Cooler Master Elite 343 Mini Tower Computer Case with Removable HDD Cage (RC-343-KKN1)

For the money I don't know how you can beat this case. Perfect size for a micro-ATX setup. I've built 2 PC's using these cases and both have been super easy installation - easy access throughout and the kit gives you all the screws, riser standoffs etc. you need to build your rig. Nice small touches like 4 thumbscrews on the back for the side panels instead of typical small screws. All the connectors are high quality and the case looks really sleek and tasteful - not garish and in your face like a lot of others. The front fan is great for cooling hard drives - perfect location keeps a good stream of air blowing right over your drives. You will need a separate case fan for the exhaust at the back but those are easy to get for under $10. The metal IS a bit thinner than more expensive cases but once it is all put together and the side panels screwed on it certainly is sturdy and unless you are abusing it somehow there is no reason it won't last as long as anything else in the computer. Mine just sits under the desk and works great, looks great, and cost me under $40 for a really nice home build PC. I am thoroughly pleased and have no regrets or anything other than positive comments about this. I can honestly say I have NEVER been unhappy with ANY Coolermaster product including cases, fans, and power supplies. I will always buy Coolermaster - why change when I have 100% satisfaction and they are always good and reasonably priced? This case just adds to the satisfaction index and I highly recommend it.

This Cooler Master Elite 343 Micro ATX case is pretty good but a little disappointing. Its size is quite compact while still fitting in four hidden 3.5-inch drives, two external, and two 5.25-inch drives. I purchased an Antec EA-380D Power Supply EA-380D for it which fit perfectly as expected. I also installed my Supermicro motherboard and Xeon E3 processor. I then installed my four Serial ATA hard drives in the removable cage. That's where the problems started. With four hard drives installed in the drive cage and the stock Intel CPU cooler that came with my E3 1220 chip, I was unable to stick the removable drive cage back in the case. I had to remove the CPU cooler in order to get it back in.I recognize that because it is a small case, compromises have to be made but I was not expecting an issue such as that. I'm also a little disappointed overall in the quality of the case. The metal does not feel that strong but a little thin. It's still a good case for the money but at $38 don't expect a high-end aluminum case or anything like it.If you plan to install multiple hard drives and leave them that way, install your motherboard, then hard drive cage, then CPU and CPU cooler. If you plan on swapping drives in and out frequently, look for another case.

The bottom and back of the case are a little flimsy, but other than that I have no complaints at all. The metal edges are rounded and even though it's more a micro case than a mini, it has plentyof space for additional components. You may have to move the hard drive up or down if you intend to install a longer video card, but everything else fits great.

Unfortunately, my case was damaged in transit by UPS, but I'll try to write this review as if it had not been damaged.This computer case has an extremely cheap feel to it. In the past, I have used Inwin and Antec computer cases, which I have been extremely happy with. Although those cost twice as much as this case did, I feel as if they are much higher quality. For example, the metal of this case felt extremely flimsy, as compared to the Inwin and Antec cases. Also, the front bezel on this case was difficult to remove (however, this was the part that was damaged during transit). I don't feel that I would purchase this (or any Cooler Master) case again, because of the build quality.

So, my case arrived today. I came home and it was sitting on the front porch. Showed up with no dents or dings in the package which was good.Since this was the first part of my new computer to show up in the mail, I was quite excited.After unboxing the case and looking at it, I came up with the following things to say.First, The CONS.-There was nowhere to mount a 2.5" SSD. I was a little bummed that I'm going to have to use a conversion tray, but I'll probably get over that. You would think that with how prevalent these are becoming that this feature would start being standard. But hey, it was an inexpensive case, so I can't complain.-The feet have NO grip to them.-Modability on the front seems to be limited. But it's a good looking case so I'm okay with that.Now, the PROS.-The edges of the steel are rounded. I was playing around in the case and didn't nick my skin even once. That was pretty awesome.-The 120mm fan in the front of the case was an actual coolermaster fan which was nice.-The 120mm fan also cam with a 3pin mobo to 4pin molex converter. This will make it easy to connect if I want to limit the number of ugly molex connectors inside.-The buttons on the front give a very satisfying click. I like it.-The mounting hardware for the motherboard came in a little ziplock bag that included a good sized handful of zipties. White ones. Black would be nice. But I'm not complaining.-The front panel connections are set deep in the case so they will be easy to hide. They are a decent wire gauge so you don't have to worry about breaking them while connecting them or doing cable management.-The mounting holes are perfect for my Micro-ITX board (Zotac Z68-A-E!)The case is light, it's small, and slick looking. I'm a fan.Good job Cooler Master!