Information technology's been iv years since Libation Master unveiled its "CM Storm" sub-make, which is now home to a strong lineup of enthusiast-oriented products including keyboards, mice, mouse pads, headsets and, of course, cases. Currently, the CM Storm chassis family unit includes the Sniper, Sentry, Stryker, Enforcer and Trooper -- the last two of which we've found to be a tremendous value, especially the $80 Enforcer.

Updating ane of its existing designs, Libation Master recently launched even so some other enthusiast-friendly CM Storm chassis, the Sentinel 2, which is priced at just $xc -- slightly less than the venerable HAF 922. Despite its relatively low price, the Sentinel two has plenty to offer, including ergonomic steel-reinforced conveying handles, USB 3.0 back up and room for upward to two SSDs, 9 fans and any graphics bill of fare around.

Although we reviewed several Libation Main enclosures in 2022, it'south been a year since nosotros laid hands on a new CM Storm-branded case. All the same, that was the CM Storm Trooper, which is a total tower chassis that runs about twice the toll of the mid-tower Sentinel 2 we'll be looking at today, and so it'll exist interesting to see how Libation Master's latest offering holds upward in the increasingly competitive sub-$100 territory.

External Design

Cooler Main is aircraft two $90 versions of the CM Storm Scout 2: a standard black one and some other that's gunmetal grey -- we accept the latter in firm. The case is constructed from a combination of steel, plastic and mesh, and features an interior paint job along with a instance window to enjoy information technology.

We're not sure how to describe the Watch 2's blueprint. It'due south clean yet ambitious, much like other CM Tempest cases nosotros've reviewed. We can also say that despite using dissimilar materials, information technology all comes together in a cohesive design, which is something Cooler Master has been skillful about doing in the by.

Cooler Master has managed to blend the steel and plastic together as machine manufacturers practise, so that you can't really tell what's what. Compared to the original Scout, Cooler Master says the Scout 2 follows a more "round futuristic theme" and we concord with that perspective for the most role.

It's worth noting that we didn't really care for the looks of the original Scout, possibly because it seemed cheap -- and to be off-white, at $80, information technology was pretty cheap in the thou scheme of enthusiast chassis. Thankfully, its predecessor looks more than lavish than its $90 price tag would have you believe.

Being a mid-tower, the Scout two measures 9.1" wide, 20.2" tall and 20.v" long (230 x 513 x 517.5mm), making it slightly bigger than the original, all the same it'due south a fleck lighter at a manageable 18.3lb (8.3kg). We're non certain how Cooler Master pulled that off, but the case however feels plenty sturdy, so no worries there.

From the front perspective, the Sentinel 2's façade is unique. It hints at the original design, though in our opinion, information technology's greatly improved. Whereas the original looked rather boxy with an exposed I/O console at the top, the Watch two has a curvier, cleaner advent that seems to take required more thought.

The I/O panel is on top of the case once more, merely this time it's covered by a door that can exist slid backward to betrayal four USB ports (2 USB 3.0) and a pair of audio jacks. Notably missing is eSATA, which was nowadays on the original, while the ability, reset and LED buttons have been molded into the superlative of the case backside the I/O panel and the ability light is but below the I/O panel on the front of the case.

Looking at the top of the Lookout 2 likewise reveals a well-integrated handle arrangement that features reinforced steel with a condom coating for easy transportation of rigs weighing upwardly to 66.1lbs (30kg).

Under the eye handle is a large dual honeycomb grill (a grill with large holes on meridian of a grill with small holes) and it makes for a cool visual event. The dual honeycomb grill is removable and doing so volition allow y'all install a pair of top-mounted 120mm fans.

The left door has soft curves used to create a big raised section with a tinted case window and room for a pair of 120mm fans, which would sit down behind two honeycomb grills. The reverse side door is about identical with the obvious exception of the window and fan grills.

Around back, we find that the power supply is to be mounted in the bottom. There is a 7 + 1 expansion card configuration and nosotros like that Libation Principal has provided that extra slot for I/O expansion brackets.

Above the expansion slots is some other 120mm fan grill and this 1 comes with a pre-installed 120mm frazzle fan. Upwardly higher are two i-inch water-cooling holes with rubber grommets.

Throwing the Lookout man 2 on its side reveals four adequately standard instance feet forth with a pair of 120mm fan grills. Although information technology is possible to install dual 120mm fans hither, as the necessary mounting holes are provided, gamers volition but e'er install a fan in the center as the grill to the left is designed as an intake for the ability supply.