Cooler Master Cavalier 3 Mid-Tower Case

Reviews: Cases

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Brian Kristensen
Kurtis
Cooler Master
Dec. 1, 2004

Specifications

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Conclusion

I expected a lot from the Cavalier 3. Cooler Master has always had a knack for visual appeal when designing cases and the quality of construction has always been top-notch. Right from the start, the quality of the design impressed me. As with most of their cases, a lot of attention is focused on the style and feel of the case. The aluminum front panel blends nicely with the painted black steel and little details such as the power buttons and the thin mirror strip on the front accent the case very nicely.

Moving the front ports to the side of the case is a great way to keep the added functionality without detracting from the cases clean look. Some people may place their case in a "cubby' or below their desk which might block access to the side ports, but if those are your plans you might not be in the market for such a visually pleasing case anyhow.

Cooler Master not only put a lot of thought into the design, but the functionality as well. While the tool-less drive bays have been featured in other cases, the Cavalier also uses tool-less PCI mechanisms that, surprisingly, work very well. The aluminum front is a very nice touch and the ability to change the direction the door opens is a fantastic addition.

However, not everything with this case is a wonder to behold. The partially stamped steel PCI covers, I/O shield and drive bay covers are a hassle to remove and I am surprised that Cooler Master would include such an inconvenience in a case. Despite the great features and aesthetics of this case, you should not spend $100 and have to deal with this.

Another issue is the cooling. The front intake fan is only able to pull air through a hole at the bottom of the case. For people who would put this case on a carpeted floor, the airflow would be severely restricted. However, I personally think that a case of this nature deserves to be placed up on a desk.

Despite some of its shortcomings, the Cooler Master Cavalier 3 is a good case. The stunning looks, quality of the design, and tool-less features overshadow the few flaws the case does have. All in all this case is a great looker that should be placed atop your desk for all to admire, and it can be had for a reasonable price.

Pros

Great looks
Attention to detail
Sturdy
Good tool-less features
Aluminum front
Door opens either direction

Cons

PCI covers, I/O shield and internal drive bay covers
Limited air intake
Only two thumbscrews?!

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

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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.

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