Cant install SATA HDDs in CM 690

[ibex333]

I am hoping someone can help me. I just got this case as an upgrade from my Antec super Lanboy.

I cant understand why the CM 690 is so highly praised here, and on many other forums. I find this case to be terrible. It looks good on the outside but on the inside, it's a nightmare. I'm not going to go into every detail, because I want to focus on the main problem.

Everything went well until I tried to install my SATA hard drives. Who the hell makes such cheapo plastic HD trays? Even my old case had aluminum trays that used regular screws to secure the drives. These plastic trays don't fit my HDs! The white rubber "thingies" on the sides of the tray dont align with the screw holes on the sides of my HDs. This is driving me nuts. This is not the 1st case I used in my life, but by far the worst, despite being the most expensive I ever bought. I am stuck with a case I cant use, and I don't want to return it because then I have to pay the restocking fee.

Anyone else had a problem installing hard drives?

 

[Zepper]

the connectors on the drives go toward the right side of the case. I know that that is counterintuitive, but there you go - both types of drive fit properly when oriented that way. If you note the diagram in the manual, you can't see the connectors - that's because they are away from you. I've mentioned this feature as being a PITA because just a little more thought and design time would have resulted in a bi-directional bracket. I don't care to have to remove both side panels to do serious drive work... AFAIC, that's the one big negative to the 690.

.bh.

 

[imported_Scoop]

You shouldn't blame the case if you can't handle it

 

[BlueAcolyte]

The white rubber "thingies" do fit, you need to take them out and insert two at a time, then back the drive up so the holes fit. Also, the connectors go away from you. I find it is a fine case, although my front seems to not like being put back on... Oh, and take out the cabling management system.

Oh yea, and there are two holes for screws if you decide to take out all the rubber grommets. Look more carefully.

EDIT: I was in a lousy mood, sorry.

 

[ibex333]

Wow.. thank you guys. I dont know what I would do without this forum!

I couldn't tell from the manual how to orient the drives, so I kept trying to put them in with the connectors facing me. I gotta tell ya though. Even properly oriented it is still a very tight fit, and requires pulling the side of the tray so hard, it feels it's going to break any second. Also, removing the front panel required me to use so much force that when it finally popped off, I sort of went along with it, and almost smashed into the bed behind me. I swear it was almost like in one of those cartoons...

 

[Zepper]

C'mon Blue - honor the day...

As was said above, you can remove the bushings or slide them forward to make it easier. Though the special shouldered screws like what Silverstone (and others) uses in their new hot swap trays in the Kublai Kage would have been a nicer solution.

At the price I paid, I guess I can't complain too much - got my rebate confirmation notice from C-M the other day. Now it's just to wait 'til Spring for the check to show up. And they haven't posted my other two rebates yet. And BTW, the rebate status link on C-M's US web site doesn't work now (unless they fixed it since I last tried it). Here is the new link:
http://www.status-now.com/

.bh.

 

[ibex333]

Thanx. My printer ran out of ink and I cant print out the rebate form till I get my ink which should arrive any day now...

Bleh... I just noticed he said read the f-ing manual...
Dude.. If my post pisses you off you really don't have to bother, ya know? There's always plenty of nice people here, patient enough, and tolerant enough with people like me. You really dont have to waste your time if you don't want to.

I know I sounded pissed off, and I was ranting but give me a break! Have you never been frustrated in your life? My hands are all cut up, callused and bloody after working with this case - you could cut me some slack here, as I already "suffered" enough. lol

You may think the case is good, but I I know there are better ones at half the price - without the rebate off course. For $35, I'll keep it, now when I know how everything is supposed to be done, but for someone who never had this case before, it's not easy, and the manual sucks. It's written by someone who cant speak English very well, and the pictures are not very good. That's just IMO off course. It's not like I'm forcing my opinion onto anyone. I came here to get help, share my thoughts and vent my frustration.

 

[Old Hippie]

got my rebate confirmation notice from C-M the other day. Now it's just to wait 'til Spring for the check to show up.

Mine took about 4 weeks from confirmation.

 

[ibex333]

Got a question here...

I dont know how to connect the "front panel" sound. I connected it to the mobo, but off course this doesn't work because I'm using the SB audigy... There's no place on the audigy card that I can plug the front panel connector into. At least I dont see any. Am I missing something?

 

[s1d3way]

not to be an ass but you're a senior member, been here since '05 with 643 posts and still unable to solve this sort of minor problems?

 

[BlueAcolyte]

Sorry about that...

 

[Zepper]

Well, if the Audigy lacks pins, you're SOL.

.bh.

 

[ibex333]

Originally posted by: s1d3way
not to be an ass but you're a senior member, been here since '05 with 643 posts and still unable to solve this sort of minor problems?

Not to be an ass, but how does this reply help with my question?

But if you really want to know, I'll gladly tell you. I only assembled 3 computers in my life, first one with the help of a tech. Last time I had to deal with this stuff was a whole year ago, and at that time I didn't bother connecting the front panel since the wires didn't reach. Other PCs I had in the past didn't have a front panel at all! Just because I'm an active member of the forums, doesnt mean I'm not a newb when it comes to building PCs.

Originally posted by: Zepper
Well, if the Audigy lacks pins, you're SOL.

.bh.

It does have pins a plenty - but none of the ones I need. I guess I am SOL.

 

[JimiP]

Originally posted by: s1d3way
not to be an ass but you're a senior member, been here since '05 with 643 posts and still unable to solve this sort of minor problems?

Not everyone who has been here for awhile has all the answers. Some come here to ask questions to problems that they've run into. Registration date, post count and forum "rank/status" have nothing to do with experience.

Sorry, ibex333. I don't mean to hijack your thread. haha I apologize.

 

[Zepper]

ibex,

One suggestion is to look for a speaker set that has the Headphone/Mic jacks on one of the front satellites or control panel. Another is to visit http://www.frontx.com to see if they have some adapter cables that you can run out the back and plug into the ports there. Maybe something from this page: http://www.frontx.com/store/order_ab.html

.bh.