Front Panels: Building blocks
Before we go any further, it's time to reveal the twist that makes the '280 series that little bit different. The idea is very simple; provide a chassis that can be used either as a tower or a desktop.The '280 features a modular front, with two removable panels, the drive and power bays.
It’s quite odd in some sense though; in tower mode the chassis stands on top of a fan mounting, with very little space for decent airflow. In desktop orientation you actually gain a fan mount, with the one on the side and the lid coming into play. We mustn’t forget to also mention the feet can be relocated to the previously mentioned holes on the side panel.
Talking of the power bays, it's good to see that Cooler Master has seen that people want a slick-looking system as their HTPC, with all the various ports and reset buttons hidden behind a flap. The power button is the exception, poking its silver-edged form through a pre-cut hole.
Whilst the front, at first glance, looks like it’s made from pure aluminium, it is, in truth, a poorer quality attempt. Each of the front panels is constructed from a thin black aluminium skin stuck onto cheaper plastic.
It’s disappointing to see this sort of thing from Cooler Master; we'd expect better quality from it, frankly.
Whilst the bays can be rotated, they cannot be swapped round; this is due to the internal structure for the drives being riveted in place.
The inner workings of the bays are very basic affairs, clipping into the front of the 280 using simple moulded plastic. Be careful not to remove them too often though as they will loosen up over time.
The first panel offers a single 5.25" bay under a simple faceplate mechanism and a further two bays behind a flip down door.
The second holds all the power leads in place and also comes pre-fitted with a VFD panel, even though the 280 doesn’t ship with one as standard.
