Conclusion
 
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Cooler Master worked hard designing this case with the end user in mind. Wanting the Mystique to appeal to the widest range of consumers with the addition of features like the reversible front door and support for watercooling.  It’s lightweight and sturdy construction makes it easy to transport, while it’s tool-less design allows for quick and easy component installation.  The IO panel is located on the top of the case for easy access and includes 2 USB 2.0 ports, mic/headphone audio jacks, and a firewire port.
Performance-wise, CM didn’t fool around.  Throwing in not one, but two 120mm fans for cooling (including a washable dust screen for the front intake fan), and added a side vent and internal shroud to allow your CPU HS/F to draw in fresh air.  People with stock cooling, or a HS/F that faces the side panel should see noticeable drops in CPU temperatures as I did.

I found the side panel’s quick-release handle an added convenience and came in handy throughout my testing and benchmarking.  Once I was satisfied with the system’s specs, I used the provided thumbscrews to secure the panel.

I couldn’t find too many things to gripe about on this case.  Apart from the firewire cable’s short-comings, and the expansion card “uni-clamp’s” poor design, the Mystique has everything a computer enthusiast would want in a case, and more.  Performance, elegance, lightweight, and tool-less.  And it gives the consumer something that not too many cases can… choices.  The use-configurable front door is a great way for the non-modder to exercise his/her individuality without picking up a Dremel.
So basically Cooler Master followed the equation:  More features + choices + performance = more consumer attraction = increase in sales.  What a concept!

So getting back to Cooler Master’s own case introduction, the Mystique does in fact exude fascination, attitude, and mystery.  Users will be excited about a case that supports water-cooling right out of the box and the casual modder will get a sense of achievement when changing the look and feel of the case simply by reversing the front door.  The Mystique looks quite gorgeous with its satin brushed aluminum surface and elegant, flowing countenance.  The fitment is tight and without vibration, and the 120mm fans whir softly and unnoticeably at 1200rpms.  That coupled with the hose pass-through feature makes for a sweet water-cooled system that’s whisper quiet.  If you are planning to water cool your next box, look no further than the Mystique 631.  If you just want a decent lightweight case with tons of built-in conveniences for around 100 bones, look no further!  Cooler Master has done it again with their new series of chassis.  I’d like to thank them for sending this case for review.

 

     
 
 PROS

· Lightweight aluminum construction (14lbs)
· Reversible front door
· Water cooling support
· Top-mounted IO panel
· Tool-less design
· Side vents with internal shroud to aid in CPU cooling
· Washable front intake fan screen

CONS

· Top IO panel’s internal cabling could be too short for some applications
· Expansion card clamp less than desirable




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CONTENTS
Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: First Impressions
Page 3: Installation
Page 4: Performance
Page 5: Conclusion


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