Product Listing

Cooler Master CM 690 II Plus - Back with More Fans

By Kenny Yeo - 28 May 2010

Conclusion

Solid Offering

The older CM 690 was popular because it combines an entry-level price tag with features more commonly found on costlier casings and the newer CM 690 II Plus we have here sticks with this winning formula.

Generally speaking, we are pleased with what the casing offers. It looks decent; build quality is sturdy and commendable; and installation was a hassle-free process. It also has some nice touches, such as the external hard disk dock, dust filters for mesh parts, and the extra expansion slot for headers.

However, it does have its fair share of shortcomings. Mainly, we were a bit upset at the rather cramped interior. The CM 690 II Plus is as large as mid-tower casings come, yet despite its considerable size, it is only a slight more spacious than its more affordable Centurion 5 II sibling.

Also, some components of the casing came shipped very tight, such as the panels and thumbscrews, making it very difficult for us to remove when we were first taking it apart. For example, the thumbscrews securing the expansions slots were extremely tight, and we had to use a screw to remove. This is a minor niggle, but it does lend a slight sour taste to our overall experience of the casing that's supposed to be tool-free, and Cooler Master is no stranger in this department.

A capable all-rounder, the Cooler Master CM 690 II Plus should be on every casing shopper's list of candidates.

With its asking price of S$159, the Cooler Master CM 690 II Plus is positioning itself as a 'high-end' entry-level casing. And overall, we think its a decent and solid casing for those who want a little more than what your basic mid-tower casing offers. The USP (unique selling point) of the CM 690 II Plus remains to be its ability to accommodate multiple fans, but we think 10 fans is a little too excessive, even for hardcore users.

That said, the CM 690 II Plus comes in multiple variants and this is the RC-692-KWN1, which distinguishes itself with a side window, and so should cost a tad more than S$159 which the regular CM 690 II Plus commands. There is also the regular CM 690 II (without Plus) version, which makes do without the SSD bay adapter and external hard drive dock, and should be even more affordable. As you can see, there is something for everyone.

All in all, we foresee the CM 690 II Plus to be as popular as its predecessor, and should be one of the hot picks for those seeking a competent and affordable gaming-grade casing.

Join HWZ's Telegram channel here and catch all the latest tech news!
8.0
  • Aesthetics 8
  • Functionality 8.5
  • Usability 8.5
  • Value 8
The Good
Easy to install
Comprehensive ventilation system
External hard disk dock a nice touch
The Bad
Slightly cramped interior
Some parts difficult to remove
Heavy
Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.