bit-tech Shopping: Cooler Master Elite 330 Mid Tower

• Black
• Silver

• Front Earphone Jack
• Front Microphone Jack
• Front USB Port
• LED Status Indicators
• No-Tool Assembly
• Removable Motherboard Tray

• 3.5"
• 5.25"

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3

Strengths: Price, no tool setup for bays, lightweight

Weaknesses: Power button can bet stuck, metal somewhat too soft

Summary: I got this case for free after a rebate, so the price is a negligible issue. The case itself is pretty nice, and the no screw setup for the drives was handy. The metal of the case itself can be a little too soft at times, but it's acceptable. Also, the little "wind tunnel" for the processor is a neat addition.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 50

Strengths: great air cool performance, 120mm front fan, more than enough bays,great appearance,easy assembly

Weaknesses: thin metal, bulky

Summary: Cooler Master Elite 330 Mid-Tower Computer Case features wonderful thermal solution. It comes with the black meshed front panel, which allows the superior airflow and makes maximum cooling performance possible.It is also preinstalled a 120mm fan which provides good ventilation. We used this case to assemble a desktop with AMD chip. The CPU never got close to be over-heated. This case's mechanical design is also good. We feel it is easy to add or remove parts from it.But one thing to mention is that the metal used on this case is thin and not as sturdy as it looks on the picture. But over all we are satisfied with this product.

Rating: 6

Time with product: 2 Months

Strengths: price, appearance, front helps filter dust

Weaknesses: very thin metal, not a quiet case due to mesh front

Summary: I purchased this case for a computer I built and didn't have any problems with it, but in working with it one can tell that it isn't an expensive case. The metal is very thin and the power button feels cheap. At the same time, the case is good for cooling your components, just don't get it if reducing noise is your primary concern.For what I paid it was an exceptional deal, but at its normal price you could likely find something better.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3

Strengths: Looks, size, nice quiet fan included.

Weaknesses: USB ports on front of case are too close to plug two thumbs drives in at once (I have Sandisk Cruzers), no included PSU for price.

Summary: I purchased this not realizing it did not come with a PSU. Luckily I had a spare PSU from another case I had just purchased. That is why I say "decent" price. As far as the construction is concerned. I think all is well. I welcome the use of thinner and lighter materials. I have a old Gateway 2000 case (Hercules ATX Tower Case) and even without a PSU the thing weighs as much as two of my newer towers together! Unless you use your PC as a chair or step stool this case is well constructed. I did not like the mounting for the hard disks and optical drive bays and opted to use screws instead of the included plastic pieces. I did use the included mounting systems for the expansion cards. I like it. Also, I can not plug two USB flash drives into the front ports at the same time. I mean, I could, but there would be some force required. They could be spaced a little more. Overall this is a good case. However, I have purchased cases for under thirty dollars (with a cheap PSU included) that I have been just as happy with.

Rating: 4

Time with product: 3

Strengths: ATX and Micro-ATX compatibility. Front USB and audio. Not too large.

Weaknesses: Very thin steel, bends just by looking at it too long...

Summary: I have owned quite a few cases, but this Cooler Master is definitely not my favorite. It's ok in several categories like size and I actually like the way it looks. It can be used for builds that require a "professional" and not a "gaming" look. But where this case really falls down is it's build quality. The steel that was used on this case is rolled so thin that it practically bends just by looking at it. I'm actually surprised that they can roll it this thin and still get it to remain flat. I know, once you put it together you probably won't notice it on a daily basis, but there are so many other cases out on the market today that are better buys. Anyway, the inside layout is pretty much standard and it offers enough room for most standard builds. Overall, unless you get it at a great price, I'd stay away from this case and look for something a bit better.