The CM Storm Scout 2 PC Case
Every once in a while we get a mid-tower chassis that breaks all of the rules and brings us something new that we rarely see with other typical mid-tower chassis’. When I get a chance to look at these types of ground breaking cases, I start to get a sense of renewed faith for mid-tower chassis designs. Could case manufacturers be making making design changes based on customer feedback?
The Cooler Master Storm Scout Series came out in 2009 and has been one of the most popular cases sold by Cooler Master over the past 3.5 years. The Cooler Master Storm Scout was an awesome case for the time, but it is now lacking many of the features that consumers want to have today. Cooler Master went back to the design team and had them work on the Storm Scout 2. The goal was to keep the predecessor's overall look and feel, but update it and add the new features that are needed. This is no easy task, especially when you are working with one of your best sellers!
Cooler Master Storm Scout 2 Features:
- Ergonomic steel reinforced carrying handles bolted to support beams of the core structure
- Dual USB 3.0 support for 10x faster file transfer and high current smart phone / tablet charging (~1A)
- Supports up to 3 ODDs (tool-less), 7 HDDs and 2 SSDs for increased expandability
- Supports up to 9 fans, including dual 120mm fans on the acrylic side panel window
- Top panel LED switch to disable the LEDs of two separate LED case fans
- Supports all high-end graphics cards on the market after removing the 1st HDD cage
- Dust filters for PSU (slide out) and top panel
The Cooler Master Storm Scout 2 has an MSRP
of $99.99, which is actually $10 less than the original Storm Scout case when it came out in 2009. Not bad considering that you are getting a slightly larger case with more fans and higher-end features like USB 3.0 front panel headers! The Storm Scout 2 is available in either Gunmetal Grey (SGC-2100-GWN1) or Midnight Black
(SGC-2100-KWN1) color schemes. A quick look online this morning and we
found the Gunmetal Grey for $99.77 shipped and the Midnight Black for $99.77 shipped.
The CM Scout 2 carries a two year parts and labor warranty. The original Cooler Master Storm Scout is still a great case and now that the new Storm Scout 2 has been released you can find the original for $59.99 with free shipping!
Cooler Master Storm Scout 2 Specifications:
- Available Colors: Midnight Black & Gunmetal Grey
- Materials Appearance: Polymer, Coated Steel Mesh and Body
- Dimensions: 230 x 513 x 517.5mm / 9.1 x 20.2 x 20.5 inch (W x H x D)
- Net Weight: 8.3 kg / 18.3 lb
- M/B Type: Micro-ATX, ATX
- 5.25" Drive Bays: 3 (exposed)
- 3.5" Drive Bays: 7 (hidden)
- 2.5" Drive Bays: 2 (converted from one 3.5" drive bay)
- I/O Panel: USB 3.0 x 2 (int.), USB 2.0 x 2, Mic x 1, Audio x 1 (supports AC97/HD Audio)
- Expansion Slots: 7
- Cooling System: Top: 120mm fan x 2 (optional), Front: 120mm fan x 2 or 140mm fan x 1 (optional), Rear: 120mm red LED fan x 1 (with LED on/off function), Bottom: 120mm fan x 1 (optional), Side: 120mm fan x 2 (optional), HDD cage: 120mm fan x 1 (optional)
- Video Card Length: 11.3" with HDD cage or 15.7" without HDD cage
- CPU Cooler Height: 5.8" with side fan or 6.4" without side fan
- Warranty: 2 Years
After a quick glance at the specifications we can get an idea of just how much larger this mid-tower chassis is, and that it does not fall in line with traditional sized mid-tower chassis’. This chassis also comes in two color options a Gunmetal Grey, and in Midnight Black; the chassis we are looking at today is the Midnight Black Storm Scout 2. The Storm Scout 2 can utilize up to 9 optional fans (I will show you their location throughout this review), and can handle video cards up to 399mm (15.7”). One of the most notable things that made the Storm series chassis popular and is still carried over to the Storm Scout 2 and that being a built in carrying handle for easy portability.
The only way we can answer this question is by turning the page and find out first hand. Without further ado, let’s go ahead and turn the page and find out what exactly does Cooler Master has in store for us with their newer addition of chassis’ the Storm Scout 2.
Storm Scout 2 Packaging
When it comes to packaging of computer related products, Cooler Master constantly one of the most colorful, and the Storm Scout 2 chassis packaging is no exception to this.
Turning the box to the right 90° Cooler Master lists the general specifications of this chassis.
On the backside of the box, Cooler Master prints the general features of the Storm Scout 2 chassis.
On the final side of the box Cooler Master places an image of the Storm Scout 2 chassis and prints what is included and contact information in several languages on the lower right hand corner.
Opening up the packaging that the Storm Scout 2 comes in, shows that Cooler Master uses a tradition packing method to ensure that this chassis does not get harmed during packing and shipping.
The included accessories that will come with the Storm Scout 2 chassis:
- Motherboard standoffs
- Wire ties
- A PC speaker
- Various chassis screws that will be needed to install of our computer components into this chassis
What the Storm Scout 2 looks like once it has been removed from the confines of its packaging.
Storm Scout 2 Exterior Thoughts
On the left side of the Storm Scout 2 chassis, Cooler Master places a window on the upper portion and then places 2 optional 120mm fan mounts on the lower portion of the side panel.
Rotating the chassis to the back side we can see that Cooler Master uses a standard ATX layout.
Up at the very top of the chassis, on the upper right hand side are two external water cooling ports, and right below these two ports is an included 120mm rear exhaust fan.
Making our down the backside of the Storm Scout 2 chassis brings us to the PCI expansion ports, this chassis can handle up to a full sixed ATX motherboard. To the right of the PCI expansion ports is Cooler Master’s very own peripheral securing device the Storm Guard.
Then at the very bottom of this chassis is where we can mount our PSUs, the PSU mounting area uses multiple mounting holes so that it can accommodate a variety of different PSUs and configurations.
Now time for me to give the front of the chassis a quick look through; the Storm Scout 2 chassis is classified as a mid-tower chassis so it can only utilize up to three 5.25” bay devices. Also, Cooler Master uses a fine metal mesh on the entire front of this chassis to ensure maximum airflow while keeping at a minimum from entering the interior.
A close up picture of the upper 5.25” drives bays and the fine metal mesh that is employed on the entire front of the Storm Scout 2 chassis.
In order for us to remove the 5.25” bay covers we need to remove the entire front bezel. This was not hard and did not require a lot of force, just we need to place our hands underneath the front bezel and pull away from the main chassis.
What the main chassis of the Storm Scout 2 looks like once the front bezel has been removed. As I mentioned earlier that this chassis can use up to three 5.25” bay devices, this chassis can also accommodate up to two 120/140mm front fans.
Rotating the Storm Scout 2 chassis 90° brings us to the right side panel. On both side panels Cooler Master puts a slight outward extrusion, this not only adds to this chassis’ look, this extrusion will also serve a very good purpose; which I will cover on the next page so stay tuned.
Time for me to put the Storm Scout 2 onto its side and look at the top.
Like previous versions of this chassis they all have an incorporated carrying handle buit directly into them, the Storm Scout 2 is no exception. On the rear portion of the top of the chassis is a removable fan grill, to remove this fan grill requires that we go inside of the chassis and push on 6 small clips so that we can remove this fan grill so that we can install upper exhaust fans.
This is what the upper fan grill looks like once it has been removed from the top of the chassis, notice the six clips on the lower portion? These small clips are easily broken so take extreme cautions when removing this upper grill off.
Now since the upper fan grill has been removed, we can see that we can install two 120mm exhaust fans up on the top of the Storm Scout 2 chassis.
Moving towards the front top of this chassis brings us to the front IO switches. Starting from the bottom of the picture and working my way up Cooler Master places an LED on/off button that if we connect any extra LEDs to this switch will allow us to turn off these LEDs for night time running. Moving upwards is a large on/off power switch, then right above the on/off power switch is the reset button. Directly in front of the switches is a small sliding door.
Upon opening that small sliding door reveals our front IO ports. Starting from the bottom working our way up, Cooler Master includes a mic/head phone jacks, two USB 3 front IO ports, and finally two more USB 2 IO ports.
I do not like having my USB/mic and head phone jacks out in the open because they do collect a lot of dust and debris. I personally liked how Cooler Master allows us to close these exposed ports up when they are not being used.
Time for me to turn our attention over to the final side of the Storm Scout 2 chassis the bottom side.
The only removable filter that Cooler Master includes is the PSU filter.
And the final thing I need to touch base on is the feet of this chassis; Cooler Master puts rubber bottoms on to the feet of the Storm Scout 2 chassis to ensure that we do not scratch up the surfaces we may be placing this chassis upon.
So far my thoughts of the exterior of the Storm Scout 2 has been positive, this chassis is stylish as well as solidly built.
Storm Scout 2 Interiror Thoughts
Let’s continue on with the review of the Storm Scout 2 chassis with the interior thoughts.
Starting off on the 5.25” bays Cooler Master employs a rather unique and simple operating locking mechanism that will secure our 5.25” bay devices. The operation of these locks is self-explanatory.
The Cooler Master Storm Scout 2 can utilize up to 7 3.5” HDDs, or 6 3.5” HDDs with the ability of being able to install two 2.5” HDD/SSDs. Cooler Master only includes a single 3.5” to 2.5” HDD carrier, if you plan on running more than one 2.5” HDD/SSDs with this chassis will require the use of 3.5” to 2.5” adapters.
I personally would have liked to see HDD carriers that can mount both of the 2.5” and 3.5” HDD/SSDs.
The included Front IO motherboard hook ups, what is not shown is an extra two wire lead connector that we can connect our extra LEDs to if we choose to be able to turn those LEDs off with the front LED power button.
A better look at the PCI expansion ports and the peripheral securing device the Storm Guard that is situated to the left of these PCI expansion ports. If you want to know more information on to secure our peripherals with this unique lock mechanism please visit the review of the Cooler Master Storm Styker HERE.
The included rear 120mm exhaust fan, the LEDs of this fan are connected to the front LED power button, so when we turn off the LEDs of this fan the fan will remain turned on.
Looking upwards at the optional upper 120mm exhaust fan mounts; if you look closely you will be able to see the small clips that secures the upper fan grill to the chassis.
The CPU cut-out appears to be large enough to handle a large number of different motherboards so that we can remove the CPU coolers without having to remove the motherboard from the chassis.
A quick measurement behind the motherboard tray through the CPU cutout while the right side panel is installed; as we can see there is roughly one and three eights of room behind the motherboard tray.
Taking a measurement from the front of the PCI expansion ports to the rear of the HDD bays reveals that we have up to 11 1/2” of room here. This should be enough room to handle standard high end video cards but you will have to double check the size of some of the coolers these video cards will be using. I know some video card coolers to reach sizes of 12” (mostly deals with aftermarket coolers for the X2 or dual core style of video cards).
If you plan on using video cards that are longer then eleven inches in length will require us to remove the upper HDD cage from the Storm Scout 2 chassis.
Looking directly behind the motherboard tray area with the right side panel removed.
Taking a measurement directly behind the motherboard tray tells us that there is 1” of room behind here to hide all of our PSU power cables; which should provide us with more than enough room behind the motherboard tray. Not to forget that the both side panels have a slight extrusion outwards that will give us even more room.
The included 3.5” to 2.5” HDD/SSD adapter.
Installtion of Computer Hardware
The Storm Scout 2 all buttoned up, rip raring and ready to go.
Final Thoughts of the Storm Scout 2
The Cooler Master Storm Scout 2 chassis is another prime example of how a mid-tower chassis is supposed to be designed. Not only is this chassis capable of handling my computer components easily, I was able to hide all of my power supply power cables behind the motherboard tray and close the right side panel with considerable ease. Not to forget that Cooler Master incorporates a carrying handle into this chassis so that we are able to move this chassis from one place to the next. Then on top of all of this the looks of the Storm Scout 2 is sure to draw attention wherever you may end up using this chassis.
There are only two small minor areas I would like to see improved up on with this chassis, now keep in mind these minor fixes that may enhance our usage of this chassis and do not count against it. The first one is, I would have like to see the side panels swing out instead of the sliding lock style that is currently incorporated with the Storm Scout 2. The final area I would like to see an improvement on is the removal of the upper exhaust fan grills. You have to reach inside of the case to remove this fan grill in order to install or remove our upper exhaust fans and they can be troublesome to access once all the components are installed. Again these improvements are minor, and they may or may not reflect your personal tastes, these are just minor improvements I feel that could possibly improve our overall experience with this chassis.
Cooler Master is going to set the price of the Storm Scout 2 chassis at the $99.99 USD for both the Gunmetal Grey and Midnight Black chassis' with free shipping and they also carry a two year parts and labor warranty. Which I feel is more than fair price to pay for a stylish and well-designed chassis.
Legit Bottom Line: The Cooler Master Storm Scout 2 is a perfect candidate for anyone wanting a solid well designed and stylish chassis for their computing needs.