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Not so long ago, we got acquainted with an interesting Macube 550 case from Deepcool. And now we got to review its simplified modification – Macube 310P, which is smaller and has some functional improvements. As always, we will start by studying its design, and then move on to thermal testing.
Characteristics
| Model | Deepcool Gamer Storm Macube 310P |
|---|---|
| Product page | gamerstorm.com |
| Type of shell | Midi-Tower |
| Dimensions, mm | 497 (H) x 225 (W) x 440 (D) |
| Material | Steel, ABS plastic, glass (4 mm) |
| Weight, kg | 8,4 |
| Color | Black |
| Form Factor | ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX |
| 5.25″ devices | – |
| Devices 3.5″ external | – |
| Devices 3.5″ / 2.5″ internal | 2 / 2+2 (two 2.5″ drives can be installed instead of 3.5″) |
| Supported number of expansion slots | 7 |
| Fans | front – 3 x 120 mm / 2 x 140 mm upper – 3 x 120 mm / 2 x 140 mm rear – 1 x 120 mm (installed) |
| Interface connectors | 2 x USB 3.0, two 3.5mm microphone and headphone jacks |
| Other | Tempered glass left side panel, magnetic mounts for both side panels, graphics card support bracket, quad fan power splitter, front and top panel easily removable |
| average cost | UAH 1939 (~$70) |
Packing and scope of delivery
The case comes in a regular box with foam dampers inside and monochrome printing on the outside. Carrying handles are cut out on the sides and technical specifications are applied.
The delivery kit contains all the parts necessary to install the system, even with a small margin. There is:
- assembly instructions;
- warranty card;
- 11 disposable plastic cable ties;
- two brackets for fixing side panels;
- three soft adhesive pads for staples;
- two case screws with knurled head;
- four motherboard racks;
- 12 screws for fixing fans;
- six case screws (for PSU);
- 11 screws for 3.5″ hard drives;
- 22 small screws for 2.5″ drives and motherboard.
Appearance
The design of this series of cases still remains true to the “strict black box” concept. The bezel is metallic and solid, with the only visual element at the bottom being the engraved Gamer Storm logo. The ventilation holes are located on the side faces.
The left side panel is completely glass. As in the older model, the glass is held by two magnets at the top, but now a plastic stop has been added to the bottom. It is removed by tilting to the side and lifting up. The rounded handle at the top is now plastic instead of aluminum, and it also bears the subtle Gamer Storm inscription. Ventilation slots, covered with a metal mesh, run along the side edges of the top and front panels.
The tempered glass is lightly tinted and is 4mm thick. A black stripe runs along its entire perimeter. A metal strip with two bulges for magnets and mounting pins is glued in the upper part.
The right side panel is solid and metal. It is also held on by two magnets on top. In my memory, this option for attaching this part is the first time. There is a small handle on the top right for easy removal. The door is removed in the same way as the glass sidewall – to the side and up. There are ventilation holes on the sides of the top and front panels on this side as well.
On the reverse side of the right side door there are curved U-shaped edges that form excellent stiffening ribs. The hook for fixing the panel is screwed at the bottom with four screws.
The top panel is metal. The ventilation grill occupies almost a large part of it. This is a unique feature of cases with the prefix “P”, on models without it, the panel will be solid and without holes. External ports and buttons are located closer to the front edge.
Looking from left to right, the first thing you see is the system power indicator, then the small square PC start button, two green USB 3.0 ports with two 3.5mm audio jacks in between, and a reset button.
Behind everything is pretty standard. Ventilation grille for a 120mm propeller, which can be adjusted in mounting height within 10mm. Seven PCI slots are covered with reusable ventilated plugs. The mounting hole to the right of them is covered by a decorative plate protruding back, which is held on by one screw. The location for the power supply is located at the bottom and supports its orientation with both the fan down and up.
In our review of the Macube 550, we noted that fixing the sidewalls with a magnet alone is not the most reliable option when transporting the case. The Macube 310 took this moment into account and included brackets with screws and soft pads that can be used to press both sides. It is convenient when carrying and as a protection of the system from too curious children, but it does not look very aesthetically pleasing.
At the bottom of the case there is ventilation for the power supply, covered with a simple metal mesh. In front, there is access to the screws holding the drive basket. The plastic feet are part of the plastic support that holds the side panels.
The height of the legs is 15 mm. Soft rubber bands are glued on the bottom.
Let’s look inside the chassis.
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