COOLER MASTER RC-692-KKN3 CM690 II Basic Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Pros: This is a fantastic, sets-the-bar case. It has been extensively reviewed online... Google "CM 690 II review" and you can all but hold the thing. ALL the reviews focus on the advanced version, So here are all the differences from the CM 690 II BASIC in one place.

Both models are the same exact exterior, paint, frame, etc. The BASIC version has:
* ONLY TWO FANS; no top 140mm top exhaust, and front LED fan is 120mm not 140mm.
* just the top two 5.25" toolless mounts instead of four. The rest use screws.
* no dual 2.5" SSD adapter in the top 3.5" drawer.
* no 5.25" to 3.5" two-piece bracket nor the 3.5" front mesh grill.
* no multi-GPU support bracket / 80mm GPU fan mount.
* no top SATA HDD dock or little removeable (loseable) smokey plastic cover. An "Accessory Bin" is in its place, the exact same shape and size.

Cons: * Airflow is pretty good with just two fans, but CM's dropping that front intake from 140mm to 120mm is unfortunate. Without a slightly high interior pressure, dust began to collect immediately. I use a controlled side intake fan, which solved the problem and shaved a few degrees.
* The motherboard tray CPU cooler cutout fits my board (ASUS M4A785-M) just fine, but there are ALOT of complaints that this cutout is maddeningly misaligned. Check first if this is critical to you.

Overall Review: My budget was a strict "$100 shipped" for a case. If I'd known just how terrific a value this case is I would have found a way to spend the $20 more on the Advanced version... I'm going to have this case for a long time. Still, I'm glad for the BASIC version or I wouldnt have a CM 690 II at all. Get one or the other, but get one.

here are some other notes:

* The side panels are STRONG and both go on like butter, with two fingers and eyes closed.
* Cable mgmt is delightful. I can easily fit my thumb between the tray and right hand panel.
* The HDD and power lights are little pinpoint LEDs, both bright deep red. Its a nice effect.
* The Front panel connectors and switches are acceptable quality. USB spacing is great!
* One 120mm (not 140mm) fan can be mounted on the case floor without removing the bottom half of the 3.5" carriage.
* The front 120/140mm fan can be repositioned. No support for two front fans.
* Paint is very good. Every single screw, etc. aligned PERFECTLY

Pros: Lots of fan options
Large cut out for CPU cooler back plate
90* tool less HDD
All black interior
Thumb Screws for side panel and rear expansion slots
Good cable mgmt options

Cons: Front audio Panel issues
No 5.25 to 3.5 adapter included

Overall Review: Have used two of these cases in recent builds. Both had issues with front panel audio. RealTek says "You have unplugged an audio cable" when I hadn't and audio is static.
First one I thought was my fault. Removed top cover to install a pair of fans and didnt cut the zip tie holding the FP harness to the case. A friend held it. I checked FP audio to MB connection, it was good. Figured I pulled wired lose when installing fans.
Second build (different hardware) I cut the zippy and CAREFULY GUIDED the entire FP harness out of case. Same issue with realtek and FP audio, only solution is to unplug at the MB. Friend is OK doing this and using just the rear audio. I'm not happy he has to make the choice.
Come on Cooler Master, you're better than this. I won't buy this CM case again but will buy CM cases. Cost to features they are the kings