Packaging and Hardware:

     The packaging is more than adequate but not fancy.  There's nothing worse than paying for expensive box art and packaging.  CoolerMaster decided to keep it simple.

     There really isn't a whole lot to expect when it comes to additional hardware for a case.  Especially a case that has thumbscrews that hold the sides on, screwless optical drive bays, screwless PCI mounts and screwless HDD mounts.  The only thing you need screws for is the motherboard.  CoolerMaster didn't include the screws in the hardware pack because they have a place all their own next to the drive bays.  I'll show you them a little later on.

External View:

     The case is very eloquent.  It has sleek lines with just enough accents to set it apart from being plain black.  As you can see from the picture, there are three places for fans on the side panels.  Two 120mm or 140mm fans on the right side and one 80mm fan on the left side.  The left 80mm fan is approximately where the CPU will be mounted, so this provides a little cooling to the back of the motherboard right under the CPU.

     This is a steel case and pretty heavy duty.  The top and front is metal mesh which helps with the weight and allows for greater air flow.  It also looks very cool.

     The mesh in the front is perfect for a large intake fan.  The CM690 comes with a 120mm blue LED fan in the front and the whole case can accommodate 7, 120mm fans.  The power switch, power LED, HDD LED and reset switch are stylishly located on the bottom left side of the front panel.  This gives the case a very clean look, but seems a little odd to be placed so far away from the I/O panel.

     The I/O panel is located on the top of the case, which makes for easy access if the case is going to sit on the floor, next to your desk.  The I/O panel has 2 USB 2.0 ports, headphone and mic jacks, a firewire port and an eSATA port.  I really like the addition of the eSATA port.