Introduction

Cosmos, the word conjures thoughts of distant galaxies, black holes, super novas and billions and billion of stars and planets all accompanied by the comforting drone of Carl Sagan's monotone voice. The Cosmos we're talking about today is a bit more down to earth, but impressive in its own right. The Cosmos 1000 is the latest in Cooler Master's Premium case line and we were fortunate enough to receive one of the first samples. This is Cooler Master's new bad boy for 2007 and has already managed to make it into Maximum PC's Dream Machine build. After spending the weekend with one, I can't fault their choice.

"Performance meets silence," states Cooler Master on the Cosmos' packaging. Ah, the mantra of the modding junky and power user. The goal may not be as lofty an ambition as traveling the stars, but it often seems just as difficult to achieve. As one who was driven to learn the ways of water by the unholy scream of high RPM fans, it's a goal I am all to familiar with. At first glance the lack of front, side and obvious top fans hint at how Cooler Master might achieve "silence", but the only hint of "performance", comes from the louvered top-rear section of the case. Sitting between the rails and looking like afterburners on a tail end of a Lucas inspired star fighter, they give the impression the case is about to jump to light speed.

The Cosmos arrived with nothing more than passing wear and tear to the packaging. No tire tracks across the box like those left by my old arch nemesis, Attila the UPS guy. I still remember the day Attila the UPS guy managed to destroy my Wavemaster case by poking something (I don't want to know what) through the single layer of cardboard and into the mirror finished side panel. The horror man, the horror, I still have nightmares. A cardboard sleeve around the retail package adds some needed extra protection. It's a simple addition, but a welcome one to anyone who has lost a loved one to the ravages of parcel barbarians.

Specs from Cooler Master

Yes you read it right, steel, it may look like aluminum and much of the case such as the front and side panels is aluminum, but the chassis is steel. What?!?!? A high-end case that isn't all aluminum ...blasphemy! Or not, steel despite the fact that it is less expensive and consequently often perceived as less desirable, is sometimes the best option. If you're trying to build a large case and noise is a concern, steel is the way to go in order to minimize vibration without resorting to incredibly thick (and expensive) aluminum construction. Cooler Master has successfully combined the two materials for years. It's an approach that combines the best of both materials, the strength and cost savings of steel with the beauty of brushed aluminum.

The first thing that catches your eye with the Cosmos are the rails and they are more than a fashion statement. On this side of the pond, 16.9 kg's equates to 37 1/4 lbs and loaded up this case will easily exceed 50 lbs. Not only do the top rails give you a sturdy handle for moving the case, but the bottom rails allow it to easily slide over carpeted floors.