It’s been awhile since we’ve seen a new case from Cooler Master’s exclusive “CM Storm” line. The “Enforcer” is their first case release for 2011. It will be stocked soon and retail for $89.99. I read somewhere the inspiration behind it’s armored look is a Cyborg soldier. I actually like the design. It’s aggressive without being over the top and tacky. It reminded of something Alienware would use for their Gaming PCs. It’s a Steel mid tower with a Black powder coated finish. It shares several similarities with HAF series. The bezel, bay door and top tray is constructed from ABS plastic. The intake grill is perforated Steel. I took advantage of the beautiful weather and took all of the photos outside.

Model Number SGC-1000-KWN1
Available Color Black
Material Steel body, ABS plastic, Mesh bezel
Dimensions (W) 229 x (H) 484.5 x (D) 523.5 mm
(W) 9.0 x (H) 19.0 x (D) 20.6 inch
Net Weight 8.9 KG / 19.5 lb
M/B Type Micro-ATX, ATX
5.25″ Drive Bay 4 Exposed (one could be converted to 3.5” bay)
3.5″ Drive Bay 1 Exposed (converted to 5.25” bay) / 6 Hidden
2.5” Drive Bay 4 Hidden (two converted from 3.5” bay)
Cooling System Front: 200mm Red LED fan x 1, 1000 RPM, 19 dBA
Rear: 120mm black fan x 1, 1200 RPM, 17 dBA
Top: 200 mm black fan x 1 (optional ; can be swapped for two 120mm fans)
Expansion Slots 7 + 1
I/O Panel USB3.0 x 2 (internal), USB2.0 x 2, Mic x 1, Audio x 1
Power Supply Standard ATX PS2 / EPS 12V (Optional)
Maximum Compatibility CPU cooler height: 175mm
VGA card length: 270mm (with HDD cage) 390mm (without HDD cage)

CM Storm “Enforcer” carton. I dig the artwork, would be cool to paint that artwork on the case.

Stereotypical Styrofoam packing for securing the chassis during shipment. It arrived without any damage.

The case arrives with a protective film on both sides of the Plexi-glass window.

The access panel has mock louvers.

Notice lack of louvers on this panel.

Top tray inspired by their HAF series. We’re starting to see other case manufacturers implement this feature.

The top I/O panel includes two internal  USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0, one Mic and Audio port.

You have the option to install a 200 mm cooling fan or two 120mm cooling fans in the top grill. It would be nice if the 200mm fan was included. You can also mount a 240 size radiator with 15mm screw hole spacing, but only on the top of the case.

There is four 5.25″ external drive bays with one option for external 3.5” bay. The smaller circular button is the On/Off switch for RED LED in the front 20mm cooling fan.

The “Enforcer” is the first case from CM Storm to have a optical bay door.

I really like the power switch design and subtle power LED and HD activity LED lenses.

The front intake provides ample airflow with Steel perforated grill.

Does the rear look familiar? It’s the same layout as the HAF 912, but powder coated with Black finish. The rear fan is 120mm black fan, 1200 RPM @17 dBA. Its seven expansion slots with one vertical, for additional I/Os.

Flippin it over, you can see the plastic feet and removable filter screen for the PSU.

The PSU screen is plastic and held on by plastic tabs.

A closer at the bottom of the front bezel.

There is space for six 6 internal 3.5″ drives with adapter for mounting one in the bottom 5.25 external bay.

The 5.25 bays have plastic tool-less releases

The hard drive cage is removable

The bottom cage will hold two 2.5″ SSDs.

The Enforcer makes cable management easy. It’s loaded with cable tie bases.

Just over 1/2″ size gap between the back of the motherboard and right access panel for hiding cables.

Super sized opening for accessing CPU retention plates in the motherboard. The rear exhaust fan is 120mm, rated 1200 RPM @ 17 dBA.

The front bezel is held on with plastic tabs, so you can clean the front filter screen or access the 200mm intake cooling fan.

The 2 pin wire is for the cooling fan’s LED switch in the bezel.

The front cooling fan is 200mm with Red. It’s rated 1, 1000 RPM @ 19 dBA.

You have the option to swap out the 200mm cooling fan for two 120mm fans, but why would you?

The backside of the bezel has individual filtered screens attached to every opening.

Each filter screen is attached by folded tabs in the perforated steel grills. The problem I have with these nylon filters is that they catch on the sharp tabs when you’re vacuuming them, which will cause them to fray over time and not stay in place anymore.

The accessory bag includes the “Storm Guard” anti theft guard that allows you to wrap your keyboard and mouse cable onto your chassis. Two 3.5″ drive to 5.25″ bay adapters, one 2.5″ drive  to 3.5″ bay adapter. Lots of Black screws, cable ties, motherboard speaker, and brackets to hold 3.5″ hard drives.

I’m confident that the “Enforcer” is aimed for success. Under it’s aggressive exterior lies a HAF 912 chassis, which is a great design and current case mod project HERE. The construction and quality of both the chassis and bezel is exceptionally good. I actually like the bay door on this case. The functionality and features inside and out are good for this price range. I don’t think everyone will embrace it’s look, but it is refreshingly different. I would like to see Cooler Master use better material for their filtering screens. The nylon mesh in the intake grill and bay covers frays badly. I’d also like to see a second 200mm cooling included for this price range ($89) and MORE space behind the motherboard. Overall it delivers the goods for it’s price range and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

“Raves”

Exceptional build quality.

Good airflow design.

“Look Mom, it’s an internal USB 3.0 header!”

Lots of built-in features.

“Wish List”

Include second 200mm cooling fan in top panel.

Implement better filters. The nylon screens will rip and fray over time.

Another 1/2″ of spaces behind the motherboard for hiding cables.

Add Louver design to right side? Nah, use that money toward better filters!

- Bill Owen

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