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Review: Cooler Master TAC-T01EK Wave Master

by Ryszard Sommefeldt on 27 September 2004, 00:00

Tags: Cooler Master

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Internals II

PCI expansion

Seven expansion slots are present in the Wave Master, all thumbscrew operated and all covered by pressed aluminium blanking plates. Bar the drive bays, the Wave Master is religiously tool free, something to be praised.

PSU Bracket

The PSU bracket is a one-size-fits-all mounting for almost all kinds of ATX power supplies, along with being compatible with half height redundant supplies that are seen in most dedicated server installations. The Tagan PSU used to test the installation into a Wave Master was fine to use. There's a gap at the front edge of the PSU area in the Wave Master, perfect for allowing some cable room and room to manipulate the PSU while installing it. It's a tight fit and doesn't suit some types of supplies with fans in odd places, but the vast majority should be fine.

Top PCB

Getting at the top port expansion PCB is easy, a couple of screws on each side are all that's needed to remove it, for converting it into a fan exhaust port. Be sure and do it while the motherboard tray is removed and the far case side is removed, giving yourself plenty of room to get at it with your screwdriver.

Cooling Notes

The Wave Master is noted in some circles for being less than generous with overall case airflow. While it doesn't blow a gale inside, in part due to the fan choice, I don't feel it's poor in any major respect. I think the main attraction with a case like the Wave Master, where aesthetics are the driving factors behind a purchase, is that it's quiet. It's certainly that.