Visual inspection
The CK500 has a minimalist design, with a solid front panel and a tempered glass main side panel. This case has no RGB integration or RGB fans, instead, it has two140mm fans pre-installed and plenty of dust filters. The CK500 is available in two color variants, the all-black model, featured in this review and a white + black interior model.
The case has a weight of 8 kg, with the dimensions: L x W x H: 456 x 230 x 471mm.
The right-side panel is made from tempered glass and features a black edge to blend with the rest of the case. This side panel has no tint and no color, it’s crystal clear.
In terms of the mounting system, unlike other cases, the CK500 uses a two-layer system. First, the side panel is attached to the chassis with two captive thumb screws at the back. After the screws are loosened, the panel sits on plastic clips that slot into the metal frame of the case.
This provides a good base for the side panel to sit on and reduces the risk of breaking the glass.
The left-side panel of the case is made from solid metal and has the standard notch mounting system. This panel also has two captive thumb screws as the back, and those must be loosened before the whole panel slides out of the case.
The front side of the CK500 has a simple design, with a removable metal panel. This panel is attached to the case using magnets, which makes it easy to remove and install. Unfortunately, this type of solid front panel will restrict the airflow inside the case.
With the front panel installed, the intake of the case is moved from the front towards both sides of the front panel. This gap is not enough to allow for a good airflow inside the system. The front dust filter is attached to the chassis by a single plastic clip located at the top part. This dust has a plastic frame with a fine mesh material.
Behind the front dust filter the case can accommodate up to three 120mm fans or two 140mm fans, a single 140mm fan is preinstalled. In terms of radiator support, the front of the case has support for the following dimensions: 120, 140, 240, 280, 360mm.
The I/O panel of the CK500 is installed at the top of the case, and towards the front.
The I/O panel is composed of the following:
– 1x Headphone & Microphone;
– 1x Reset Button;
– 1x Power Button;
– 1x USB Type-C
– 2x USB 3.0.
The back side of the CK500 has the standard ATX layout, with a total of seven expansion slots. The covers for the expansion slots are removable and reusable, as they use Phillips screws.
The power supply is installed on the floor of the case, and from the sides. The power supply sits on thick rubber pads.
The underside of the CK500 is simple, with a single dust filter at the back which is covering the power supply intake.
The case sits on four large plastic made feet. Each of them has a thick rubber pad that offers not only grip but prevents scratches.
The CK500 has a magnetic dust filter installed on the top. This filter is flexible and offers full coverage for the top of the case.
Great REVIEW. Thorough and concise.
Would be nice to know what’s recommended in terms of adding 2 more front fans to offset the disadvantage of the restricted flow through the front panel.
Appreciate the tip Do Not Lose the SSD mounting pins!!!!! Easy workaround there. Put ’em in a small baggie and tape it down carefully inside the lower section.