Test Setup

ASUS A7N8X-Deluxe
AMD Athlon 1700+ @ 12.5x166
Aerocool DP-102 with 2-80mm fans
200GB Seagate SATA
512MB Corsair PC4000

Installation and User Experience

After looking over the case for a couple minutes I went about the task of installing all of my components inside it. I found out quite quickly that a specific order had to be taken in order for the installation to go smoothly.

I first had to remove the two exhaust fans as they stuck out just a bit too far for me to install the motherboard. Thankfully Cooler Master designed it so that 4 screws release both fans together. After removing the fans the motherboard slipped right in. One thing to be sure of though, is that you install the motherboard first. If you install any 5.25” devices, you may not be able to slide the motherboard past them.

After the motherboard was installed all other components went in just like normal. The CDROM and DVD drive slide right in and were screwed in. Personally I would have liked to see the 5.25” cage removable as well, as the mounting screws for the left side were a bit of a pain to get to. The 3.5” cage is removable though so installing devices in there was a breeze. Over all I thought the case was pretty well laid out, you just have to make sure you install your components in order to save future headaches.

Cooling wise I found the case to be good. Shown below is a chart comparing temperature numbers (in degrees Celsius) between my previous case (Z-Alien, 120mm Exhaust, 2-80mm Intake fans) and the Cavalier 4.

The numbers defiantly speak for themselves. The Cooler Master does not do as well as the Z-Alien. The Cavalier 4 does however run very quietly, I would not say silent, but the drum of other things in the room are enough to make it silent. A quiet PC is more appropriate in the HTPC application than a louder (but better cooling) cooling system.

Conclusions

Style
Style wise the Cooler Master Cavalier 4 is very sweet. The aluminum bezel matches perfectly with any home theater equipment. The two blue LED's on the front fade and look really good, and the silver power button is easy to see but does not stand out too much. I think in order for a HTPC case to be effective it must not be too flashy, but still stylish, and the Cooler Master Cavalier 4 does this.

Layout and Features
Layout wise the Cooler Master Cavalier 4 is really good. Cooler Master really spent some time when designing the layout. Even though the case could potentially hold three devices, Cooler Master went with two because the lowest device would hit the motherboard if installed. Little things like this were all well planned. The only problem I ran into with the layout was the fact that you had to install everything in a certain order.

Feature wise the case is fairly well equipped. The case includes front audio, USB and firewire. It also allows for the installation of a full size ATX motherboard, even with my obscenely large DP-102 heat sink. The Cavalier 4 allows for a moderate amount of expansion, three 3.5” bays and two 5.25” bays should be enough for your HTPC. The proprietary power supply was a major downfall on the case. Any computer enthusiast should know that the power supply is one of the most crucial pieces of computer equipment, and everyone has their own preference. Not being able to install your own when you build your system, or if the current power supply dies, replacing it can be inconvenient.

Cooling
In the cooling department the Cavalier 4 does alright. It provides adequate cooling for my overclocked system. I would have preferred to see the temperatures a little lower, but the low noise level of the system makes up for this.

Build Quality
Build quality on the Cavalier 4 was excellent. Everything fit amazingly together, all latches lined up properly. The case was a joy to work with, with no problems. The finish on the outside appears to be durable. Cooler Master made a very sturdy case as well, making it very possible to stack multiple components on top of it.

Pros
-Will fit in perfectly with any HTPC equipment
-Aluminum bezel
-Thoughtfully designed interior
-Vent holes in all the right places
-Quality

Cons
-Proprietary power supply
-Not the best cooling

Overall
Cooler Master has outdone themselves, actually thinking about what would make an excellent HTPC case. Style wise it matches, layout wise it is awesome, and cooling wise it's effective. The proprietary power supply was the only thing I would like to see changed.

If you have any comments, be sure to hit us up in our forums.

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