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Product:
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Cooler Master Centurion BTX-B540 Case |
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Price:
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$70 (CAN) / $60 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Cooler Master
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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October 17th, 2005
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Lucy from Cooler Master
for providing the Centurion BTX-B540 Case for review.
Introduction:
The introduction of BTX (Balanced Technology EXtended) provided a new alternative motherboard design which
was introduced by Intel in 2004. BTX was designed to supersede ATX and provide sufficient air flow over the
processor and display adapter via thermal management areas. Since its release very few manufacturers have
taken advantage of BTX and a majority of the newly released chassis designs still cater to the ATX format.
Cooler Master has developed a significant reputation in the consumer market by providing a wide selection
of cases that cover desktop and full tower case requirements. The company has recently expanded its popular
Centurion product line with the introduction of the new BTX-B540. Today in the MTB Labs, we will be evaluating
the Centurion BTX-B540; an aluminum case designed specifically for the new BTX format.
Specifications:
The Cooler Master Centurion BTX-B540 Case is compatible with all new m-BTX based motherboards. The case features
a smart mechanical design for easy installation and superior air flow with front mesh screen design. Consumers
have the two colour options for the BTX-B540 which consist of Silver or Black. Here are some specifications taken
directly from the Cooler Master website:
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Cooler Master Centurion BTX-B540 Case - Key Specifications:
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| Cooler Master Centurion BTX-B540 Case: Manufactured by Cooler Master |
| Dimensions: 420mm (L) x 180mm (W) x 390mm (H) |
| Weight: 7kg |
| Material: Aluminumm bezel, SECC chassis |
| M/B Type: m-BTX 10.5 |
| Drive Bays: 6 (2 x 5.25" External, 2 x 3.5" External, 2 x 3.5" Internal) |
| Cooling system: Dual 80 x 80 x 25mm rear fan 1800rpm, 22dBA (Exhaust) (Option) |
| I/O panel: USB2.0 x 2, MIC x 1, SPK x 1, IEEE1394 x 1 |
| Power Supply: Standard ATX PS2, 380W support LGA 775 (Option) |
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Cooler Master Centurion BTX-B540 Case was shipped in a standard double-walled corrugated box with the case
manufacturer's logos and images printed on all sides. The packaging inside the box was good with the case sealed
in protected plastic with two pieces of polystyrene located on the left and right sides of the package.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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My first impressions of the Cooler Master Centurion BTX-B540 Case after removing the packaging were extremely positive.
The BTX-B540 features a simplistic design incorporating a majority of the features found in the mid-tower versions of
the Centurion product line. The BTX-B540 is a mirror image of the Centurion Micro ATX 540 (RC-540) which is designed
exclusively for the mATX motherboard format. Out of the box, there are no surprises since the BTX-B540 features
Cooler Master's trademarked craftsmanship and attention to detail. The BTX-B540 measures approximately 420mm (L) x
180mm (W) x 390mm (H) and is light weight at 7kg. The case does not ship with a PSU which is a bit of a disappointment,
but most consumers will be pleased to know that this particular model does support full size ATX power supplies.
The eye candy for this particular model is the brushed aluminum front bezel and emphasis on good air flow. The
BTX-B540 was bundled with an assortment of accessories which include drive mounting brackets, mounting screws,
motherboard stand-offs and zip ties.
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