FSP CMT210 Mid-Tower ATX PC Case Review @ ModSynergy.com
By: Michael Phrakaysone

In 2015, I had the opportunity to review the FSP Group Twinkle 65 Slim Universal Notebook Adapter, which was an affordable and compact power supply for notebooks. It stood out as the smallest and lightest 65-watt notebook adapter available at that time, and my experience with it was positive. This review served as my introduction to the FSP Group brand.

Fast forward to mid-2017, and I will now be reviewing FSP's CMT210 gaming-oriented ATX mid-tower PC case. Priced at $59.99 USD, the CMT210 is designed to cater to budget-conscious users who are seeking a modern PC chassis with excellent cooling capabilities. It boasts a sleek interior layout that allows for extensive expansion, including the ability to showcase SSDs at the front. The case supports both tall air coolers and water cooling systems, as well as lengthy high-end graphics cards. Additionally, it features a clear side panel to provide a view of the components inside.

During my review of the FSP CMT210, I will thoroughly test its performance and determine if it offers good value for the price, going beyond expectations and proving to be a worthwhile investment for PC builders.

About FSP Group

"FSP Group is one of the global leading power supply manufacturer. Since its establishment in 1993, FSP Group has followed the management conception “service, profession, and innovation” to continuously fulfill its responsibilities as a green energy resolution supplier. With the combination of its leading role in power supply technology and the cultivation of green energy field, FSP Group now provides more competitive quality products and makes itself the most reliable partner for customers, consumers, and suppliers with joint creation of maximized values.

Under the continuous R&D in advanced technology and positioning in ultra-high efficiency, optimal product life, and development of alternative energy, FSP Group will introduce long- term accumulated power supply technology to more application fields to cover innovative products in ICT, consumer electronics, industrial, lighting, medical, and alternative energy. 

FSP Group in pursuit of the vision of sustainable development builds its international green brand image to convey 3S (Safe, Stable, Saving) concept and to fulfill its corporate social responsibilities."

FSP CMT210 Overview

The FSP CMT210 is a mainstream gaming case that combines style and functionality. With its stylish metal mesh front panel, it offers a sleek and modern look that is appealing to gamers and PC enthusiasts. The mesh design allows for good intake airflow, ensuring efficient cooling for the components inside the case.

One notable feature of the CMT210 is its support for water cooling systems. Water cooling is a popular choice among gamers and overclockers as it provides superior cooling performance compared to traditional air cooling. The case is designed to accommodate water cooling solutions, allowing users to install radiators and liquid cooling components for optimal cooling efficiency.

Overall, the FSP CMT210 focuses on providing an optimal cooling solution for gaming systems. Its metal mesh front panel and support for water cooling make it a suitable choice for users who prioritize cooling performance and want to keep their components running at optimal temperatures during intense gaming sessions.

FSP CMT210 Product Features

• Mid tower with sleek and mesh front panel design for superior cooling
• 4 x fan mounting locations (2 x 120mm LED fan included and pre-installed) for optimal cooling potential
• 7 x PCI-E expansion slots, 3 x 3.5" HDD, and 3 x 2.5" SSD bays for supreme expandability
• Supports high-end graphics cards up to 360mm in length
• Supports CPU cooler up to 160mm in height
• Provides clearance for front water cooling radiator up to 360mm (14.17")
• 2 x front panel USB 3.0 ports for high speed transferring
• 3 x tool free 2.5” brackets for easy installation

FSP CMT210 Specifications

• Product Name: CMT210
• Color: Black, Blue, Red, Silver
• Dimension LxDxH (mm): 460 x 200 x 432mm (18.11" x 7.87" x 17.01")
• Weight: 4.676kg (10.31lbs)
• Warranty: 1 yr.
• Materials: SECC (0.6mm), Plastic
• 3.5' Drive Bays: 3 (HDD Tray)
• 2.5' Drive Bays: 3 (Tools Free)
• I/O Panel: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, HD Audio, MIC
• Expansion Slots: 7
• Power Supply Type: ATX
• Mother Board Support: ATX, Micro ATX, Mini-ITX
• Maximum CPU Cooler Height: 160mm (6.30")
• VGA Card Length: 360 mm (14.17")
• Pre-installed 120mm Blue LED Fans: 1 in front & 1 in rear (total: 2 are included)
• Fan & Water Cooler Support: Front: 3 x 120mm or 2 x 140mm or 1 x 360mm Radiator. Rear: 1 x 120mm

First Impressions

The FSP CMT210's packaging may come in a plain brown box, which is common for budget-oriented cases. However, FSP has made an effort to make the design attractive by incorporating ink printing throughout the box. The monochrome image of the case, accompanied by a splash graphic design in the background, adds visual appeal to the packaging.

One notable aspect of the packaging is the inclusion of a part-by-part schematic of the case on the other side of the box. This can be helpful for users who want a clear understanding of the different components and features of the case before opening it. Additionally, the box provides ample space to list the key features and specifications of the CMT210, allowing potential buyers to quickly assess whether it meets their requirements.

The inclusion of handles on the box is a practical feature that facilitates easier transport. This is particularly beneficial for users who may need to carry the case from one location to another, ensuring convenience and ease of handling.

Overall, while the FSP CMT210's packaging may be simple, the design elements, schematic representation, and handles make it functional and visually appealing. It serves its purpose by protecting the case during transportation and providing users with the necessary information about the product.

Note: Use your mouse cursor to hover over photos below for rollover images & click for full size image...

Visual Overview (Exterior)

In my opinion, beauty is subjective, and when it comes to the FSP CMT210, I find its design to be quite appealing. While it may not be as flashy as a Ferrari or Lamborghini, it exudes a modern and functional look that resonates with me.

The CMT210 may not have extravagant aesthetics, but it prioritizes form over function, which I appreciate. I value practicality and usability more than superficial beauty with no substance. The case's design strikes a balance between sleekness and functionality, which is exactly what I look for.

With its stylish metal mesh front panel, the CMT210 not only looks visually appealing but also offers good intake airflow design. This ensures that my components receive proper cooling, which is crucial for optimal performance. Additionally, the case's support for water cooling systems adds another layer of versatility and allows for efficient heat dissipation.

While some may prefer more ornate and attention-grabbing designs, I appreciate the CMT210 for its simplicity and focus on functionality. It's important to remember that a PC case serves a purpose beyond just aesthetics – it houses and organizes our components while providing essential cooling capabilities.

For me, the CMT210 strikes the right balance between style and practicality. Its clean lines and functional features make it a worthy choice for those who value both form and function in a PC case.

When I first laid eyes on the FSP CMT210 and set it down on a table, I couldn't help but appreciate its styling. The standout feature for me is the front grille, which immediately catches your attention. Unlike the Raidmax Alpha RGB case that I recently reviewed, which had a restrictive front grille due to prioritizing substance over function, the CMT210 takes a different approach.

The FSP CMT210 boasts an open mesh front metal grille that allows air to flow freely inside the chassis without encountering much restriction. This is a crucial aspect for optimal airflow and cooling performance. I was pleased to see that FSP had taken this into consideration, ensuring that the components inside the case would receive sufficient airflow.

To further enhance airflow, there is a foam filter positioned between the front grille. This filter helps to prevent dust and debris from entering the case, while still promoting unrestricted airflow. It's a thoughtful addition that contributes to maintaining clean internals and efficient cooling.

In comparison to the restrictive front grille I encountered with the Raidmax Alpha RGB case, I found the design of the FSP CMT210 to be much more practical and functional. The open mesh front grille not only adds to the case's aesthetic appeal but also ensures that airflow is not hindered, allowing the components to stay cool even during demanding tasks.

Overall, the FSP CMT210's styling, particularly its well-designed front grille, showcases a commitment to both form and function. It's refreshing to see a case that prioritizes efficient cooling without sacrificing aesthetics.

The FSP CMT210 offers bezel design accents in various colors, including matte black, ocean blue, fire red, and cool silver, depending on your region. These accents are static colored accents and are not LED backlit. While it may not have a fancy RGB lighting system like the Raidmax Alpha RGB case, the CMT210 has a notable advantage. It comes with two pre-installed 120mm blue LED case fans—one in the front and one in the rear.

This is a significant improvement over the Raidmax Alpha RGB, which had a restrictive front grille and only a single rear exhaust fan, which is not sufficient for adequate cooling in a gaming PC. The FSP CMT210 prioritizes cooling performance by including these two fans, ensuring better airflow throughout the case.

In terms of measurements, the FSP CMT210 is slightly more compact than the Raidmax Alpha RGB. It measures 460 x 200 x 432mm (18.11" x 7.87" x 17.01") and weighs only 10.31 pounds. This makes it a lighter and more space-efficient option, which is particularly appreciated by system builders.

Now let's highlight some of the main features of the FSP CMT210. It sports a metal mesh front panel with a foam dust filter in between. The bottom power supply area has a honeycomb grille with a removable and washable dust filter. The front of the case can accommodate either three 120mm case fans, two 140mm case fans, or a single 360mm water cooler radiator. SSD owners will find the quick tool-free design useful for displaying and placing three 2.5" SSDs at the front, while HDD owners can store three 3.5" HDDs in the CMT210.

Furthermore, the case offers seven expansion slots, allowing for dual GPU setups. It features a clear side window that provides a clear view of the internal components. The maximum supported graphics card length is 360mm (14.17"), and the maximum CPU cooler height is 160mm (6.30"). For connectivity, there are two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, an HD headphone jack, and a MIC jack.

The clear side panel of the FSP CMT210, while typical of many cases on the market, is not tinted smoky black like the one on the Raidmax Alpha RGB. Depending on your preference, this absence of tint allows for a clearer view of your system components and does not hinder the LED lighting from shining through.

At the top of the front panel, the FSP CMT210 offers convenient connectivity options. It includes two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, an HD Audio headphone jack, and a microphone jack. Additionally, there is a power on/off button, a reset button, and a blue LED drive indicator light situated to the right of the connectivity ports.

While the provided USB ports are useful for connecting peripherals and transferring data, I understand the desire for more USB 3.0 ports or a combination that includes a Type-C port. As technology advances, the demand for faster and more versatile USB connectivity increases. It would have been beneficial to have four USB 3.0 ports or even the inclusion of a Type-C port, especially considering the year of the case's release in 2017. As USB 2.0 ports offer slower data transfer speeds compared to USB 3.0, their relevance and usage have diminished over time.

Visual Overview (Interior) & System Build Thoughts

The exclusion of a 5.25" drive bay on the FSP CMT210 was a deliberate decision by FSP Group, aligning with the industry's shift away from optical media. This design choice offers several benefits, including improved front case airflow and a sleeker overall aesthetic.

In today's digital landscape, optical disc drives have become increasingly obsolete. Tasks such as downloading video games from platforms like Steam, obtaining Windows 10 operating system installs through online sources or USB sticks, and acquiring music digitally via services like Apple iTunes have rendered the need for optical drives nearly irrelevant. However, for those who still require occasional optical media access, a cost-effective solution can be found in portable USB drives.

By acknowledging this industry shift and focusing on the evolving needs of users, FSP Group's decision to exclude the 5.25" drive bay in the CMT210 showcases their commitment to optimizing functionality, airflow, and design in a modern PC case.

The FSP CMT210 showcases a black-on-black color scheme, which exudes a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic. The paint quality of the case is exceptional, with no visible defects or imperfections. The exterior paint has a slight texture to it, providing a pleasing tactile feel. Instead of a powder-coated finish, FSP has opted for a high-quality liquid-based paint application, ensuring a smooth and consistent appearance with adequate paint thickness.

Despite its sturdy construction, the metal side panels of the CMT210 are surprisingly lightweight. This design choice helps to reduce the overall weight of the system without compromising the strength and durability of the case. Rest assured, the side panels are solid and robust, providing ample protection for the internal components and ensuring a stable foundation for the system.

The interior layout of the FSP CMT210 features a powder-coated black finish with a pleasant textured feel, adding to its overall aesthetic appeal.

Upon closer inspection, the interior of the CMT210 reveals a spacious design that is thoughtfully divided into different sections for system components. Notably, there is a generously sized CPU heatsink motherboard cutout, allowing for easy access and hassle-free installation or replacement of CPU coolers without the need to remove the entire motherboard from the case. This convenient feature saves time and effort when making changes to the cooling setup in the future, ensuring a smooth and efficient upgrade process. 

Building inside the FSP CMT210 is an incredibly smooth and hassle-free experience. The interior layout of this case is truly exceptional and stands out as one of the best I have encountered.

The ample space provided within the CMT210 allows for easy installation of all the necessary components, making it a breeze to build a high-quality machine. Every aspect of the interior has been carefully designed to accommodate various hardware configurations, ensuring compatibility and flexibility.

In terms of shortcomings, it is challenging to find significant flaws within the CMT210's interior. Any minor issues I can mention are truly minimal and do not detract from the overall positive experience of building inside this case.

All the necessary components for building inside the FSP CMT210 are conveniently packaged in a re-closable poly bag. This includes motherboard standoffs, tool-less mounts for SSD, screws for system and HDD mounting, and zip-ties. Having these items organized in one bag ensures easy access and prevents them from getting misplaced during the building process.

Additionally, a multi-language user's manual is included for those who may require guidance or are new to the building experience. However, for experienced builders or those familiar with the process, the manual may not be necessary as the case's intuitive design and layout make assembly straightforward.

The FSP CMT210 features a motherboard tray with a sufficient number of strategically placed cable routing holes of different sizes. These holes allow for effective cable management, keeping the cables organized and out of the way, resulting in a clean and well-presented system.

While the presence of these routing holes is appreciated, one minor suggestion for improvement would be the inclusion of rubber grommets around the holes. This addition would provide added protection and reduce the strain on power supply cables, particularly those that may not have sleeving, as they pass through and route around the metal edges of the case.

Located at the bottom of the motherboard tray, the power supply compartment in the FSP CMT210 stands out as an improvement over the one found in the previously reviewed Raidmax Alpha RGB PC case. In my earlier review, I criticized the cramped nature of the power supply compartment in the Raidmax case, which posed limitations on the use of larger power supplies.

In contrast, the FSP CMT210 exhibits flawless execution in this aspect. FSP has intelligently shifted their HDD cage towards the front of the case, creating ample space within the power supply compartment. This design choice not only allows for the accommodation of larger power supplies but also facilitates the utilization of a 360mm water cooling radiator for extreme PC builds. The thoughtful layout of the FSP CMT210 ensures that both power supply installation and radiator placement are hassle-free and efficient.

The spacious power supply compartment of the FSP CMT210 proves its versatility once again. I tested the fitment of the Rosewill SilentNight 500W fan-less power supply, which measures 170 x 150 x 86 mm, and it had no issues whatsoever inside the case. In contrast, removing the same power supply from the Raidmax Alpha RGB proved to be a cumbersome task due to the cabling getting sandwiched between the HDD cage.

Thanks to the generous 40-50 mm of extra space in the power supply compartment of the FSP CMT210, users can comfortably install virtually any high-end power supply available in the market. This flexibility allows for hassle-free power supply upgrades and ensures compatibility with a wide range of power supply options, including those with larger dimensions. The FSP CMT210 truly excels in providing a well-designed and spacious power supply compartment that eliminates fitment concerns and enhances ease of use.

The FSP CMT210 offers ample storage options with its ability to accommodate up to 3 x 3.5" HDDs inside the chassis. This means you can have a total storage capacity of up to 30TB within the FSP CMT210, providing plenty of room for your data-intensive needs.

To securely mount the hard drives, FSP includes six special screws specifically designed for this purpose. These screws are to be used on the left side of the hard drive, specifically in the rear and center positions. By inserting the hard drive into the rail system and tightening the screws on the other side, you can ensure a secure and stable installation.

The installation process is made easier with the option to hand-tighten these screws, although you can also use thumbscrews for added convenience. This flexibility allows for quick and hassle-free installation and removal of hard drives, providing a user-friendly experience when managing your storage configuration within the FSP CMT210.

One of the notable features of the FSP CMT210 is its support for SSDs, allowing users to display and securely place up to 3 x 2.5" SSDs at the front of the case. This convenient and tool-free design makes it effortless to install SSDs in the FSP CMT210.

Two SSDs can be vertically mounted along the right side of the case, utilizing the available holes surrounding the motherboard tray. By carefully routing both data and power cables through these holes, you can easily connect the SSDs. Additionally, the third SSD can be mounted on top of the HDD cage, further expanding the storage options within the case.

With the clear window side panel, these SSDs become visible, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of your system. FSP has done an excellent job in providing an easy and user-friendly solution for SSD installation in the CMT210, allowing users to showcase their SSDs while maintaining a clean and organized build.

Kudos to FSP for this thoughtful design!

The FSP CMT210 includes two 120mm blue LED fans (FSP CF12S11 DC 12V 0.15A) as its mainstream case fans. These fans are not your average cheap case fans; they feature a superior and stylish design that sets them apart from basic models.

The fans utilize a sleeve bearing and are of the 3-pin variety, which means that they do not support dynamic fan speed control through BIOS or software applications. If you find the fans to be louder than desired, you have the option to purchase and use a low-voltage adapter, although this will result in slightly reduced airflow. It is worth noting that the fans have an airflow rating slightly below 40 CFM, which may be affected when using a low-voltage adapter.

Considering that the fans are rated at a mere 20 dBA, which is considered almost silent, it is unlikely that you would want to slow down the fans. The noise level is already quite low.

The fan quality is of a high grade, featuring a fancy-style casing and thick plastic construction. This robust build quality suggests that the fans will withstand the test of time and continue providing reliable cooling performance for years to come.

The FSP CF12S11 fans included with the FSP CMT210 are not your average case fans. With their superior design, low noise level, and high-quality construction, they offer both style and functionality for optimal cooling performance.

The two FSP CF12S11 fans included have these specs…

• Model: CF12S11 (with Blue LED)
• Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm
• Bearing Type: Sleeve
• RPM: 1000 RPM±15%
• Air Flow: 39.4 CFM
• Noise Level: 20 dB(A)
• Rated Voltage: 12 VDC
• Rated Current: 0.09A
• Life Hours: 30,000 Hours
• Power connector: 3-Pin

System Build Example

Where Can I Buy One?  For How Much?

The FSP CMT210 Mid-Tower ATX PC Case can be purchased on Amazon USA for $59.99 with free shipping.  If you prefer to shop on Amazon like I do, then the FSP CMT210 Mid-Tower ATX PC Case is going to be Fulfilled by Amazon and not through a third party. This makes the purchase safer in terms of getting what you paid for and this way you can have Amazon's protection.

Why do I like Amazon?  They are fast, honest, reliable, and their return policy is great.  I actually got money refunded back to my account (twice) after Amazon initially overcharged me on duty costs. Talk about being an honest company.  Most others would keep the money and not say anything!

If you're thinking of purchasing the FSP CMT210 Mid-Tower ATX PC Case on Amazon USA, or anything else for that matter, please use our Amazon links above, it’ll help us out greatly, and go towards supporting this website and any future contests we hold through Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Some Amazon Deals That May Interest You!

Conclusion

The FSP CMT210 is an outstanding PC chassis that offers great value regardless of its affordable price tag of $59.99 USD. While it may not boast the flashy aesthetics of high-end brands like Ferrari or Lamborghini, the CMT210 prioritizes function over form, which is a key consideration for many users.

One of the standout features of the CMT210 is its pain-free system building experience. The spacious and well-organized interior layout ensures easy installation of components. It provides ample room for storage drives, accommodating three 2.5" SSDs and three 3.5" HDDs. The case also caters to dual GPU setups with its seven PCI expansion slots and support for graphics cards up to 360mm in length. Additionally, the power supply compartment is large enough to accommodate high-end power supplies of any size.

In terms of cooling, the FSP CMT210 does not disappoint. With four fan mounting locations and the capability to install a 360mm water cooling radiator at the front, the case ensures efficient airflow. The open mesh front metal grille allows unrestricted airflow, contributing to effective cooling performance.

Based on my experience, I have no hesitation in recommending the FSP CMT210 mid-tower PC case. It offers a user-friendly building process, excellent component compatibility, and reliable cooling capabilities. Therefore, the FSP CMT210 deserves our highest accolade, the Editor's Choice award.

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