Cooler Master ATC-201A: High performance Aluminum

Closing Thoughts

Cooler Master has come up with a high end solution, with mixed results. The ATC-201A features are excellent for a value oriented enthusiast case, but the price is fairly high at approximately 180USD.  If the ATC-201A retailed for approximately the same price as the KT-463 we previously reviewed, we would give it a much higher recommendation.

The ATC-201A is useful for any enthusiast, as it provides ample amount of drive bays, good performance, and pretty much any of the bells and whistles we have come to expect in a high end case. The case is easy to use and it just as easy to setup and get running.  There was a noticeable advantage of the Air Guide during our benchmark, and that really helped our overall impression of the unit.  If you do not mind the additional noise, the Air Guide is really a good feature for an aspiring overclocker.

We would have liked to see additional exhaust capabilities of the unit, especially since we got great performance out on the CPU and HSF.  The case does not have provisions for extra exhaust fans, but the rear fan could be easily replaced with a more powerful unit. Other than that, the unit has a great sleek feel, and the craftsmanship is on par with anything we could expect from Cooler Master. This case will definately hurt your wallet, but we have to acknowledge that it is an excellent piece of craftsmanship.

Cooler Master has demonstrated itself as one of the premier high end cases manufactures time and time again.  The tradeoff to premier performance is a premier price.  You are going to pay a lot for this case, but because of the level of quality, this case will definitely last a long time.