CM Storm Stryker - Gaming Full Tower Computer Case with USB 3.0 Ports and Carrying Handle (SGC-5000W-KWN1)

I purchased the Stryker because my last tower case which had more than a half dozen builds over 20 years became obsolete mostly due to lack of fan options to keep up with the latest hardware that require higher airflow, larger fan options, radiator support and cable management. The first good thing I noticed about the Stryker is the handle (there's actually two - one hidden reached through the rear lid), but unlike my old awkward to carry light aluminum tower, the Stryker is a 30lb+ (empty) steel and plastic beast that many would need a dolly to move without the handles. It's almost a requisite rather than option that the handles are included - one of those you can never go back options for awhile I think.Initially, I just swapped my gear out from my old tower to the Stryker and both my CPU & GPU temps dropped over 5c using the supplied fans and nothing additional.Cable management is good. There is plenty of room for cables to be hidden away from view behind the motherboard with many wire tie mounts and cutout holes - only a few of the cutouts have rubber grommets, but those that don't have nice dull rounded painted edges so no worry about sharp edges damaging cables or fingers. An extra 8 pin cpu cable is provided if your power supply leaves you short. After setting up I found better ways to route, but it's easy to change and wire ties are only 2 cents each.The Stryker is one of the best looking cases available (many have copied) and is different because of the nice thick white finish with black highlights instead the usual all black enthusiast cases that we've been seeing for the past 25 years. Though, I initially would have chosen the nearly identical Trooper with black finish had the Stryker not been about $60 less with the sale price and rebate, in the end I think I made the better choice. The Trooper has a E-SATA front panel additionally the Stryker lacks that, but there is a cutout present since the top panel is from the same mold. Plenty of spare parts available at the Coolermaster site for both versions, so you can replace, mix and match at will.There are 4 USB top ports (two 2.0 and two 3.0), mic, headphone jack are arranged to be seen and easily reached at a perfect angle - unlike my old case where they were recessed behind a door that you could not see with the door open without bending your neck awkwardly to see in order to plug in.There is an external hot swap SSD tray below the front panel which is a nice option for movable data storage for backup or perhaps booting from a secondary OS or setup.It's a huge tower case even wider than my old server tower and that extra space allows for taller components such as the giant cpu air coolers we see today - which the ThermalTake C5 on my last build forced me to move a window mounted fan to the outside due to interference of the side panel. With the Stryker case any air cooler on the market will fit and the C5 did even though I changed it out for a 280mm AIO.The Stryker accommodates up to 12 2/3" long triple fan video cards such as the 11 3/4" ASUS ROG STRIX Series cards with room to spare without modification or removing drive cages.The Stryker includes 4 fans, two supplied 120mm LED fans setup as intakes mounted on the side which are typically moved to the front by rotating the drive cages 90 degrees, 1 rear 140mm rear exhaust fan and 1 200mm top exhaust fan. All connected to an easy to reach six speed push button fan controller that has a separate LED on/off switch for LED devices two which are connected to LED's on the front fans leaving one unused lead for another LED device.I like having a manual easy to reach six speed fan controller where the 3 LED's light up begining with the first LED dim for 1st speed, then bright for 2nd speed, then 2 LED's dim for third speed 2 bright for 4th etc. The caveat since it's a manual push button controller is the fans cannot be controlled via software so no making temperature based fan curves, and no fan rpm readouts unless you run the 3rd fan lead to other rpm headers. I did just that with two of the 3 wire fans. Since only two of the 3 fan wires are utilized by the voltage based fan controller, I pulled the third wire out of the connectors and inserted them into extra connector plug and then plugged those two plugs into a couple unoccupied motherboard headers which allows monitoring the speed. Though I can't use the speed readings for mapping fan curves I can set parameters that can turn on a LED, execute sound file, or shut the system down should the fan speed fall above or below those parameters.There are 3 supplied removable dust screens for keeping the internals clean.I removed the supplied 200mm fan in order to install a Corsair H110i AIO. That is a 280mm radiator setup as a push exhaust. The Stryker can fit nearly any standard radiator in that top position 120, 140, 240 and a 280mm and you could even fit a 360mm on top with a bit of modification such as giving up two top drive spaces and perhaps adding a couple mount holes or expanding the top void cutout. The H110i with the 25mm thick fan and 27mm radiator (52mm or 2+ inches total) nearly encroaches upon the CPU power header (on an ATX ASUS M5a99fx pro 2.0) making it difficult to plug in due to the cable route making a 90 around the fan rad then a 180 to plug into the motherboard header, a tricky set of turns but after that there's plenty of clearance from the fan once plugged in. Obviously there's not enough space there for both push and pull fan setup inside due to fan motherboard encroachment, so if you want push pull setup there is room between the steel case top and the plastic top cover lid to add 1 full size 25mm thick 120/140mm fan in position 1 (fan 3) towards case rear and the second fan position (fan 4) is limited to a 120mm slim (15mm thick) fan due to case handle mount interference. Even though the 280mm radiator does not have the correct mounts for a 120mm fan there is a set of 120mm holes in the case, so you must mount the fan 4 to the case holes prior installing radiator thus no adapter or mod required - again a slightly modified (slimmer smaller fan) push pull is an option here for a either size radiator setup.There are two unused 120mm fan positions on the bottom of case behind the power supply for intake, but you must remove the 2.5" bottom mounted SSD drive cage to mount one fan and remove the tool box to have enough airflow to mount two 120mm fans. I added both optional fans as intake as I don't see needing more than 9 drives for this setup which the top two cages provide in 5.25, 3.5 and 2.5 inch sizes including the 2.5 SSD external hot swap. That bottom space is also an optional 240mm radiator mounting location. I checked it to see if I could mount my 280mm radiator there and there was plenty of room, but I'd have to drill extra holes since the eight holes provided are for two 120mm fans. Not sure why they didn't just drill the extra set of holes like they did for the top. There is a 3rd radiator space at the 140mm rear exhaust port.The Stryker is the by far the best case with the most options I've ever built a system with in my nearly 30 years of building computers for personal use and work on occasion. Where size doesn't matter I would use nothing less, but with all the options I spent more time on this simple first build than I ever recall in the past mostly because with all the different ways to do things I found myself testing all options and then re doing again till I found the method I liked best.A few cons worth mentioning.The low tech fan controller - manual adjustment only and no speed readout without modification by integrating the rpm wire with another header. Not a big deal but just a little nit pick that bothered me.There is a lack of tool less options here, sure they include quick flex mount 3.5" drive trays and a large bag of thumb screws for all else but even my 20+ year old tower I upgraded from had tool less drive cages that could be locked in or out with a simple rotation of a lever. Again no big deal, but...The setup manual is incomplete and confusing at best. Fairly normal due to both language barrier as well as the right people not hired to write a manual. Again no big deal we're big boys here, we don't need directions.Also, the use of Molex connectors for both the panel which provides a lead routed into the case and the hot swap SSD which has a hidden molex header.All the panel options had cable leads inside the case ready to be connected one which was a molex. After installing most everything I realized there was no power LED lead for the motherboard or SATA lead for the hot swap SSD. The pwr LED was easily resolved by the realization the motherboard connection was unnecessary as it was powered from the molex lead to the panel. I didn't realize there was a second molex to be connected, until looking for the missing SATA connector using a dental mirror I found two headers on on the back of the hot swap SSD - one molex (2nd on case) and SATA header. Due to my oversight I had to pull out the optical drive to make the connections to the headers. Obviously this won't happen on a second Stryker or Trooper build, but many folks only install one of these and the manual should of documented this more clearly. Again no big deal, it just takes more time to get it done.Not deal breakers. This is still the nicest case I ever used. However there is room for improvement and they could definitely update this 5+ year old design.

Yeah, its a play on words i.e. Sheldon. Dont know why,.. maybe too much root beer and ding-dongs. Anyhow.. On to the review. The Stryker shipped fast to me, UPS local here is pretty good about not being the box kicking Bitc**s that some people have issues with. So no dents and shipped great. I was so tired of the 1 1/2 foot tall two and three-bay cases everyone has or sells now. This case is HUGEmongus.. but still so cool. And lots of room means that warm air is vented BEFORE it gets warmer. Lots of room to move your hands around, cable management can be done as good or bad as you feel. We all just get lazy here and there(especially if a mod, or new item is going to be purchased soon) and its addicting to add piece after piece. Yeah the side window is a tad low, you can see the power supply but who cares. If you light it correctly its going to look very cool and if a low window is a deal breaker it more likely you just cant afford the case and are pzzd about it. So hence being overly picky. I do it too.. but Im realz about stuff so there you go. The white is just really great looking, dont know why. Paint is great, seems like its power-coated its so nice. Look it up if you dont know what powder coating is. eSata isnt on the io panel But... eSata can be added, anything can be added really, and if you cant.. well maybe stick to the best buy shelves and let "gomer" help you to the check out line. OH.. and anyone that hasnt figured out why L.e.d.'s arent turning on..... Ummmm P-O-L-A-R-I-T-Y 180 the connector Scoob.. boom, you will have light. The front bay covers are nice, fit and finish are awesome. Quick, easy, solid. Just nice. I took my case covers off just to move the screws out of the paint, and popped the latches, just to flex all the stuff that is suppose to move. Im GOING to be building and rebuilding in this case, thats why we are buying something like this. So screw the screws-in, back them out, and wear the paint off(it acts like glue) I got a feel for how everything comes apart, and goes together and did it before i got all "buck fever" about slapping my MoBo and everything else in. Its an awesome case,.. get to know it.. have some coffee and laugh about an old girlfriend together in your breakfast nook.. Dont just run to the back room and tatoo-gun the hell out of it like your prom date.. Or just like that night... youll get some rug burn, some "big eyes", a knock on the door asking if "everythings ok?".The usb 3 cable, the I.o. panel, molex etc,and everything gets real easy to hook up if you just use good-light, and take your time to see how it was put together. This case comes with a box that has WAY enough adapters, and screws, cable-ties too, its really great.Lots of places to run any wire you need.The fans are not super top notch, but with it does come with four, and they arent burning out any time soon, NO they arent static pressure ones, but even in the stock config. they look nice, work well and arent loud to my ear. Ill be replacing them im sure some time. But really its a waste for-now. And I run amd 8350 on my asus rog board, and evga 780. I have one whole bay open above and below each of my drives and the Ssd has so much room I may buy it a mail order bride to tidy up once in awhile. It really does run so cool in there, and that is what Im after. The handle is tough, I carry it out to LAN some and the looks are pretty hilarious.. in a cool way. I can really only say for myself, but my first computer build I used a server case, just because I wanted to mod tiny lights and blinkys even back in the day. I loved how tall it was for no reason other than it was like having my own WOPR. Then cases got all "cute". Yeah I got them, but always missed my monster. Even back then I loved how heat wasnt an issue, and I had room to light it, and work on it, and hell.. just enjoy the hundreds of dollars we put into our hobby/work station/get me through life/wife machine.. (shell kill me if she reads this before i hit send). Anyway. super solid case guys/girls.. paint is way nice, covers, handle, cables, connectors, Bam!! its just nice to buy somethiung that is actually as nice as it should be given that its a little expensive. Xdock works great, although I feel a little of up/down movement so that you cant just jam the drive in.. you need to take it easy,.. feel" when its connector is starting to seat then it pops in nice. Like the "track" that the ssd slides-in is a bit too wide, so be careful on that. I really enjoy seeing this sitting next to my monitors, It just says to anyone who sees-it.. "Hey! I really like computers, and not only that.. I really like having functionality as well as looks!". Im saying to anyone who is looking.. if you like a bigger case than the pink to-to types that are everywhere you will love this case, and the more you light it your way.. and design a system your way, then youll find as I did, that every day I like it even more than the last. And today, its harder and harder to not get buyers remorse. Just think about what your system is, or will-be, the only thing Id consider is the cases where they have a basement compartment if I did a major water cooling solution. But I didnt. I still-can mind you.. and easily. But some cases are just designed for that. And they are BIG and cool too. I really enjoy the handle, and everything about it. Its just a well-made case for those of us who live binary lives. Hit up youtube and watch people handle it, and move it around. Youll find out as I did, that once you own it, even the videos fall a little short. Anyhow, my two cents. Enjoy whatever case you end up with.. but this one is way-cool.

Pretty awesome case with lots of room to grow. Got this case for my 2nd build I've ever done. Last one was an antec 300 that I got when Ibuilt for a core duo 8300 years ago. I have to say this case is notably larger than that one. I won't get too deep into this review.Just that there's plenty of air flow. I left the hard drive fans blowing through the side of the case, as it keeps the hard drive cablesrunning through the side of the case behind the motherboard, and out of sight. It has plenty of dust filters in some areas, not every openingis covered. They're a fairly fine mesh screen. Not sure how quickly it will clog yet. One thing nobody probably cares about is the hard driveactivity indicator. It's not easy to see unless you're looking right down on it. But then again it isn't a huge deal for me, as I didn't even havethat option on my last case. I may upgrade some of the case fans in the future, as I don't think they're pushing as much air as they could.That's all I can say, I'd say everyone else has pretty much touched on everything else. One last thing. IT IS HUGE! ;-)

Es un gabinete extremadamente grande, excelente para lucir tus componentes que de igual deben de ser muy robustos o se vera solo una gran caja vacía, la ventilación es muy buena, la baia para leer los discos duros o ssd de 3.5 es de mucha utilidad si requieres trasferir archivos muy pesados, al ser un gabinete muy grande el manejo de cables es muy bueno lo recomiendo bastante solo tienes que tener un espacio suficiente mente grande para colocarlo

First off, weighing in at 30 lbs this case is a monster. It's quite big, but you are buying a full tower, so what do you expect. There are so many drive bays I don't know what to do with them all. The carry handle is strong. Cable management is a breeze with this case. Liquid cooling is easy as well. Color is good and the steel is strong. It's worth every penny.

Muy bonito gabinete, muy buen material, excelentes prestaciones, a muy buen precio y me salió a meses, que más se puede pedir.

Ottimo case di ottima fattura a vederlo di primo impatto non si direbbe ma all'interno ha a disposizione tantissimo spazio ottimo per il cable management tantissimi alloggi per drive da 2,5 e 3,5 e grazie alle 4 grandi ventole con degli ottimi filtri antipolvere che permettono una ottima aerazione di tutta la componentistica, componentistica con la quale ci si può sbizzarrire grazie al tantissimo spazio a disposizione ci entra veramente di tutto. Ottimo il cassettino nascosto nella parte frontale molto comodo così come l'alloggiamento per inserire in modo rapido drive da 2,5 pollici anche se risulta un po' complicato il collegamemto dei cavi a quest'ultima. Cavi ottimi invece per le ventole, le usb 2.0 e 3.0 e per tutto il pannello di controllo frontale che è molto bello, così com'è bella la paratia laterale con l'ampia lastra di.plexiglass che consente di tenere tutto l'interno a colpo d'occhio.In conclusione a mio modestissimo parere è il miglio case che si possa acquistare e sono convinto che mi farà compagnia per tanti e tanti anni ancora.

This case is an absolute monster. It's big, has plenty of work room on the inside and it's VERY easy to change the hard drive mounts to whatever size you need. Cable management is super easy and the air flow is excellent with the fans. Adjustable fan speed works like a charm and has a 2, 3 tiered fan speed option that is easily controlled with a beep noise as well. The two front fans have white LEDs which provide some light if you want them on.Make sure you have the desk space or floor clearance for this case to fit!