CM Centurion 530 review

jfuller · § #1 06-01-2005, 12:12 AM

VR-Zone recently did a nice review on the CoolerMaster Centurion 530. It's now being sold without a power supply for under $80 (not including shipping). It looks as if it will be a nice budget case with 120mm fans. I'll probably grab one before the summer is over.

http://www.vr-zone.com.sg/?i=2122&s=1

fatlazyhomer · § #2 06-01-2005, 05:19 AM

it looks like a great case. too bad no mobo tray

**Afterburner** · § #3 06-01-2005, 08:19 AM

It seems like a quality case to me. Plus, it's eye pleasing. I'm not usually a fan of coolermaster cases, but that looks sharp!

jfuller · § #4 06-03-2005, 12:14 AM

Afterburner,

I thought so as well. It's a nice looking case for the price plus the stealth drives add a little something to it. I've always wondered why more pc's don't come with stealth drive systems in place.

supershanks · § #5 06-23-2005, 11:52 PM

Just moved my rig into new CoolerMaster Centurion 530 I picked up yesterday. Went together very well extremely pleased.

Only issue I hd was with 4-in-3 Device Module (STB-3T4-E1) Cost was excellent have paid more for a 120mm fan alone.

Uses the 3 51/4" bays below the DVD/Cd slots (which work great). In this location the 120mm fan is just about level with the 120mm exhaust & gives great airflow across the top side of AMD64 mobos. Eventually will have 2 hd in this & 2 in bottom bay. So should get a similar to Silverstone TJ06S . Using 2 Silverstone 120mm fans running about 2000-2200.

The instructions for the 4-in-3 are diabolical & left me playing with the pieces for a while. in the end I fixed it up after a fashion but it doesn't lock in place as it's supposed to.

Will have another go later, just chilling with a beer b4 bed

xcobra · § #6 06-24-2005, 01:58 AM

looks like a high quality case to me...i wish i had the money

supershanks · § #7 06-24-2005, 04:27 AM

yo xcobra,

Quote:

i wish i had the money

feel it m8...
but that 's what pleased me not so much ....
Centurion 530 Black Aluminium Case
Coolermaster Stacker 4-in-3 Module

got me a poor man's Stacker.

jfuller · § #8 06-24-2005, 08:07 AM

Supershanks,

I didn't realize the 4 in 3 device module was compatible with the Centurion 530. That makes it an even better option for someone looking to really cool down their system. How much difficulty did you have with the 4 in 3 device module?

**liquidsoul** · § #9 06-24-2005, 09:58 AM

Looks cool!

supershanks · § #10 06-24-2005, 01:08 PM

I went from 4-in-3 Device Module (STB-3T4-E1) - Ideal for CM Stacker and other cases To be honest I like the style of the Multi 51/4 bay cases but somethoing like this really adds to the possabilities, particularly cooling.

Front Grill Unmounted

&

Highlight the straight thru airflow from using 4 in 3.

Just finished mounting the Fan control knobs for the Exhaust & 4in3 silverstone 120mm fans.
(Either side of Case Control panel.)
Modded Panel withg Silverstone Fan Controls & 4 in 3 Front Fan

So all in all, despite crappy instructions i'm a pretty happy camper. Have a case approaching
Stacker/High end features for about 40% of the price. (already had the 120mm fans).

jfuller · § #11 06-24-2005, 07:02 PM

Supershanks,

Nice pics. I see what you mean now by the airflow. I just purchased my Centurion 530 today and I'll be shopping around for some 120mm fans as well as the 4-in-3 device module. What kind of difficulties did you have installing the 4-in-3 device module?

supershanks · § #12 06-24-2005, 07:42 PM

Hi jfuller,
None other than trying to follow instructions. Worked it out today.
To fit correctly :-
1) Use Either Right OR Left side Panels - depending on which side the raised Drive lugs are see Pic 1 Right hand side Bottom. Place the 2 plastic panels onto the side panel so that they line up with the lugs - When you insert the assembly the Square hole locks on the Drive lug. Mine still don't

but it's a nice tight fit which takes a fair force to push out.

Whart confused me was step 3) & the note

Quote:

The right & left side panels are for the CM Stacker use only, For other cases please remove prior to installation.

2)If your using your own fans try & get it mounted 1st time (don't forget to add the grill which acts as a spacer.

) The plastic mounting pins will fray & distort if disconnected/connected to many times.

Otherwise all was good.

Luck

jfuller · § #13 06-25-2005, 10:20 AM

supershanks,

Thanks for the info. Hopefully that will help me out during installation. I'll try to post an update once I've installed everything. I'm still looking around for the 4-in-3 device module as well as some 120mm fans. I'm really looking forward to getting some quality 120mm fans to increase airflow and bring the current noise level down (4 80mm fans in the current system).

supershanks · § #14 06-25-2005, 06:13 PM

JF.
you'll certainly notice a difference i've abandoned 80mm except for side panels, which i'd rather avoid. People talk about noise levels but i think pitch is important as well. Somehow I find a low revving 120mm fan less intrusive than the equvalent higher pitched noise of an 80mm.

did you checkout best 120mm fan
or All Known Fan Manufacturers Catalog of Links.

I got my kit from Scan not sure if that helps you.??

let us know how you get on.

luck

jfuller · § #15 06-26-2005, 03:29 AM

I grabbed some 120mm Tek-Chain fans as well as the 3 in 4 module device. The Tek-Chain fans have a knob that allows you to set the speed level of the fan so that should work to replace my old fan controller. I should have everything put together either this coming weekend or the weekend after that depending on how crazy it gets around here.