Cooler Master Storm Scout 2 Gaming Case Review

A closer look at the top of the case shows the hexagon shaped mesh venting for the two optional top exhaust fans.  This entire top surface is removable using a tool-less system for easy cleaning.  Once the panel is off you have access to the top mounting setup from both the inside and outside.  Thanks to the arched shape of the handle, a standard sized 240mm radiator will fit nicely on both sides of the top surface with the potential to mount fans on the opposite side.  I always get a bit nervous moving any water-cooled system around but it's clear the CM Storm team has thought the idea out pretty clearly.

In front of the mesh are buttons for the power and reset along with a switch to turn on and off the red LED lighting found in the rear 120mm exhaust location.  That's where the missing red accents are hiding! I do like the ability to turn off the accent lighting for a darkened room while at a LAN party or for a home theater setup.

A sliding panel at the front hides the I/O ports when not in use.  This panel supports USB 3.0 x 2 (when supported by your MB), USB 2.0 x 2, and HD capable audio ports for your microphone and headphones.

The back features two 1 inch runs for external water-cooling across the top further supporting the external radiator train of thought.  The Scout 2 supports up to 7 external PCI card slots along with the Storm Guard slot to lock down your spendy gaming peripherals.

Home audio style feet support the case about a ½ inch.  This style of feet tends to reduce vibration but the clearance will make setting this case on carpet a bad idea.  A removable mesh cover for the bottom mounted power supply is a nice bonus along with an optional 120mm fan location just in front of the PSU mounts.