M40 Cube Case Author: faceless105 -- Posted: 2008-03-11
Deciding on a computer case is a fairly large decision. This helps you decide on form factor, air flow, and even the specific use of the computer. Today we'll be taking a look at a case that would be excellent for LAN parties and just showing off to your friends, we'll be reviewing the M-40 by AeroCool.
The M-40 has a really unique design that would make it a great choice for any mobile setup. The case is relatively small compared to your typical mid sized case. The dimensions measure 29.5 cm (11.6 in) wide, by 23.3 cm (9.2 in) tall, by 34.8 cm (13.7 in) deep.
This unique design allows for a two tiered case. On the bottom sits the motherboard. On the top tier, we have the PSU and the drives. The case also features a really nice hinged design to give you the ability to utilize all the room necessary for working inside the case.
On the inside...
Drive Bays
- 2 x 5.25" (External)
- 1 x 3.5" (External)
- 2 x HDD (Internal)
MotherBoard
- Micro ATX
Cooling
- Lower Deck: This comes with one equipped 120mm fan in the front. In the back it can fit two more 80mm fans.
- Upper Deck: On the rear this can fit one 80mm fan.
On the outside...
This case comes with a lot of really nice features. Stealthed drive bays, front IO including four USB port, mic, and line out, and my favorite, the backlit LCD for fan and temperature monitoring.
Now for the first hand experience...
This case feels very solid. Even with the hinged frame, I wouldn't worry about it taking to much damage in its lifetime. I especially like the hinged frame. This isn't something that is required but it makes working inside the case 100 times easier to do. Aside from cooling, the most annoying thing about smaller cases in general is the work space, and that won't be an issue in this case at all. With the cooling, the case does provide some excellent air flow. The 120mm fan in front will vent everything very well to the exhaust fans and give the air flow a very clear path.
I really like the front LCD as well. Having the ability to monitor temperatures is something I've always done, and this really makes it much easier to do so. Additionally since it's on the front of the case it keeps constant measurements that are only a glance away. The other cool thing about this LCD is the simple fact that it adds some great style to your case, and just like most people out there, I'm pretty happy when I have an awesome setup that looks great as well :)
Aside from the construction, the case is also just about tool-less. The hinged section uses latches to unlock itself (though if you're not feeling safe with just the latches, you can screw it shut). The 5.25in drive bays clip into place. While you do need to screw in the hard drives, the enclosure pops out, making that an incredibly easy task as well.
The overall design reminds me of the Shuttle PCs which make great LAN boxes, but since this is so much larger, you are really able to get a lot more out of it and have much better cooling.
Overall I'm incredibly impressed with this case. I'd really recommend it to anyone who needs the extra space, or is interested in building a LAN box. The only things you'd have to watch out for are your motherboard has to be a microATX setup and with how tall CPU coolers are becoming, you might need to check some sizing before purchasing the largest one you can find. With that being said I think it'd still be hard to go wrong with this case.
I'd like to thank AeroCool for giving us the opportunity to review their M40 case. If anyone has any questions on this product, I'd love to field them. This review did cover a lot of areas so don't hesitate to ask!!
