CM Mystique 631 Aluminum Case $49.95 + Shipping @ SVC

[gba]

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I bought the Silver model w/o window a couple of years ago... I really like it, despite a quirk or two (which may put you in the mood for a satisfying case mod, anyway)... Despite slightly high shipping, I would call this a good deal on great looking, basic aluminum case...

I originally found out about the CM 631 from Zepper's post over two years ago. He recently posted directions here for a mod that I got done in a half an hour:

"On the 631 I had here, you couldn't replace the PSU w/o removing the mobo or perhaps just the CPU cooler unless you had a really low-pro cpu cooler because of the front to rear brace that runs right beside it. I solved that problem by replacing the pop-rivets in the brace (drill out with 1/8" bit) with no.6 screws and nuts. Needs a flat head in the rear so the head will clear the side panel, a little countersinking as well. Be careful you could easily punch right thru that soft aluminum - I used my slow speed, battery op. screwdriver to countersink so I could control better. I fastened the nut for that one to the inside of the rear of the brace - otherwise it can be tricky to get/hold the nut in place. I used double-sided foam mounting tape but glue would work as well."

 

[RallyMaster]

A decent case layout although it feels VERY cheap compared to its higher priced counterpart, the 632S.

 

[gba]

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
A decent case layout although it feels VERY cheap compared to its higher priced counterpart, the 632S.

I have heard that the 632S is a good case, too. I have never seen one person, Aside from the front, everything looks the same to me. What about it makes the 631 feel worse in comparison? I much prefer the more minimal look of the 631's front, although I tend to prefer less busy designs. I realize I may not be in the majority on that front, though.

 

[Spike]

I bought this last Christmas for $25 AR and while it is a good case there are deifinitly some issues with it. I ran into the above mentioned issue with the brace getting in the way of PSU replacement. Other than that it is a very loud case, being aluminum and quite "open" it lets out a ton of fan noise. It also vibrates like no other on hardwood floor, even through the rubberized feet. The hdd's mount on metal so there is no rubber to pad them, another thing contributing to the noise.

The cooling is good and it alows you to switch around the front door so it matches the curve which I really liked. I also prefer the USB and firewire front ports to be on top so I really liked that about this case. Still, in the end I replaced this with an Antec Solo for a much quiter setup.

This case is great for a main pc if sound is not a concern, I plan to build a new pc in mine soon as I have no other complaints and the light weight is nice. For a HTPC where silence is not needed but appreciated this case simply does not work.

In other words don't be dumb like me and buy an Al case for a quiet application.

 

[gba]

Originally posted by: Spike
The hdd's mount on metal so there is no rubber to pad them, another thing contributing to the noise.

I recall there being a bit of discussion about this case a while back regarding keeping the HDs quiet by trashing the rails and utilizing rubber grommets to mount them instead.. and also using quiet fan mounting mods, things like using cable ties instead of screws. I am not an expert on quiet, though. The subject fascinates me, but, alas, I just plain do not notice a little machine noise no matter how hard I try to make myself believe it is bothering me. That said, I realize that many people and situations do require silent pcs (obviously), and, of course. aluminum does present extra challenges.

I agree with all of your praises and criticisms.. I so love that the 631 is real light, too.. I am constantly in and out of my computers and I notice the difference between it and my previous case every time I grab it. and, well, there is just some special X factor with aluminum that I just like.

 

[EnsignFodder]

I have one of these cases and it is a good (not great) one to work with. It would be excellent but it is dated and many current features are not available or easy done. The PSU is one. Another is reversing the drives so that the connector ends are facing the right side of the case instead of the window. The last one is that the cable management is difficult since the only "path" is behind the drives and it is about 3/4" deep.

Here is what I paid for it about two years ago.

Date Sat Jan 27 12:03:55 PST 2007

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Name Code Qty Each Options
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cooler Master RC-631-KWN1 RC-631-KWN1 1 49.99 Rebate = $20 Manufacturer Mail-In
Black Mystique Aluminum Rebate(+$20.00)
Case w/ Window ($20 Mail
in Rebate Expires
1/29/07)
Subtotal 49.99
Shipping 15.62
Total 65.61