Cooler Master ATCS 840 Aluminium ATX Case
Conclusion
Starting with the basics, there is simply no denying that the ATCS 840 is one very good looking case. While some people have had their reservations about the shield-like plate on the front panel it is by no means a deal breaker, and from a personal standpoint I believe it to add character to what could have been an otherwise bland design. Other aesthetics such as the no-gimmick side panels and high quality power switches mounted atop the solid aluminium console all give the case a premium feel that picks up from where the ATCS series of yesteryear left off.Moving on to cooling, it’s instantly apparent that Cooler Master have designed the ATCS 840 with the aim of making it the best cooled case on the market. With three 230mm fans and a 120mm fan factory installed, the case is not only deadly silent but also has more airflow than the back-end of a Boeing 747. Water-cooling has also been catered for too, with the inclusion of brackets to convert the dual 230mm fan holes into a mount suitable for a wide range of triple radiators.
Finally, installing a system inside the ATCS 840 is a breeze thanks to its removable motherboard tray and well placed holes for routing cables. It would have been nice for Cooler Master to include an SATA backplane for easy connection of hard disks along with the ability to ‘hot swap’, but this comment belongs more on the wish list rather than as a negative about the case.
To sum things up, the ATCS 840 comes very close to being our dream case. Not only is it one of the coolest cases we’ve ever tested, but it’s also one of the best looking. Expected to retail at around £200 when finally released in December, the 840 is at an acceptable price point for a case of its calibre and sits snugly between the likes of the Lian Li V1010 and PC-X500.
The Good
– Classic styling. Sexy yet simple.
– Quality workmanship.
– Quiet, yet extremely effective cooling via 230mm fans.
– Ability to install triple radiator with included brackets.
– Easy to remove filters on all fans.
– Removable motherboard tray and largely tool-less installation.
– Room for up to 3 additional 120mm fans to increase airflow further.
The Mediocre
– Side panels made from quite thin Aluminium
– Silver Cooler Master badge spoils appearance of black version.
– Front plate secured with plastic latches that feel prone to failure.
– Very low to ground. Fans at base of case could use more ground clearance.
The Bad
– Nothing to report.
The Wishlist
– Black interior. Enthusiasts like showing off the inside of their PC’s just as much as the outside.
– Wheels. A case that draws air up from the floor needs more ground clearance.
– Screws not rivets. Not on every part of the case, but adding modularity to the Hard Disk rack would be a great start.
– Thicker Aluminium side panels.
– Less plastic. Replace catches and brackets with something more substantial.
Thanks to Cooler Master for sending the ATCS 840 in for review. Discuss this review in our forums.
