Page 2 - Physical Look - Outside
The style of FSP's CMT520 is different from the CMT510. For the most part, they still have tempered glass as well as a bunch of RGB fans, but that is where their similarities end. The CMT520 is a bit more conservative with its tempered glass, only having a panel on the side and front. Both panels were very dirty after I removed the plastic sheet, and it took quite a while to clean for them to look brand new. The front tempered glass is also more stylistic in the FSP520 instead of just a plain sheet. The CMT520 front panel is cut to be slightly indented at the top and the bottom. Furthermore, the front panel I/O is angled down instead of being found entirely on top of the case. To either side of the front panel are plastic running down each side, which is cut to allow air in. The CMT520 has a way different look than the CMT510, even though they both feature the traditional box design. When it comes to dimensions, the CMT520 comes in at 495 mm in depth, 215 mm in width, and 510 mm in height. This is a fairly standard size for an ATX case. The weight is quite heavy due in part to the tempered glass and it comes in at 8.5 kg. However, the case is just meant to sit in place, so it is not much of a disadvantage. It is an indication of build quality if you ask me.
The front I/O is entirely different from the CMT510, but with more and better functionality. In total, there are four USB ports; two of which are 2.0, while the rest are 3.0. The classic 3.5 mm audio and microphone jacks are found on the front as well. Luckily, the smartphone trends of taking away the audio jack has not caught on. The power button is the large button in the middle and it lights up when the case is powered on. There is a dedicated RGB button and a dedicated reset button, which I found to be a wonderful addition. Now, there is no need to decide which one works or not as was the case with the CMT510. The RGB functionality is still not prime because of a single button controlling it all, but it works with all the colors FSP claims. The front I/O is definitely an improvement with its added functionality.
The back panels of the case look about the exact same as usual. The back easily opens with some thumbscrews and is not tempered glass. The back has eight expansion slots, one 120 mm exhaust fan, and a power supply area at the bottom. The expansion slots have a locking mechanism, which keeps all eight of the slots in place with one thumbscrew. Every expansion slot can be removed and replaced unlike the CMT510. Beyond that, the black color scheme is continued throughout the chassis.
On the bottom, we find the power supply intake. The dust filter sits on a rail and has a plastic frame. It is built well, and it is nice not to see a cheap filter. The rail makes it easy to remove, clean, and place back into position. Otherwise, there are four large feet to keep the case lifted for air to be pulled into the power supply. The feet are about 2.5 cm off the ground, making it great for a hard surface, but not effective on carpet. On carpet, the power supply would be drawing in way too much dust, which would clog up the power supply way too fast.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Outside
3. Physical Look - Inside
4. Installation and Conclusion
