14 DAY TRIAL // When a company sees one of its products, or product series, gaining a large popularity among end-users, it is only natural for it to build upon its design or improve, refresh or remodel it in order to perpetuate that success. When speaking of computer casings, new models often have better cooling, and extra touch of style and/or added functionality in order to further propel the marketing performance. One chassis that has been very popular is the Centurion 5 from Cooler Master and, now, the company has released a next-generation model known as the Centurion 5 II.
The casing is made of solid steel and weighs no less that 7.5 kg. It measures 202 (W) x 440 (H) x 485 (D) mm and its interior has been overhauled so that it now has an increased drive bay capacity, better airflow and easy-to-install features. The Centurion 5 II can now accommodate the latest 1.8-inch and 2.5-inch solid state drives, has a more efficient heat dissipation and better cable management.
The Centurion 5 II has a removable, 5.25-inch front I/O module that can be positioned anywhere. Trademark designs include a tool-free installation for the 5.25-inch and 3.5-inch drive bays, a bottom-mount power supply filter to prevent dust buildup and a CPU cooler retaining hole.
Cooler Master has also implemented cable access retaining holes that not only route cables in and out, but also prevent them from getting damaged. In addition, the chassis' I/O panel boasts eSATA and USB 2.0 ports, audio and optional FireWire, five 3.5-inch bays and an adapter for two 2.5-inch or 1.8-inch bays into one 3.5-inch holder.
For cooling, the new case is equipped with a large 140mm blue LED fan with a dual-fan side vent for intake. The fan itself features an on/off switch and the heat is exhausted through top and back vents.
Prices and the launch date have not been mentioned, though the case itself should become available sometime in the near future.