 dB, 46 CFM
  • Pressure: 2.0mmH20
  • Life Expectance: 30,000 hrs
  • Bearing Type: Ball Bearing

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