Cooler Master Cavalier 3 Mid-Tower Case

Reviews: Cases

Author:
Editor:
Sponsor:
Published:

Brian Kristensen
Kurtis
Cooler Master
Dec. 1, 2004

Specifications

<< Previous

Next >>

Quality Check

Overview

Our quality check basically consists of three things: Structural Integrity, Installation, and Safety. Structural integrity testing is where we apply pressure to the case from different directions and check to see if the frame can be easily bent or twisted out of shape. Installation is the process of installing the various system components and making sure that installation goes smoothly. Lastly, the safety testing is a result of the installation process. After installing everything, we check for open wounds and warn you which trouble areas to watch out for.

Structural Integrity

Through all of my attempts to twist, turn and bend the case in any shape, form or fashion, the case managed not to budge and hold strong. Unless an unruly geek with a yearning for destruction takes a hammer to this case, it isn't going anywhere. This can be attributed to the strength of steel as well as the quality of the construction.

Installation

Installing a system in the Cavalier 3 went fairly smoothly. The tool-less features for the drive bays and PCI slots made adding and removing components extremely easy and I was never required to remove the right side panel. A removable motherboard tray, as always, would be a nice addition, but the extra materials and construction would definitely jack up the price tag. Most of the edges in the case have been folded to prevent cuts and scrapes.

However, there is one major issue I have with this case. As I briefly mentioned earlier, the PCI slot covers, drive bay covers and rear I/O shield are all physically part of the chassis and need to be manually bent and broken off. I don't care how many features this case has; when paying $100 for even a "lower-end' case, this is not something I want to see, much less do. Not only are they a hassle to remove, but they increase the risk of cutting yourself, and can't be replaced without the aid of a super-glue-like substance.

Fortunately I did not get a single cut during the installation process. Aside from having to remove the I/O shield, PCI and drive bay covers, installation was a breeze. Here are some more pictures of the case with everything installed:

Safety

As I just mentioned, most of the edges inside the case have been folded. However, the removal of the PCI covers, drive bay covers and I/O shield will result in unfinished edges which may have the potential to cut your fingers. Every time I worked with the case, I came out unscathed (although a bit shaken), but the threat is there.

<< Previous

Page 4 of 5

Next >>

Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: First Impressions
Page 3: Inside the Case
Page 4: Quality Check
Page 5: Conclusion

Subscribe to Mid-Tower [more info]

Add Comment

1 User Comment

1 - Posted by ballista on March 1, 2005 - 9:47 pm

How did you get the front panel off the cavalier 3? I have one and that sucker is impossible to get off, I need to take that cheap intake fan and put a higher flow fan in its place.

Add Comment

To add a comment without being a member, you may omit the password field, but you must enter your name (or nickname) along with your comment. * Denotes required fields.