Externals
The Cosmos S features a racing car look with black brushed aluminium side panels and meshes which conceal the fans. It’s a very unique design, one which I didn’t like at first; however it’s the type of thing which you learn to love
.
The side panels are unlike the panels on most computer cases. Instead of being a one piece panel, the Cooler Master features uniquely shaped black anodized brushed aluminium panels which sit into a glossy plastic surround. I didn’t think the panels would be as steady as the standard one piece panels which lock in to the chassis, however I’ve learned not to underestimate CM, as the Cosmos S’ panels are much steadier.
On the left hand side panel, there is a protruding one-piece mesh in the center. All the edges and shapes in this mesh are very smooth and accurate – - looks very car like. To the right hand side of the mesh, is the Cosmos S badge.
The right hand side panel is a little boring compared to the one on the left. It’s simply a matching shaped aluminium panel with the Cooler Master logo at the top left hand corner painted in a silvery-grey.
The front of the case is made up of ten drive bay covers which are curved at the centre. The top drive bay features a 3.5” converter allowing you to install a card reader/ floppy drive here. To remove the drive bay covers, you have got to push two aluminium surrounds which run from the bottom to top of the front. When pushed, the aluminium surrounds pop open. You then have to push two tabs in at each end of the drive bay to remove the drive facia. This is a very simple process, much easier than most cases as it doesn’t involve cutting your fingers in the process of removing a drive blanking plate.
The top of the Cosmos S features a large piece of mesh in the centre. This mesh is designed to let airflow to the three 120mm fans which can be installed – - this is a great advantage for water-cooling enthusiasts as it allows for a triple radiator to be installed. As a little extra, the top can be removed by removing one thumb screw on the back, the top then slides off. Just like the side panels, there is glossy silvery-grey plastic surrounding the mesh.
Located towards the front-top of the case, are touch sensitive buttons and LED’s which look pretty stealthy hidden behind glossy black plastic. Unfortunately, there is no reset button – - this could annoy some.
Just above the buttons is a plastic slider, which reveals:
- 4 USB sockets
- Microphone and headphone jack
- Fire wire socket
- eSATA socket
It’s unusual providing an eSATA socket at the front of the case, as you normally just find them located on the back of the motherboard. However this is a good idea as it means the Cosmos S is future-proof.
Protruding from the silvery-grey surrounds on the top of the case are two fairly thick rounded tubes. These are very useful for carrying the case around to LAN parties etc. They are secured to the chassis with a large bracket. These ‘ski’s are mirrored on the bottom of the case to allow airflow to flow easily round the bottom of the case.
The rear of the case allows you to get an insight on the chassis of the CM Cosmos S. Yet again it’s all aluminium – - not brushed though. A PSU can be installed at the bottom of the case, which is different to many standard cases. However, this method has been proved to produce better temperatures. I find that installing large CPU coolers is also a lot easier with this PSU location, so it’s definitely a smart move for CM to take.
A 120mm fan can be installed above the IO plate, providing for air extraction from the CPU cooler. Just above the fan mount, are two little rubbery holes – - for water-cooling tubes. We’ve seen already that this case is ideal for water-cooling enthusiasts because there is space for a triple rad. You probably can’t tell from the photo, but there are two little clips sticking out from the rear of the chassis. These little tabs when pushed down, release the side panels.
’)